Milk alternatives for children
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Generally for kids, you want to serve a mix of milks, as none of them really fill the gaps that we like to use dairy milk to fill (fat and protein, calcium, vitamin D). Rice milk is pretty much useless. A mix of hemp, almond, coconut, etc. will all supply different nutrients. I wouldn't mix them together into one glass, just rotate what you serve and see what she likes.
https://www.kckidsdoc.com/kc-kids-doc/the-alterna-milks-cows-milk-alternatives-for-toddlershtml
http://www.thehealthyhomeeconomist.com/the-three-best-substitutes-for-a-child-allergic-to-milk/
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Ideally, goats milk would be best. It is the closest to human milk and has a better blend of protein/carbs then nuts milks, etc. Sheeps milk would be an option as well, if you can find it. I do not like goats milk, but my kids tolerated it because we gave it to them so young. That said, my one child that had a severe milk allergy also showed up allergic to goats milk. As with all allergies, there are no guarantees. But in order of what we liked for nutrition - raw goats milk (taste depends on what kind of goat you get it from), So Delicious Coconut Milk, Pacific Hemp milk. We finally settled on the coconut milk. We use unsweetened. My kids actually hate the Silk brand milks. They can actually have raw cows milk now but they were dairy free for so many years that now they can't stand the taste of regular milk so we have just stuck with coconut milk. We don't eat cereal or drink it so I basically just cook with it. If for some reason they have cereal as a bedtime snack or something they said the coconut milk tastes fine. Hemp has a much better fat content overall but the taste is pretty strong. Ultimately though, she is going to adjust to whatever you give her because she'll be starting it so young she won't know the difference. I would look for which has the best balanced nutrition and start her on that one to see how she does allergy wise and then move on from there. You may have to mix her formula with the milk a little bit at a time to ease her into the transition when you do get to that point.
If you have access to a good health food store, sheep cheese and yogurt tastes better to me then goat yogurt and cheese (when she gets to that point). Less gamey to me. It's expensive though, and can be hard to find. The overall protein/carb mix is better with sheep milk products as well. I still have a fairly strong whey allergy so I stay away from milk.
Don't worry too much about people telling you to ask your doc. You've been around long enough most of us know you already do that.
It always helps to ask other moms and honestly, you'll learn more from other moms then your doctor is ever going to tell you. 
You're a mom now. Your mommy instincts will tell you when to talk to your doctor and when you can probably trust other mom's advice.
Hope you're enjoying being a mom. They grow so fast (I know you've already discovered this)! Enjoy every minute with her. 
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Thank you everyone0
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Almond milk in our house0
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My youngest son is allergic to cow's milk, but he can easily tolerate goat milk. He drinks a lot of Almond milk -- specifically Almond Breeze dark chocolate. He loves it!0
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We do almond in our house. I have 3 that are allergic to cow milk. I avoid soy milk as soy is an estrogen mimicer and too much of it messes with developing hormones.2
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I'd just try different brands and see what your child likes. I avoid soy because of hormonal reasons. I'd try coconut or almond. My store doesn't have many options so I don't have much experience with brands. Lol.0
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I couldn't have milk as a kid, so I used to drink soy. I didn't really like it though, and there were no real alternatives then (goats was out because of lactose), so I ended up just not having it. To this day I eat cereal with orange juice.0
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Fortified soy milk is lovely. Calcium isn't great but better than most plant milks.
Sorry to hear your little one has allergies. My son is allergic to peanuts so I understand the head ache.1 -
janejellyroll wrote: »Are you looking for just an alternative to cow milk or a plant-based milk?
My youngest sister was very sensitive to cow milk when she was growing up, but she tolerated goat milk very well. I understand that is the case for some people, although I don't know the reasons behind it. I thought it tasted a bit "gamy," but she liked it.
If you're looking for a plant-based milk, I would choose one that has a higher natural fat content because children need plenty of fat. Soy milk and coconut milk would be good places to start. I find the taste of soy sometimes overwhelming when I drink it by itself, but a child raised on it might not mind it. Coconut milk tastes delicious to me. My overall favorite plant-based milk is cashew milk -- it's very creamy and has a taste I find quite pleasant. I think the fat content is higher than almond, but I'm not sure.
