The first year of an infant’s life is a crucial time for their growth and development. During this time, milk plays a vital role in providing all the necessary nutrients and calories for their overall well-being. Whether you choose to breastfeed or give formula, milk is the primary source of nourishment for your little one.
As your baby reaches the age of 6 months, you can start introducing them to solid foods. However, this is not to replace milk but to prepare them for a more diverse diet by the time they turn 12 months old. Before that, food is essentially a way for them to practice the skill of eating.
It is important to note that as your child starts eating solids, their milk intake will naturally decrease. This is completely normal and should not be a cause for concern. In fact, above the age of 12 months, children can switch from formula to full-fat cow’s milk, as recommended by the NHS. It is advised to give your child at least 350ml (12oz) of milk per day to ensure they are getting enough nutrients.
But what happens if your toddler suddenly refuses to drink milk altogether? This can be a cause for worry for many parents, as milk has always been the main source of nutrition for their little ones. I personally experienced this with my daughter when she turned 14 months old. We had decided to transition her from a bottle to a beaker, and she completely refused to drink milk from then on.
At first, I was extremely stressed and worried about her health and growth. After all, for the first year of her life, all she did was drink milk. She also wasn’t very keen on eating solid foods at that time, which could have been because of the amount of milk she was consuming before she quit cold turkey.
However, after consulting with my doctor and doing some research, I learned that it is actually okay if your child doesn’t drink milk. As long as you make up for the nutrients and calcium in other ways, your child will still be able to meet their daily requirements.
According to the NHS, children between the ages of 1 to 3 years old need 350mg of calcium per day. If your child is not drinking milk, you can provide them with two servings of other calcium-rich foods such as cheese, yogurt, or fromage frais. These foods are not only a great source of calcium but also provide other essential nutrients for your child’s growth and development.
It is important to offer a variety of calcium-rich foods to your child and keep offering milk as well. They might eventually find their way back to drinking milk, and it is important to not force them or make it a stressful experience. As the Centre of Family Medicine suggests, you can try adding milk to other foods to increase their intake. Some examples of foods that can be made with milk are pancakes, scrambled eggs, smoothies, breakfast cereals, and oats/porridge.
For foods that are usually made with water, such as soups or mashed potatoes, you can try replacing the water with milk. This will not only add more nutrients to the food but also increase your child’s milk intake.
If you are still concerned about your child’s lack of calcium intake, it is always best to consult with your GP. They can provide you with more personalized advice and recommend any necessary supplements if needed.
In conclusion, it is completely normal for toddlers to refuse milk at some point in their development. As long as you make up for the nutrients and calcium in other ways, your child will still be able to meet their daily requirements. Offer a variety of calcium-rich foods and keep offering milk, and your child will eventually find their way back to it. Remember, every child is different, and it is important to not stress or force them to drink milk. Trust their instincts and consult with your doctor if you have any concerns.
