9 of the Best Alternatives to Cow’s Milk For Toddlers

Along with your Infant’s 1st Birthday, comes the question of whether to introduce dairy or the best alternatives to cow’s milk into their diet

It can be so confusing, as there is so much information out there, so many different brands and also so many opinions.

At the end of the day you know your baby best, you know whether dairy (through breast milk or diet after 6 months) bothered their little stomachs, or whether you prefer to introduce alternatives to cow’s milk.

Nonetheless, whatever you decide there will be a transition, and you want to make that as smooth as possible and ensure your toddler’s diet provides them the most nutrients and benefits.

In this blog post, I will dive into the best cow milk alternatives that you can use for your toddler whether they may have an allergy or unable to tolerate cow’s milk. I will also discuss the pro’s & con’s of the alternatives to help you make an informed decision.

Before we dive into the alternatives let’s talk about the symptoms that may mean your toddler may need an alternative to cow’s milk.

The American Academy of Pediatrics still recommends a combination of solid foods and breast milk or formula for children under 12 months. Only after 1 year do they suggest introducing whole cow’s milk.

Why would a toddler need to try alternatives to Cow’s Milk?

Once you introduce your baby to milk, it is vital that you keep a close eye on how they react. This helps in pointing out any reactions that may be a result of an allergy or sensitivity. These are the different symptoms that your little ones can possibly develop:

• Eczema
• Sinus infection
• Diarrhea or loose stool that may contain blood or mucus
• Slow growth rate in terms of height and weight
• Intermittent coughing
• Skin rash
• Abdominal pains
• Vomiting
• Hives
• Wheezing
• Asthma

With my eldest I would notice slight rashes, and stomach upsets at night if he drank cow’s milk. He kept complaining of tummy aches so we switched to Lactose Free and he started to feel better. It took a few years but he doesn’t have any reactions to dairy now.

With my youngest it was different and he would get diarrhea and a lot of loose stool. This was the reason why we switched to Goat Milk in our weaning transition, which I talk about in this post.

Disclaimer: This post is sponsored by Kabrita’s Non-GMO Goat Milk Formula and contains affiliate links & includes an honest review on my personal experience with the product. However ALL opinions, research, and thoughts are my own with the goal to educate parents on the different alternatives available to them. 

What Are the Different Alternatives to Cow’s Milk For Toddlers

1. Goat Milk

Although this isn’t the most popular option, Goat milk* has gained popularity due to its vast health benefits as an alternative to cow’s milk. High quality, fresh goat milk is not readily available for everyone in the USA. It also still lacks some important nutrients for toddlers like folate, B12, iron, and vitamins D, B12, and C, as well as omega-3 fatty acids (DHA).

This is where Kabrita’s Non-GMO Goat Milk Formula* comes in, as it is fortified with the important nutrients for toddlers aged 12 – 24 months. This milk worked out amazingly as a transition from breastmilk when I was weaning my 3^rdchild.

Things I loved about Kabrita Non-GMO Goat Milk* Formula:

• It was easier to digest for my 12 month old as it has a gentle goat milk protein, which forms looser, softer, smaller curds in the stomach. I noticed the difference in my sons digestion/dirty diapers.When he had Kabrita it was normal, but the moment I gave him regular cows milk, he had upset an tummy & it would reflect in his dirty diapers. That’s when I knew Kabrita was the best choice I had made for the weaning transition.
• It’s a high quality, non-GMO formula from Europe, and is readily available in the USA.
• It is fortified with 22 vitamins and minerals, including folic acid, iron, and omega 3 fatty acids.
• It has a naturally sweet, mild, and delicious taste (I can attest to this I tried it).

If you would like to try Kabrita, they have an offer where you can purchase your first tin for FREE ($25 Value) and only paying shipping! 

This chart below shows the comparison of the different types of goat milk & cow’s Milk.

*Please note however that for toddlers with a cow milk protein allergy Goat’s Milk is not recommended.

2. Almond Milk

This is the one of my older kids favourite alternatives to cow’s milk and probably one of the most popular ones amongst parents. Unless your child has displated any signs of allergies it is ok to introduce this once they are 1 year old, in between meals of other foods or breastfeeding.

Besides water and fine grounds of almond, other ingredients of almond milk can include flavourings such as vanilla, sweeteners, and thickeners. Other manufacturers also add calcium, vitamin D, and vitamin C, among other nutrients.

If you decide to supplement your toddler’s diet with almond milk, it is crucial to ensure that:

• They consume other forms of protein and fat
• The milk is unsweetened or at least low in sugar
• The milk is rich in calcium, vitamin C, and vitamin D.

Comparison of Cow’s Milk and Almond Milk

There is a huge difference between almond milk and cow milk in terms of nutrition.

One cup of cow’s milk has 8 grams of fat, while unsweetened almond milk has 2.5 grams. A report on the same also showed that 1 cup of cow’s milk has 8 grams of fat, which is high compared to the 1 gram of protein in a bowl of almond milk.

Some almond milk brands also have a high amount of sweeteners unlike the cow’s milk.

Here are other differences between the two types of milk;

A full comparison chart of all the different plant based milks can be found if you scroll down to the bottom of this post.

3. Oat Milk

This is my personal favourite and the kids have snuck this into their cereal and not complained which is a great thing.  Just like cow’s milk, oat milk is safe for kids who are above 12 months. It is a great option for children who are soy-free, gluten-free, and nut-free.

