MADERA, Calif. – Breast milk and infant formula are the primary sources of nutrition for newborns and infants. But what happens once your infant becomes a toddler? Should dairy milk or milk alternatives play a major role in their diet after their first birthday?
“Milk delivers essential nutrients for growing children, including high-quality protein, calcium, vitamin D, vitamin A, potassium and phosphorus,” said Dr. Venkata Sushma Chamarthi, a pediatrician at Valley Children’s and diplomate of the American Board of Obesity Medicine. “As part of a balanced diet, milk provides concentrated, accessible nutrition during peak growth years.”
These nutrients are crucial for bone development, muscle growth and brain maturation, especially in children under age 2, Dr. Chamarthi says.
For children who can’t digest dairy milk, she notes that one specific alternative can still provide the nutrients they need.
“Fortified soy milk is the only plant-based alternative nutritionally comparable to cow’s milk, endorsed by both the American Academy of Pediatrics and Dietary Guidelines for Americans as a true dairy equivalent,” Dr. Chamarthi said.
Other milk alternatives – such as almond, oat, rice and coconut – contain less protein. If a child cannot consume dairy or soy due to allergies or intolerances, Dr. Chamarthi says these alternatives need to be part of a thoughtfully planned diet that includes adequate protein and calcium from other foods.
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If a child can digest dairy milk, fat content is an important consideration when choosing which kind to give them.
“Whole milk is essential for children between 12 and 24 months,” Dr. Chamarthi said. “Dietary fat supports rapid neurological development and facilitates absorption of fat-soluble vitamins during this period of peak brain growth.”
After age 2, children’s fat needs decrease, and the focus shifts to maintaining adequate protein and calcium intake.
So how much milk should your child be drinking each day? To balance calcium, vitamin D and protein while also allowing room for other nutrient-rich foods, Dr. Chamarthi recommends:
- 12–24 months: 16–24 ounces of whole milk.
- 2–3 years: 16 ounces of low-fat or skim milk.
- 4–5 years: Up to 20 ounces.
She also advises steering clear of flavored milks for young children, as added sugars can contribute to dental issues and may lead kids to prefer sweetened drinks over more nutritious options.
For milk recommendations for children older than 5, click here.
