It’s well known that breastmilk is the best milk for babies and the longer you breastfeed, the more protection your child will get against infection and disease. However, infant formula can be used in the first 12 months if needed or advised. Once they have reached 1 year of age, you can also start introducing alternative milk types as part of a healthy and balanced diet. But what are the different types of milk and which milk is best for toddlers?
In this post, we will look at the different types of milk now available for toddlers, consider: what is the best lactose-free milk for toddlers; what is the best plant-based milk for toddlers; what are the best milk alternatives for toddlers with allergies; what is the best alternative milk for toddlers generally, and; more?
Our Top Picks for Best Milk for Toddlers 2022
#1 Best Milk Brand for Toddlers: Maple Hill’s Grass Fed Best Organic Milk for Toddlers
For a deliciously creamy organic milk that helps toddlers grow, this protein-filled and calcium-rich milk will go down a treat.
#2 Best Soy Milk for Toddlers: Gerber Good Start’s Plant-Based Protein for Toddlers
For a milk alternative that is completely free of milk protein and lactose, this soy-based milk powder is great for healthy growth.
#3 Best Almond Milk for Toddlers: Silk’s Unsweetened & Unflavored Organic Almond Milk
For a dairy-free milk that comes ready out of the carton, this almond milk is full of calcium, has a healthy fat content, and also tastes delicious.
#4 Best Goat’s Milk for Toddlers: Meyenberg’s Whole Powdered Goat Milk
For a goat’s milk powder that forms part of a healthy diet, this high calcium goat’s milk powder will treat your toddler well.
#5 Best Oat Milk for Toddlers: Califia Farms’ Unsweetened Oatmilk
For an alternative to dairy that tastes even better than cow’s milk, this oat milk is full of the goodness that will form part of a balanced and healthy diet for your toddler.
The Benefits of Breastfeeding
Before moving on to the best alternative milk types for toddlers, it is important to remember just how good breastmilk is if you are able to continue breastfeeding. One of the best things about breastmilk is that it naturally adapts to the needs of your child over time and helps to prevent against disease and infections in a way alternative milks cannot. Indeed, research shows that the longer people are breastfed, the more protection they have and the longer these defenses last.
Breastfeeding reduces the risk of things like diarrhea, vomiting, sudden infant death syndrome, childhood leukemia, obesity and cardiovascular diseases later in adulthood. Breastfeeding also has health benefits for the giver as well as the receiver as it reduces the risk of certain types of cancer (eg. breast, ovarian), as well as things like obesity, cardiovascular disease, and osteoporosis. However, eventually, everyone needs to move on and it’s a good idea to start giving your baby and increasingly varied diet from 6 months onwards.
Diversifying your toddler’s diet: What is the best dairy and best non-dairy milk for toddlers?
Once your child is 6 months old, you should start trying to add different foods into their diet to help them grow healthily. However, some people find their children cannot have dairy due to a lactose intolerance. Indeed, it is estimated that 65 percent of the global population become lactose intolerant by the time they reach adulthood. Here we outline some of the non-dairy milk types suitable for toddlers who are lactose intolerant and those that are not.
#1 Whole milk (contains lactose but nut-free)
Pasteurized whole milk (4% fat content) is the best milk for one year olds as it is full of calcium to help your toddler grow strong bones and healthy teeth as well as Vitamin A which helps prevent infections and is good for the eyes and skin. At least 350ml a day is a good amount of whole milk for toddlers who are not lactose intolerant. Semi-skimmed milk is okay once your toddler reaches 2, although whole milk is still the best milk for 2 year olds, and the best milk for 3 to 4 year olds who are growing well for their age.
#2 Goat’s milk (contains lactose + nut-free)
Goat’s milk contains similar amounts of protein, fat, and calcium. However, it is not an alternative to lactose, as it also contains the same amount of lactose as you would find in cow’s milk. Pasteurized goat’s milk is suitable from 1-year of age but if a child is allergic to cow’s milk, they are likely to also be allergic to goat’s milk.
#3 Almond milk (lactose-free)
Almond is available sweetened, unsweetened, and with additional flavorings. Unsweetened and unflavored options can be given to children from the age of 1. However, it does not contain as much protein or fat content as whole milk so if you are using this as an alternative to dairy you need to be aware of this.
#4 Soya milk (lactose-free + nut-free)
Unsweetened soya milk can also be given to children from 1 year and above. It contains a similar amount of protein as you would find in cow’s milk. However, it is also lower in terms of fat content so if used due to a lactose intolerance, you will need to make sure the desired level of fat intake is achieved elsewhere in the diet. You should also opt for one enriched with at least 100mg of calcium per 100ml serving.
