Skip to main content

Can toddlers drink almond milk or other plant-based drinks?

How safe are milk alternatives for your toddler?

toddler girl drinking milk from a straw
Image Source / Getty Images

Milk is an important part of the diet of toddlers. Milk, along with other fortified dairy products or soy beverages, plays an integral role in helping toddlers grow strong bones and teeth. Generally speaking,  milk helps your toddler’s body grow. Almost all cow’s milk has been fortified with calcium and vitamin D, crucial nutrients for your growing child. But what’s a parent to do if they are vegan or have children who are allergic to cow’s milk? These parents often wonder if their toddlers can have almond milk or other plant-based drinks as an adequate substitute for cow’s milk.

Recommended Videos

With the recent increase in the popularity of plant-based drinks and almond milk, parents have been confused about whether their toddlers should be drinking these beverages instead of cow’s milk. If you’ve been curious whether toddlers can drink almond milk or other plant-based drinks, this should help clear up any confusion.

Why is milk so important?

Baby in highchair with milk and cereal.
Andersen Ross Photography Inc / Getty Images

Experts suggest that cow’s milk shouldn’t be introduced into your child’s diet until they reach their first birthday. Before that, he should be drinking breast milk or formula exclusively. As the American Academy of Pediatrics notes, cow’s milk can be too harsh on an infant’s digestive system so they recommend waiting until after the first birthday to make the switch from breast or formula feeding to whole milk.

There can’t be any denying the importance milk plays in a child’s development: as per the CDC, pasteurized cow’s milk contains both vitamin D and calcium which are important in aiding in the growth of healthy, strong bones and teeth.

Can toddlers have almond milk?

two glasses of almond milk with straws
m.pilot / Shutterstock

Almond milk has become increasingly popular as a milk alternative beverage, but the reviews are mixed on the benefits of giving it to your toddler. Lots of families prefer almond milk over cow’s milk for a variety of reasons, including allergies, sensitivities, diet, and personal preferences. Toddlers can safely drink almond milk but many experts are concerned that it doesn’t provide the required vitamins and calcium that cow’s milk does. Healthline warns that “although almond milk has vitamins A and D, it’s relatively low in protein and calcium, as compared to cow’s milk or breast milk.”

There’s also the issue of added sugars. There are brands of almond milk that contain added sugar, which parents should note before giving it to their toddler, as she doesn’t need to be consuming extra sugar. The good news is that there are almond milk options available that don’t contain added sugar and are fortified with calcium. That makes it a good alternative to cow’s milk, and parents just need to be vigilant and read labels when selecting which brand to purchase.

Other plant-based drinks

Toddler drinking milk out of a cup.
LP7 / Getty Images

On the other hand, experts do not advise that children under the age of five drink plant-based drinks such as milk made from rice, coconut, oats, hemp, or other blends. In 2019, national guidelines advised against giving plant-based drinks to children under age 5 because they were said to lack the key nutrients toddlers need to grow and develop.

“In the last five to 10 years, there has been an explosion of interest in plant-based milk. More and more parents are turning to them for a variety of reasons, and there’s a misconception that they are equal somehow to cow or dairy milk, but that’s just not the case,” Megan Lott, deputy director of the Healthy Eating Research, explained, according to CNN. Again, the lack of vitamin D and calcium and the possibility of added sugar are the cause of concern with plant-based drinks.

However, now that it’s 2024, there are many who claim that as long as you are buying fortified plant-based milk with no added sugar, it can be just as nutritious for toddlers as cow’s milk. Fortified soy milk can provide the same nutritional benefits as cow’s milk and there are so many other plant-based drink options available. In an article discussing the benefits of plant-based drinks for toddlers, The Globe and Mail notes that pea milk, made from yellow peas, is also a great alternative to cow’s milk as it contains 8 to 10 grams of protein per cup and is also fortified with calcium and vitamins A and D.