It tastes pretty good and can safely be used as a lunch box alternative for your toddler attending a nut-free school, camp, or day care.

Oat milk has a high percentage of its primary ingredients than other milk types such as coconut milk, soybeans, or nuts because they are highly soluble in water. This makes it a perfect option if you are looking for a grain-based milk substitute.

In terms of allergies, oat allergy & sensitivity both trigger an immune system response. This results in the formation of antibodies designed to combat an alien substance, which the body perceives to be a threat, such as avenin. People who find themselves experiencing symptoms after eating oats may not be allergic to oats at all, but rather, may have gluten sensitivity or celiac disease and require to try gluten free oats.

4. Hemp Milk

The first thought that might cross your mind when you hear of Hemp milk is that it comes from marijuana, which is automatically viewed as a RED FLAG. I would not worry because Hemp Milk does not have Tetrahydrocannabinol, which is the ingredient that is responsible for the psychoactive effects in marijuana.

Hemp milk can be ingested by toddlers once they are 7 monthsand it has multiple nutrients that lack in formulas and the cow’s milk. Many parents who opt for the holistic approach praise the milk and rule out the possibility of having any side effects.

There are many nutrients that your baby can attain from taking a cup of hemp milk:

• 900mg Omega-3 Fatty Acid
• 2800mg Omega-6 Fatty Acid
• All 10 Essential Amino Acids
• 4 grams of Digestible Protein
• 46% of RDA of Calcium
• 0% Cholesterol
• Potassium
• Phosphorous
• Riboflavin
• Vitamin A
• Vitamin E
• Vitamin B12
• Folic Acid
• Vitamin D
• Magnesium
• Iron
• Zinc
• Many more

The only downfall of the hemp milk is the high cost, but it is all worth it considering the benefits like boosting mental capacity, stronger nails & hair, improved immune system and a strong & healthy heart.

5. Coconut Milk

Although I included coconut milk on the list (& love it in my coffee), it is not recommended specifically as a substitute for cow’s milk but is greatto cook your toddler’s food once in a while, in drinks or, breakfast meals like oats or pudding for example.

Here is why excessive coconut milk is harmful to your baby:

• High calories that will make your child feel full, which is not healthy as it hinders them from eating the important food.
• Less protein
• Low in riboflavin and calcium, which is very important in a toddler’s growth and cannot be sourced from anything else besides milk.

A full comparison chart of all the different plant based milks can be found if you scroll down to the bottom of this post.

6. Rice Milk

Rice milk is made from running through the mill and later diffusing it to remove granules ( using rice flour with protein from brown rice). Due to the conversion of carbohydrates into sugars, the milk has a natural sweet taste and the nutritional value of rice milk is higher than other alternatives besides cow milk.

Rice milk is among the few kinds of milk that do not cause allergies. It is plant-based though so it is lower in Vitamin B12 or calcium so if you choose to substitute cow’s milk with rice milk, supplement your baby’s diet with fat and nutrients.

The Benefits of Rice Milk for Toddlers:

• It has a natural sweet than other milk alternatives
• You can boost the nutrition of the milk by adding calcium and vitamin products
• It is lactose-free and nut-free, making it a safe option for a kid with allergies.

A full comparison chart of all the different plant based milks can be found if you scroll down to the bottom of this post.

7. Soy Milk

Although this is an option for toddlers it happens to be my least favourite especially for boys. If used solely as their source for milk, it can lead to calcium deficiency in toddlers, which is important for the growth of bones, hormones, central nervous system, teeth, and muscles. In such cases, you should look for soy milk that is fortified with vitamins and calcium.

Side Effects of Soy Milk:

• Proteins in the milk may cause some allergic reactions like abdominal pain, nausea, and skin rashes.
• According to Live Strong“Soy milk contains estrogen receptors that may mimic the effects of estrogen, and may affect cancer risks related to breast and prostate cancer. Harvard notes that there’s yet to be sufficient evidence to avoid soy milk, and that cow’s milk also contains hormones that may potentially be harmful.”

PS: Note that the reaction is different for every kid so be sure to consult the pediatrician before settling for soymilk.

A full comparison chart of all the different plant based milks can be found if you scroll down to the bottom of this post.

8. Pea Protein Milk

Pea protein milk is the most recent addition of cow milk alternatives in the market. Its main ingredient is yellow peas. This milk matches the cow milk in terms of protein quantity. It also offers a heavier dose of Vitamin D, calcium, and omega-3 fats. It just might not taste great, but it does come in a bunch of flavours for children which might be more favourable.

9. Flax Milk

Flax milk is the same category as cashew, almond, and coconut milk. It virtually has no saturate fats or protein content, but it also has omega-3 fats. It is a great option for those who are allergic to dairy & nuts.

What are the Best Alternatives to Cow’s Milk for Toddlers?

All toddlers will have a different reaction to different milk types. It is, therefore, crucial that you consult the paediatrician before you decide on the best alternative for your child.

Kabrita worked well for us during transition, and now that my son is already 2, we are moving on to trying different plant based milks so we can avoid having cows milk on a daily basis.

It is always best to try each milk to see what your toddler likes, how his body responds and wait a little while before trying another type of milk so that you give the body time for what was absorbed to leave the body (especially if there was a reaction).

The below comparison chart will help you understand the different type of milks and their nutrients. You may also download it by clicking here.

I hope this post answered your questions, and would love to hear from you how this helped you.