Milk for toddlers

Milk for toddlers


  • Once your child has had her first birthday, she can begin to drink full cream milk – but limit the amount she drinks to 600 mls a day. The bulk of her nutrients should be coming from other foods.
  • Low fat or reduced fat milk can be introduced after she turns 2 years old.
  • Skim milk can be given after the age of 5 years.
  • Toddler milks have added vitamins and minerals, and some have a higher fat content than regular cow’s milk. They are usually not a necessary addition to your toddler’s diet as she should be getting all the nutrients she needs from her diet. If, however, you do want to introduce a Toddler milk into your child’s diet, make sure that it doesn’t replace meals. She shouldn’t have more than 2-3 cups a day.
  • If your toddler is consistently underweight, ensure that she is checked out by your GP before making any changes or additions to her diet.

REMEMBER!

Some toddlers drink way to much milk – to the detriment of the rest of their diet. Limit the number of milk drinks she has each day so there’ll still be room for food she has to chew!

Toddler milks:

  • Toddler milks have been created for toddlers. They contain added vitamins and minerals. Some toddler milks have a higher fat content than regular formula.
  • Toddlers who are eating a healthy diet will have no need for toddler milks as they will be receiving all the nutrients they need through the food they eat.
  • If you are considering introducing a toddler milk into your toddler’s diet because of small weight gains, consult your GP first.

Soy milks:

  • Don’t offer soy milk to babies under 12 months as they are not appropriate for them. If you need to use a soy product, ensure that you are using a soy formula that has added vitamins and minerals added.

Toddlers can drink soy milk although it is worth remembering that:

  • Soy milk is low in calcium and has no Vitamin B12
  • Soy milk is not a first class protein (like meat)
  • Soy milk is appropriate for toddlers are part of a healthy balanced diet.
  • Soy milks are usually enriched with iron because they are naturally low in iron.

Find more on feeding toddlers:

This article was written by Ella Walsh for Kidspot. Sources include SA Government’s Parenting and Child Health




Related Topics