It's the milk protein she is allergic to so not sure if other animal mills will be okay. I've tried silk soy milk before and didn't think it was too bad.Why do you want a milk substitute?
Daughter was just diagnosed with a milk protein allergy.
Most kids with milk protein allergies outgrow this with time, so it will take some experimenting to figure it out. 2 of my kids were intolerant, one got over it around 2, the other around 4, my husband was intolerant until his teens.
Soy has proteins similar to cow milk, so it is very probable soy milk will also not be well tolerated.
Goat milk has different proteins, so you might want to give this a try.
Also milk protein breaks down in the process of making cheese and yoghurt, so you can experiment with these as alternatives to milk.
Almond milk tastes good and hazelnut milk, but the problem is they are not going to replace the nutrients in dairy when it comes to kids.
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I had an allergy to milk when I was a baby and as an alternate my mom gave me Rice Milk. Be warned, all my teeth fell out by age 4 from the sugar. This was also before all the alternates now like soy, almond, etc. milks. You have plenty of options, you just have to look in the milk aisle. But other than my top 4 baby teeth falling out by age 4, I never suffered from drinking Rice Milk in the long term.0
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My son was allergic to cow's milk and had to be on a special formula (Nutramigen - agghhh I still shriek when I remember the smell of it) when he was small but he grew out of it by the time he was 1. Somehow he was able to eat certain yoghurts and in reasonable quantities at that so he wasn't deprived of the whole dairy experience.
I'm not a fan of fake-milks like nut/rice/soy ones due to them being heavily processed. I'd rather avoid giving a child milk to drink than go for the fakes, but whatever floats your boat. We don't need to drink milk, cheeses, yoghurts or other dairy products are enough to supply us with enough calcium0 -
I personally like vanilla soy milk. it's high in protein, tastes great, has a good consistency, and can be used in nearly all the same recipes normal milk can with similar results.0
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Taste wise, Silk vanilla almond milk is my favorite. (FYI, oatmeal cooked in vanilla almond milk is super delish)0
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My daughter had a cow's milk protein allergy when she was an infant. She was not given a blood test. I was breastfeeding. When I had cow's milk, she projectile vomited. When I didn't, no vomiting. So, I avoided all cow's milk protein--dairy, cassein, whey, etc. It didn't matter if it was baked-in. I could not eat it.
Everything I read said they are supposed to outgrow it around 6 months. When my daughter flew past 6 months & still was reacting, I started to get nervous & pondered whether this was a permanent thing.
So, there are no "good" substitutes. They don't equal fat or calcium by any means. As far as taste, almond milk is delicious! I drank that as my substitute. I particularly liked vanilla. But, it is a highly processed food. I think only one or two almonds are in a container with a lot of water & some chemicals.
There are a lot of good desserts with soy as the base. You need to be careful with soy. When it is the foundation of a diet, it can wreck havoc on your gut. If she's not gonna be a true vegan, she might be safe. But for true vegans, soy is a drink, main course, side dish. It's hard on the gut.
Baby Center has a Dairy-Free discussion group. I found it helpful while I was going through this.
fyi...my daughter outgrew her cow's milk protein allergy around 15 months. But, she didn't like the taste! I was persistent. She enjoys it now (8 yrs).0 -
I'd just stick with water and make sure she's getting the nutrients from foods. Leafy greens are great for calcium; beans, avocados, and nuts are great for fats, chicken, fish, nuts, and beans for protein; good old fashioned sunlight for Vitamin D. Eggs yolks and fatty fish are also great for Vitamin D. It takes a little more effort to get them all the things they need but it's not impossible. Personally I won't be giving my kids milk because they have cow proteins and naturally occurring hormones that aren't meant for humans so I've done a good amount of research on the topic.0
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My daughter was allergic to milk, nuts, and coconut at 4 months. She just didn't drink regular milk or substitutes. I bfed her for 14 months; her dairy and coconut allergy cleared by that age.
