Cow’s milk is the most popular milk type in the United States. It can be part of a varied and balanced diet for many children. One 8-ounce cup of cow’s milk provides about 8 grams of protein, which helps support growth. Cow’s milk is also a good source of calcium and vitamin D, which helps to build and maintain strong bones, and it contains vitamin A and several types of B vitamins.
What factors should be considered in choosing milk?
When choosing a milk for your child, it can help to think about safety, fat content, your child’s age, allergies or intolerances, budget, availability and whether your family typically uses cow’s milk or a plant-based milk alternative.
Raw milk or pasteurized?
Almost all milk sold in the supermarket is pasteurized. Pasteurization is the process of briefly heating milk to temperatures high enough to kill harmful germs. Pasteurization does not significantly change the nutrition in milk. Raw milk comes directly from the animal and is not pasteurized.
Raw milk can contain bacteria that may cause serious illness. Raw milk is especially dangerous for young children, children with medical conditions, older adults and people who are pregnant – in other words, those who are more vulnerable to infections. For children in particular, pasteurized milk is the safest choice.
Whole milk, 2%, 1% or skim?
The main differences between whole milk, 2%, low-fat, and skim milk are the amount of fat and calories in each. Whole milk contains more fat than reduced fat, low-fat, or skim milk.
Whole milk is often recommended for toddlers from 1 to 2 years old to support growth and brain development, unless there is a medical reason to choose differently. After age 2, many children can switch to lower-fat options such as 2%, 1%, or skim milk, which still provides protein, vitamins and minerals.
Your child’s healthcare team may recommend a different option based on growth, nutrition needs or medical conditions.
How much milk should my child have?
Most children do well with about 2 to 3 servings of dairy per day. For toddlers, this translates to 16 ounces of milk per day, along with other dairy foods such as yogurt or cheese. More milk is not always better. Drinking too much milk may reduce appetite for other foods and can contribute to low iron levels or low blood counts (anemia).
What are the alternatives to cow milk?
There are many milk alternatives available for children who cannot drink, or choose not to drink, cow’s milk. Look for options that provide important nutrients such as protein, fat, calcium, vitamin D and vitamin B12.
Not all milk alternatives have the same nutrition levels as cow’s milk. Some are much lower in protein or fat. Common options include other animal milks like goat, soy, pea protein, oat, almond, hemp, coconut and rice milk. With thoughtful planning, children can meet their nutrition needs without drinking cow milk.
When should I ask for help choosing a milk?
Talk with your child’s healthcare team or a registered dietitian if your child has a milk allergy, lactose intolerance, poor growth, low iron levels, a very limited diet or follows a vegan diet. They can help you choose an option that supports your child’s nutrition needs.
References
Growing Strong: Non-Dairy Solutions for Children's Essential Nutrients
Milk Alternatives: Choosing the Right Milk for Your Child | Children's Hospital of Philadelphia
Cow’s milk is the most popular milk type in the United States. It can be part of a varied and balanced diet for many children. One 8-ounce cup of cow’s milk provides about 8 grams of protein, which helps support growth. Cow’s milk is also a good source of calcium and vitamin D, which helps to build and maintain strong bones, and it contains vitamin A and several types of B vitamins.
What factors should be considered in choosing milk?
When choosing a milk for your child, it can help to think about safety, fat content, your child’s age, allergies or intolerances, budget, availability and whether your family typically uses cow’s milk or a plant-based milk alternative.
Raw milk or pasteurized?
Almost all milk sold in the supermarket is pasteurized. Pasteurization is the process of briefly heating milk to temperatures high enough to kill harmful germs. Pasteurization does not significantly change the nutrition in milk. Raw milk comes directly from the animal and is not pasteurized.
Raw milk can contain bacteria that may cause serious illness. Raw milk is especially dangerous for young children, children with medical conditions, older adults and people who are pregnant – in other words, those who are more vulnerable to infections. For children in particular, pasteurized milk is the safest choice.
Whole milk, 2%, 1% or skim?
The main differences between whole milk, 2%, low-fat, and skim milk are the amount of fat and calories in each. Whole milk contains more fat than reduced fat, low-fat, or skim milk.
Whole milk is often recommended for toddlers from 1 to 2 years old to support growth and brain development, unless there is a medical reason to choose differently. After age 2, many children can switch to lower-fat options such as 2%, 1%, or skim milk, which still provides protein, vitamins and minerals.
Your child’s healthcare team may recommend a different option based on growth, nutrition needs or medical conditions.
How much milk should my child have?
Most children do well with about 2 to 3 servings of dairy per day. For toddlers, this translates to 16 ounces of milk per day, along with other dairy foods such as yogurt or cheese. More milk is not always better. Drinking too much milk may reduce appetite for other foods and can contribute to low iron levels or low blood counts (anemia).
What are the alternatives to cow milk?
There are many milk alternatives available for children who cannot drink, or choose not to drink, cow’s milk. Look for options that provide important nutrients such as protein, fat, calcium, vitamin D and vitamin B12.
Not all milk alternatives have the same nutrition levels as cow’s milk. Some are much lower in protein or fat. Common options include other animal milks like goat, soy, pea protein, oat, almond, hemp, coconut and rice milk. With thoughtful planning, children can meet their nutrition needs without drinking cow milk.
When should I ask for help choosing a milk?
Talk with your child’s healthcare team or a registered dietitian if your child has a milk allergy, lactose intolerance, poor growth, low iron levels, a very limited diet or follows a vegan diet. They can help you choose an option that supports your child’s nutrition needs.
References
Growing Strong: Non-Dairy Solutions for Children's Essential Nutrients
Milk Alternatives: Choosing the Right Milk for Your Child | Children's Hospital of Philadelphia
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