#5 Oat milk (lactose-free + nut-free)
Oat milk is suitable from 1 year and outperforms cow’s milk in terms of calories, carbs, and fiber. However, it falls short of soy and cow’s milk in terms of protein, another vital ingredient for under 2’s.
#6 Coconut milk (lactose-free + nut-free)
Coconut milk is not recommended for children under the age of 2. This is due to the fact it has a low protein content. Coconut milk from cans is also high in saturating fats so is not recommended for young children. Even where coconut milk has been watered down, it often contains sweeteners and thickening agents which are not great for children. This means that the best coconut milk for toddlers is probably no coconut milk at all or only as a very occasional treat.
#7 Rice milk (lactose-free + nut-free)
Rice milk is not suitable for toddlers under the age of 5 because it can be high in arsenic content. It is also low in protein and fat, so is better used for those looking to lose weight rather than put it on.
Top 5 Best Milk for Toddlers 2022
| Product Link | Product Features | Price |
|---|---|---|
 | Cadbury Dairy Milk For Kids Pack Original Cadbury Dairy Milk Little Bars Imported from the UK, England The Best Of Cadbury Dair… | from $4.55 ($7.22 / Ounce) |
 | Nestle NIDO Lacto-Ease Toddler Milk Beverage | from $11.12 ($0.39 / Ounce) |
 | NIDO Fortificada Dry Whole Milk Powdered Drink Mix | from $12.56 ($0.22 / Ounce) |
 | Kabrita Goat Milk Toddler Formula, 14 Ounce (Pack of 1) | from $18.99 ($1.36 / Ounce) |
 | Gerber Good Start Baby Formula Powder, Gentle Supreme, Toddler, Stage 3, 20 Ounce | from $19.98 ($1.00 / Ounce) |
 | Gerber Good Start Soy Infant and Toddler Formula , 24 Ounces | from $20.24 ($0.84 / Ounce) |
 | Nestle KLIM Fortificada Dry Whole Milk Powder 56.4 oz. Canister | from $20.99 ($0.37 / Ounce) |
 | Nestle NIDO Kinder 1+ Toddler Milk Beverage | from $23.90 ($0.42 / Ounce) |
 | Califia Farms – Oat Milk, Unsweetened Barista Blend, 32 Fl Oz (Pack of 6) | Shelf Stable | Non Dairy Milk | Creamer | Vegan | Plan… | from $23.94 ($0.12 / Fl Oz) |
 | Pure Bliss by Similac Toddler Drink with Probiotics, Starts with Fresh Milk from Grass-Fed Cows, Non-GMO Toddler Formula, 24.7 … | from $24.12 ($0.98 / Ounce) |
 | Earth’s Best Organic Baby Formula, Dairy Based Powder Infant Formula with Iron, Non-GMO, Omega-3 DHA and Omega-6 ARA, 2… | from $25.79 ($1.23 / Ounce) |
 | Earth’s Best Organic Toddler Milk Drink Powder, Natural Vanilla, 21 oz | from $27.98 ($1.33 / Ounce) |
 | Meyenberg Whole Powdered Goat Milk, Gluten Free, Non GMO, Vitamin D, 12 Oz | from $29.27 ($2.44 / Ounce) |
 | Silk Shelf-Stable Almond Milk Singles, Unsweetened, Dairy-Free, Vegan, Non-GMO Project Verified, 8 oz., 6 Pack (Pack of 3) | from $43.39 ($0.30 / Fl Oz) |
 | Enfamil Nutramigen Infant Formula, Hypoallergenic and Lactose Free Formula with Enflora LGG, Fast Relief from Severe Crying a… | from $44.49 ($2.25 / Ounce) |
 | PediaSure Grow & Gain Kids’ Nutritional Shake, with Protein, DHA, and Vitamins & Minerals, Chocolate, 8 Fl Oz, 24-Count | from $53.12 ($0.28 / Fl Oz) |
 | Enfagrow A+ Nutritional Milk Powder 400 gm | Vanilla – Pack of 2 | from $64.98 ($4.61 / Ounce) |
 | Baby’s Only Organic Premium Dairy Toddler Formula, 12.7 Oz (Pack of 6) | Non-GMO | USDA Organic | Clean Label Project Verifie… | from $77.94 ($1.02 / Ounce) |
#1 Best Milk Brand for Toddlers: Maple Hill’s Grass Fed
If you are looking for the best whole milk for toddlers, then you need to give this delicious organic milk a try. The milk comes from cows fed only on organic grass, giving the milk a delicious flavor and ensuring your toddler only gets the healthy goodness of natural milk. Full of the fat content, protein, and calcium that will help your toddler grow healthy bones and strong teeth. For the best full cream milk for toddlers, you don’t need to look further than this one.