What to look for in non-dairy milk 

A child drinking out of a sippy cup.
Themalni / Shutterstock

If you do decide to give your toddler almond or other non-dairy milk, there are some things you should look for. As we said above, choose an option that is fortified with calcium and vitamin D, but also look for one that contains protein, fat, fiber, and iron, pediatrician Dr. Joel Gator told Very Well Family. “Look for a very clean milk alternative with few preservatives,” he suggested. “And one that is low in sugar.” Amber Rodenas, RN, LDN, also added, When looking for a milk alternative, it is best to choose one with comparable nutritional value to cow’s milk in regards to protein and calcium content.”

Signs your toddler may have a dairy sensitivity

TODDLER-STOMACH-BUG
antoniodiaz / Shutterstock

Many parents try non-dairy milk for their toddlers because they are worried they may have dairy insensitivity, like lactose intolerance. Lactose is a sugar found in milk and milk products, and when your body can’t break down or digest milk, it may be a symbol of lactose intolerance.

If your toddler is suffering from stomach aches and pains or bloating after eating or drinking milk products or is suffering from gastrointestinal issues after ingesting these products, it could be a sign of lactose intolerance. Contact your pediatrician if you suspect your toddler may have dairy insensitivity or lactose intolerance so you can come up with a plan to ensure they are getting the needed calcium and vitamin D.

The bottom line: Almond milk is suitable for toddlers as long as parents do their due diligence and ensure they’re fortified and don’t contain any added sugars.

Kelli Catana
Contributor
Kelli is a freelance writer who has covered the world of entertainment, pop culture, parenting, and lifestyle for various…
6 signs of teething in toddlers that parents should be aware of
Your baby may be cutting those first teeth
Toddler sucking on the back of their hand

It's exciting when your little one starts to cut their first teeth, but it's also heartbreaking as they suffer through the pain of teething. Teething doesn’t just occur when your little one is still in diapers either, as their teeth will continue to emerge for the better part of 2 years after the first one erupts through your kiddo’s gum line. Contrary to what some parents may think, their child’s teeth will continue to develop for quite some time after the first few "chompers" break through.

If your toddler is experiencing teething symptoms, now could be a good time to break out those teething rings and whip up a few homemade teething pops. However, there may be a few symptoms your little one is experiencing that even veteran parents may not be aware of. Here are some signs of teething in your toddler you'll want to be on the lookout for.
Signs of teething in toddlers

Read more
Your toddler feels out of control if they are doing this
Toddler pulling hair may mean they're feeling out of control
Toddler pulling their hair

The toddler years are full of development and discovery. Naturally, all those new experiences can be a bit overwhelming for them at times. Toddlers don't always know how to process their emotions which can often lead to some behaviors you may find troubling. They can become frustrated as they try to process all this new information. They don't call them the "terrible twos" for nothing!

While temper tantrums and meltdowns come hand in hand with having a toddler, there are other behaviors that may be a sign that they're not quite feeling like themselves. If your toddler is pulling their own hair, it may be because they feel out of control, which can be completely understandable. Toddlers pulling their hair is a very common behavior and is often a form of self-soothing that helps them cope with stressful situations. If you've noticed your toddler has begun to pull their hair, there are some things you can do to help.
Is it normal for toddlers to pull their hair?

Read more
Teaching your toddler boundaries without hurting your bond
A guide to setting healthy boundaries with your toddler
A toddler on a log with a parent.

Babies are known for gnawing on anything they can get their hands on, including your face! This behavior is cute when you're cuddling your infant, but it becomes much less cute and infinitely more painful when that infant becomes a toddler and has teeth. No magic switch turns your infant into a polite mini human the moment they turn into a 1-year-old. It’s a gradual, years-long process that you’ll guide.

That means teaching the toddler boundaries. It’s a challenge that you and your little one are up for tackling together. Here’s how to handle all of it — and why it’s one of your most important roles as a parent.
What is the best age to start?

Read more