The pediatrician did want her to take a liquid vitamin with iron and vitamin d.0 -
Almond "milk." Avoid soy anything, it's junk at best, cancer causing at worst.0
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Chef_Barbell wrote: »
Seriously? Even if they did, does that sudddenly mean I can't ask other people for suggestions?
I'm not sure why you're getting upset. If you're asking, it makes it look like the doctor didn't suggest something, which would be odd. My doctor gave me a whole list of different things to try. I didn't ask anyone what they liked, I just let my daughter try them all and see what SHE LIKED.
And to answer your snarky response to my first comment, YES, I did read and your full explanation that you went to see a doctor already wasn't there.
You're very rude. I'm sorry if you're fishing for comments and people aren't giving you exactly what you were looking for. Common sense would tell you that if you've already been to a doctor and they made recommendations as to what to try, TRY THEM and see what your kid likes, not what everyone else likes. Geez!1 -
I'd just stick with water and make sure she's getting the nutrients from foods. Leafy greens are great for calcium; beans, avocados, and nuts are great for fats, chicken, fish, nuts, and beans for protein; good old fashioned sunlight for Vitamin D. Eggs yolks and fatty fish are also great for Vitamin D. It takes a little more effort to get them all the things they need but it's not impossible. Personally I won't be giving my kids milk because they have cow proteins and naturally occurring hormones that aren't meant for humans so I've done a good amount of research on the topic.
Sorry but just no.... milk is not harmful (unless there is an allergy or intolerance). Lots of fake science out there that unfortunately people don't know how to tune out.Almond "milk." Avoid soy anything, it's junk at best, cancer causing at worst.
*head desk* noCatchMom13 wrote: »Chef_Barbell wrote: »
Seriously? Even if they did, does that sudddenly mean I can't ask other people for suggestions?
I'm not sure why you're getting upset. If you're asking, it makes it look like the doctor didn't suggest something, which would be odd. My doctor gave me a whole list of different things to try. I didn't ask anyone what they liked, I just let my daughter try them all and see what SHE LIKED.
And to answer your snarky response to my first comment, YES, I did read and your full explanation that you went to see a doctor already wasn't there.
You're very rude. I'm sorry if you're fishing for comments and people aren't giving you exactly what you were looking for. Common sense would tell you that if you've already been to a doctor and they made recommendations as to what to try, TRY THEM and see what your kid likes, not what everyone else likes. Geez!
Not upset at all, and anyone who knows me knows I am never intentionally rude. This response though is rude. Basically saying I have no common sense. But I'm an adult and not going to argue with someone who is insulting me. You could have easily moved on if you don't like what I say.0 -
janejellyroll wrote: »Are you looking for just an alternative to cow milk or a plant-based milk?
My youngest sister was very sensitive to cow milk when she was growing up, but she tolerated goat milk very well. I understand that is the case for some people, although I don't know the reasons behind it. I thought it tasted a bit "gamy," but she liked it.
If you're looking for a plant-based milk, I would choose one that has a higher natural fat content because children need plenty of fat. Soy milk and coconut milk would be good places to start. I find the taste of soy sometimes overwhelming when I drink it by itself, but a child raised on it might not mind it. Coconut milk tastes delicious to me. My overall favorite plant-based milk is cashew milk -- it's very creamy and has a taste I find quite pleasant. I think the fat content is higher than almond, but I'm not sure.
off topic a bit but tell wic that children need plenty of fat,kids 2 and older are only allowed low fat 1% or fat free now. (my sister gets wic for my nephew,here they get it until they are 5).I think its stupid1 -
CharlieBeansmomTracey wrote: »janejellyroll wrote: »Are you looking for just an alternative to cow milk or a plant-based milk?
My youngest sister was very sensitive to cow milk when she was growing up, but she tolerated goat milk very well. I understand that is the case for some people, although I don't know the reasons behind it. I thought it tasted a bit "gamy," but she liked it.
