Can Babies Drink Almond milk?

Almond milk can safely be given to babies and toddlers, but it is important to note that it’s not a replacement for breast milk or infant formula.

Almond milk is a common alternative to cow’s milk for adults, but developing babies have different nutritional requirements.

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Babies that are less than 1-year-old drink should drink breast milk. In cases where breast milk is not available, such babies should be given dairy- or soy-based infant formula unless otherwise advised by doctors.

Feeding a baby other milk alternatives, such as cow’s milk or almond milk should be after a baby’s first birthday, since the specific nutrient profile in breast and formula milk is essential for proper development of the child.

For children who are lactose-intolerant or if they avoid dairy for other reasons, they can be given almond milk. Toddlers who are above 12 months old can drink almond milk once or twice a day in between periods of breast-feeding or eating their other foods.

Almond milk is made of finely ground almonds and water. Other ingredients may include sweeteners, flavorings, such as vanilla and thickeners. Many manufacturers also add nutrients, including vitamin A, vitamin D, and calcium.

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It may be safe to feed your baby Almond milk, however no milk can compare to the nutrients obtained in breast milk or infant formula.

A parent should see their doctor if they have any concerns that a child may be lactose-intolerant. Lactose intolerance is more common in older children and adults than in babies and toddlers.

For people using almond milk to supplement their babies diet, ensure that:

the milk is low in sugar or unsweetened
the milk is enriched with calcium and vitamins A and D
you feed the baby other forms of fat and protein
ask a pediatrician about added ingredients, such as flavorings or thickeners.

It is also necessary to find out whether the baby has a nut allergy. If relatives of the baby have nut allergies, then it is best to avoid nuts altogether and consult a pediatrician on the most suitable alternative.

How does almond milk compare to cow’s milk?
Cow milk and almond milk are nutritionally different. Some doctors recommend using whole cow’s milk for weaning babies from 1 to 2 years old because it has a high concentration of fat.

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A single cup of whole milk contains about 8 grams (g) of fat, which the developing baby’s brain needs to grow. In comparison, unsweetened almond milk contains only 2.5 g of fat.

Also, cow’s milk is also higher in protein than almond milk: 1 cup of whole milk contains almost 8 grams of protein, but 1 cup of fortified almond milk contains only 1 gram of protein.

However, if these fats and proteins are supplemented somewhere else in the baby’s diet, almond milk may be a suitable substitute for whole milk in toddlers.

Furthermore, cow’s milk contain high naturally-occurring sugars compared to unsweetened almond milk. It is also essential to note the differences in nutrients and vital minerals between the two types of milk.

A cup of cow’s milk fortified with vitamins contains:

276 milligrams (mg) calcium
322 mg potassium
205 mg phosphorus
105 mg sodium
395 units (IU) vitamin A
124 IU vitamin D

A cup of unsweetened almond milk may contain:

482 mg calcium
176 mg potassium
24 mg phosphorus
189 mg sodium
499 IUvitamin A
101 IUvitamin D

It is best to feed your baby with any other kind of milk only after a baby reaches one year, and it should not take the place of other whole foods.

Neither almond milk nor regular cow’s milk are good substitutes for breast or formula milk for babies under 1 year. If the child is breast-feeding, no other milk is needed.

Other non-dairy milk for infants

If almond milk does not sound like the right option, people who are looking for dairy-free alternatives to give their growing toddler may prefer other plant-based milk, such as:

soy milk
rice milk
oat milk
coconut milk
hemp milk
hazelnut milk

Before buying plant-based milk, always check to ensure they are fortified with vitamins and minerals and are low in sugar.

Source: http://www.healthdiary365.com/2018/06/11/almond-milk-can-babies-and-toddlers-drink-it/