Dairy-free toddler milk drink
If you’re looking for a dairy milk alternative for your toddler, this truly nourishing blend is really simple to make. By the time Sky turned one, he was eating a wide range of solid wholefoods, and I was breastfeeding less. I decided to start supplementing with a wholesome, homemade non-dairy milk (Douglas are raising Sky on a plant-based diet). I’ve adapted this recipe very slightly from one that was developed by a paediatric naturopath. It resonated well with me, and Sky absolutely loves it as part of a balanced diet full of veges, fruit, nuts, grains and legumes – and breastmilk. He’s nourished and happy. It works for us which is why I want to share it – if it doesn’t feel right to you, you can simply leave it here. (See note below before you make the recipe).
PLEASE READ THIS: This milk is not a complete food source for infants and is not recommended for babies under 12 months, or as a formula or breast milk replacement. Please consult a paediatrician or medical specialist before replacing your baby’s current milk. Information on this page should not be taken as medical advice.
Ingredients
- 4 cups plant-based milk* (see notes below)
- 3/4 cup organic coconut milk (look for one with no additives except water)
- 1/4 cup fresh carrot juice (organic carrots best if you can)
- 3 tsp flax seed (linseed) oil
.
Method
Add all ingredients to a large jug or bowl, and whisk to combine. If the coconut milk is cold it may be lumpy – this is okay, the lumps will disappear as the milk heats up.
Keeps in a sealed jar in the fridge for a few days.
To serve, shake vigourously before you pour it into the bottle to incorporate the oil. Warm gently as you usually would (I sit the bottle in hot water until it reaches the proper temperature).
.
Notes
*Choosing a plant-based milk that’s fortified with calcium and vitamin B12 is a good idea to help meet the daily requirements of your toddler. You can find fortified soy (soy has the most protein), cashew and almond milks at the supermarket. (Because I can’t easily find an organic milk that contains those things, I sometimes add my own).
More bioavailable calcium can be found in a wide range of foods such as beans/legumes, leafy greens like spinach, kale and broccoli, and some tofu. Celery juice is packed with calcium, too! I have one every morning.
Thank you. I may just have to try this for my dairy allergic two-year old who hardly eats anything, then seemingly fills up from my breast. He’s been very low weight (2nd percentile at one point) since birth, due to difficulties breastfeeding, and late diagnosis of cows milk allergy. I need to start experimenting with alternatives, as it’s a lot of touching every moment of every day it feels like, and me with probable SPD. Yes he does drink some oat milk and has an oat milk fluffie most days when I have coffee, but I just don’t feel like that’s filling him up, so your drink may just fit the bill and also provide some much needed nutritional value. Might try kale juice instead, nah just kidding.
I love this! What could you recommend as a replacement for carrot juice? You’ve got some great suggestions for calcium boosters, but taste wise the carrot juice I’d imagine is a great addition to its taste. Unfortunately we don’t have a juicer
Can’t wait to make this!! My 16mnth boy has dairy/soy allergies… we are prescribed formula, but can’t help getting the feeling it’s no good for him would rather introduce this!
I would love to know what you add for b12 and calcium if some plant based milks aren’t fortified? Can’t imagine he would like taste of veggies in the milk
Thank you so much for sharing this!
Hi Chelsea, thanks for being brave to post this recipe. My children are all grown up but I am a strong believer child nutrition as I work in ECE. I am aware that this is a supplement food (ie, supplementary to their usual feeding regime)and it is a recipe that I would love to share with whānau at my centre who have children with allergies. I love this recipe! Its full of nutrients! Thanks ????