Due to a variety of advantages it offers, almond milk has recently gained attention. It is a fantastic substitute for breast milk or infant formula milk because it is vegan and dairy-free. It’s also a great option for milk for your baby because it’s full of nutrients and fats.
But most parents are unaware that infants can also drink almond milk. This blog will discuss everything related to almond milk for babies, including whether or not your baby can consume almond milk and its advantages.
Can infants drink almond milk?
As a dietary supplement, almond milk can be given to children over the age of 12 months who are lactose intolerant or who must avoid dairy products for other reasons.
Only breast milk or infant formula should be consumed by infants younger than 12 months.
Nutrients like calcium, vitamin D, and protein may be lacking in plant-based milks like almond milk. They shouldn’t be used in place of breast milk or formula for developing infants.
For infants and kids who are lactose intolerant or refrain from dairy for other reasons, almond milk is a nutritious choice. It offers additional calories and potassium without the milk’s saturated fat and is a good source of vitamin D and potassium.
Make sure the alternative milk you select for your child is calcium- and vitamin D-fortified. Instead of dairy milk, take into account plant milk made from soy or another nut.
Babies under 2 years old must consume breast milk or infant formula in addition to a variety of foods to meet their nutritional needs. It’s important to watch how much plant milk infants and young children are consuming during their first year of life because too much plant milk may result in an inadequate intake of essential nutrients.
How does almond milk stack up against cow’s milk?
Almond milk is a dairy-free substitute for cow’s milk that is high in nutrients like vitamins and minerals and low in fat and calories. It works well as a milk substitute in many recipes, especially those that call for the creamy consistency of milk.
Compared to a single cup of whole cow’s milk, which has 8g of fat, almond milk only has 2.5g of fat per serving. It is a healthier option to cow’s milk because it also contains 2.3g of dietary cholesterol and 8.8g of dietary sodium.
Almond milk offers calcium and potassium in addition to other vital vitamins and minerals, just like cow’s milk does. However, because it contains significantly less vitamin A than cow’s milk (2% vs. 21%), it is a good alternative for kids who are vitamin-A deficient or avoid dairy products.
Since almond milk does not have the same nutritional profile as cow’s milk, it is important to talk with a healthcare professional about whether it will give a child enough nutrition.
Should infants drink almond milk?
The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) strongly supports breast milk as the best nutrition for infants of all ages. Although breast milk is a nutrient-rich food that is secure and healthy for infants, it is expensive and not always readily available. This is why the AAP advises that infants younger than 12 months only consume breast milk or infant formula. When experimenting with different milks, breastfeeding experts advise choosing cow’s milk for infants and almond milk only for children who have lactose intolerance or a dairy allergy.
Due to its nutty flavor and advantageous health properties, almond milk is a preferred substitute for dairy milk. It lacks, though, the calcium, protein, and vitamin D that are crucial for growth. Additionally, soy milk is an exception to this rule because it is a wholesome substitute for cow’s milk and can be helpful for children who have dairy allergies or lactose intolerance. Almond milk should only be consumed with a doctor’s approval because it doesn’t have the same nutrients or health benefits as dairy milk.
Is almond milk suitable for young children?
For infants with lactose intolerance or dairy allergies, almond milk is a fantastic replacement option. It can be a tasty and nutritious substitute for cow’s milk, and some health advantages, such as helping with brain development, have been noted.
However, it’s important to speak with your baby’s doctor about the health advantages and disadvantages of almond milk before you give it to your child. Prior to using the almond milk, be sure to carefully read the nutrition information on the bottle and adhere to any dietary recommendations made by your doctor.
Almond milk is a healthy plant-based alternative milk that can be a good source of vitamins and nutrients for developing babies. However, babies shouldn’t receive it until they are at least 12 months old.
Why can’t infants drink almond milk?
For infants, almond milk is a tasty and healthy substitute for cow’s milk, but it’s important to follow health precautions when giving it to your child. For infants younger than one, the primary dietary sources should be breast milk or formula. In some situations, almond milk can be a good alternative to breast milk or infant formula, but you should always talk to your doctor before giving it to your baby. A pediatrician should be consulted before weaning a lactose-intolerant or milk-allergic baby onto almond milk. Additionally, make sure to only use almond milk sparingly and in conjunction with a full meal.
Conclusion
For infants who cannot tolerate dairy products, almond milk is an alternative. Given that it is nut-based, lactose-free, and loaded with calcium and vitamin E, it makes a good alternative to breast milk or formula milk. Almond milk is a great source of calcium and other nutrients for infants, just like any other milk substitute. However, in a baby’s diet, neither breast milk nor infant formula can be substituted. We sincerely hope that this article has improved your understanding of almond milk. Please feel free to ask any questions in the comments section below if you have any. Good luck with your reading!