If you're looking for a plant-based milk, I would choose one that has a higher natural fat content because children need plenty of fat. Soy milk and coconut milk would be good places to start. I find the taste of soy sometimes overwhelming when I drink it by itself, but a child raised on it might not mind it. Coconut milk tastes delicious to me. My overall favorite plant-based milk is cashew milk -- it's very creamy and has a taste I find quite pleasant. I think the fat content is higher than almond, but I'm not sure.
off topic a bit but tell wic that children need plenty of fat,kids 2 and older are only allowed low fat 1% or fat free now. (my sister gets wic for my nephew,here they get it until they are 5).I think its stupid
That's frustrating. I thought it was generally very accepted that children need plenty of fat due to the role it plays in brain development.
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janejellyroll wrote: »CharlieBeansmomTracey wrote: »janejellyroll wrote: »Are you looking for just an alternative to cow milk or a plant-based milk?
My youngest sister was very sensitive to cow milk when she was growing up, but she tolerated goat milk very well. I understand that is the case for some people, although I don't know the reasons behind it. I thought it tasted a bit "gamy," but she liked it.
If you're looking for a plant-based milk, I would choose one that has a higher natural fat content because children need plenty of fat. Soy milk and coconut milk would be good places to start. I find the taste of soy sometimes overwhelming when I drink it by itself, but a child raised on it might not mind it. Coconut milk tastes delicious to me. My overall favorite plant-based milk is cashew milk -- it's very creamy and has a taste I find quite pleasant. I think the fat content is higher than almond, but I'm not sure.
off topic a bit but tell wic that children need plenty of fat,kids 2 and older are only allowed low fat 1% or fat free now. (my sister gets wic for my nephew,here they get it until they are 5).I think its stupid
That's frustrating. I thought it was generally very accepted that children need plenty of fat due to the role it plays in brain development.
Funny-WIC here says you can only buy whole milk.0 -
janejellyroll wrote: »CharlieBeansmomTracey wrote: »janejellyroll wrote: »Are you looking for just an alternative to cow milk or a plant-based milk?
My youngest sister was very sensitive to cow milk when she was growing up, but she tolerated goat milk very well. I understand that is the case for some people, although I don't know the reasons behind it. I thought it tasted a bit "gamy," but she liked it.
If you're looking for a plant-based milk, I would choose one that has a higher natural fat content because children need plenty of fat. Soy milk and coconut milk would be good places to start. I find the taste of soy sometimes overwhelming when I drink it by itself, but a child raised on it might not mind it. Coconut milk tastes delicious to me. My overall favorite plant-based milk is cashew milk -- it's very creamy and has a taste I find quite pleasant. I think the fat content is higher than almond, but I'm not sure.
off topic a bit but tell wic that children need plenty of fat,kids 2 and older are only allowed low fat 1% or fat free now. (my sister gets wic for my nephew,here they get it until they are 5).I think its stupid
That's frustrating. I thought it was generally very accepted that children need plenty of fat due to the role it plays in brain development.
Funny-WIC here says you can only buy whole milk.
a lot of states are making the change. but its that way for kids 2 and over. younger kids its probably still whole milk.0 -
janejellyroll wrote: »CharlieBeansmomTracey wrote: »janejellyroll wrote: »Are you looking for just an alternative to cow milk or a plant-based milk?
My youngest sister was very sensitive to cow milk when she was growing up, but she tolerated goat milk very well. I understand that is the case for some people, although I don't know the reasons behind it. I thought it tasted a bit "gamy," but she liked it.
If you're looking for a plant-based milk, I would choose one that has a higher natural fat content because children need plenty of fat. Soy milk and coconut milk would be good places to start. I find the taste of soy sometimes overwhelming when I drink it by itself, but a child raised on it might not mind it. Coconut milk tastes delicious to me. My overall favorite plant-based milk is cashew milk -- it's very creamy and has a taste I find quite pleasant. I think the fat content is higher than almond, but I'm not sure.
off topic a bit but tell wic that children need plenty of fat,kids 2 and older are only allowed low fat 1% or fat free now. (my sister gets wic for my nephew,here they get it until they are 5).I think its stupid
That's frustrating. I thought it was generally very accepted that children need plenty of fat due to the role it plays in brain development.
special cases can get 2% if they are 2 and over,but I agree its aggravating,when she told me I was like "are you kidding me? kids need fat in their diets"0
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