Other pros about this organic whole milk are that: it is shelf-stable which means you don’t even have to store it in the fridge, without losing any of the organic goodness; it comes in a pack of 12 lunchbox size cartons making it great for on the go; it is attractively packaged in a way that appeals to toddlers, and; it comes in recyclable packaging. The downside of this milk is that it contains lactose and milk protein and is quite expensive.
#Milk #Whole_Milk #Whole_Milk_For_Toddlers #Organic #Organic_Milk
#2 Best Soy Milk for Toddlers: Gerber Good Start’s Plant-Based Protein
If you are looking for a milk alternative that contains no lactose and no milk protein, then you should give this plant-based soy 3 protein for toddlers aged between 12 and 24 months. The soy-based formula means your toddler can be free from gas caused by a milk or lactose intolerance whilst still getting the protein, fat, and calcium they need. It is also enriched with a range of beneficial minerals, vitamins, and nutrients that encourage healthy growth as your toddler ages.
Other benefits of this soy milk based formula are that: it can be kept on the shelf and takes up much less space than other types of milk as it comes in powdered form; it is easier to digest than cow’s milk; it fosters healthy brain & eye development; it is made with natural ingredients, and; it is a great price. The downside of this soy milk based formula is that it is not ready mixed, so you need to prepare it with water at the right temperature.
Soy_Milk_Formula #Milk_Protein_Free #Lactose_Free #Soy_Formula #Milk_For_Toddlers
#3 Best Almond Milk for Toddlers: Silk’s Unsweetened & Unflavored Organic
If you are looking for a great tasting non-dairy milk that is full of calcium and has a good fat content, then this almond milk is a good choice. Whilst it can be tempting to opt for a flavored milk to entice your toddler into trying this milk, these varieties will not be suitable for daily consumption as required for healthy growth. Fortunately, almond milk tastes naturally sweet and deliciously nutty so it will be easy to get even fussy toddlers keen on this milk.
Other good things about this almond milk for toddlers are that it comes in individual packages that are nicely portable; it is shelf-stable, giving you extra room in the fridge and making it suitable for on the go even in hotter weather, and; it is dairy free so suitable for people with lactose and milk intolerances. The downside of this milk is that it contains nuts so is not suitable for people with a nut allergy.
#Almond_Milk #Almonds #Nut_Milk #Almond_Milk_For_Toddlers #Lactose_Free_Milk
#4 Best Goat’s Milk for Toddlers: Meyenberg’s Whole Powdered Goat Milk
If you are after a whole milk for toddlers who don’t get on with cow’s milk but don’t have any allergies, then you should try this goat’s milk powder. One of the great things about goat’s milk is that many people find it easier to digest, especially at a younger age, than cow’s milk. However, it has a very similar make-up and provides the key things children need from cow’s milk. This goat’s milk powder is a great choice for healthy toddler growth.
Other pluses of this goat’s milk formula are that: it contains additional potassium in comparison to cow’s milk; the high protein content helps to stave off hunger in your toddler; it is nut-free and gluten-free and helps toddlers with digestive issues; it can be stored safely on the shelf, and; it is great value. The downside of this goat’s milk product is that it comes in powdered form so requires you to mix it up when you need it.
#Goat’s_Milk #Toddlers_Milk #Goat_Milk_Powder #Goat_Milk_For_Toddlers #Goat_Milk
#5 Best Oat Milk for Toddlers: Califia Farms’ Unsweetened Oatmilk
If you are looking for a non-dairy milk that is also nut-free and soy free but healthier than coconut milk, then you should check out this wondrous elixir derived from oats. Oat milk is exceptionally creamy and weather poured over cereal, added to a smoothie, or drunk on its own, your toddler will love it and not feel like they are missing out on anything. This delicious oat milk is a great dairy alternative for toddlers.
Other positives about this oat milk are that: it contains no gums or stabilizers as are typically found in coconut milk; it contains healthy amounts of calcium and close to the number of calories you get from cow’s milk helping foster healthy growth in your toddler, and; it is free of allergens and contains only non-GMO ingredients ensuring it as healthy as it is tasty. The downside of this oat milk is that it is not specifically designed for toddlers.
#Oat_Milk #Creamy_Oat_Milk #Oats #Oaty_Drinks #Creamy_Milk
Conclusion
When it comes to the best milk for babies and toddlers, breast milk is best for as long as you feel comfortable and able to offer it. However, from 6 months onwards it is important to encourage a balanced diet for your children including combination feeding formula milk and, after 1 year of age, adding alternative milk types into the diet. The milk types above are our favorites for healthy toddler growth.