Milly Gaines
Dairy and dairy products are a good source of protein and calcium, which help build bones and keep teeth healthy. They also contain vitamin A, which helps the body resist infections and is needed for healthy skin and eyes. However, some toddlers may have an allergy to cow's milk protein or lactose intolerance, which is a common digestive problem where the body is unable to digest lactose, a type of sugar found in milk and dairy products. If your toddler has a dairy allergy or intolerance, it is important to read food labels and teach your child to do the same. A dairy-free diet means removing all animal milk and products made from milk. This can include replacing milk with calcium-fortified dairy alternatives made from plants like soy, coconut, or oats.
How long to remove dairy in a toddler's diet
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| When to introduce dairy | After the first birthday |
| Dairy alternatives | Goat's milk, sheep's milk, soy milk, pea protein milk, oat milk, almond milk, coconut milk, hemp milk |
| Dairy products to avoid | Butter, ghee, cheese, cream, ice cream, yoghurt |
| Dairy-free substitutes | Dairy-free margarine, calcium-fortified dairy-free milk, dairy-free cream, yoghurt, custard, ice cream, cheese, cheese spreads |
| Reintroduction of dairy | Carefully planned with a paediatric medical provider |
| Dairy ladder | Slowly reintroducing dairy products to a baby who has been avoiding milk due to allergy or intolerance |
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What You'll Learn
Dairy-free alternatives
Dairy products are a good source of protein, calcium, and other vitamins and minerals, which help young children build bones and keep teeth healthy. However, some children may have a milk protein allergy or are intolerant of it. In such cases, dairy-free alternatives can be considered.
If your child is on a dairy-free diet, it is important to read food labels and teach your child to do so too. Foods regulated by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) must list "milk" or "contains milk" on the label if the food has milk in it. If you see "may contain milk" or "produced in a facility that also uses milk" on the label, it is safest to avoid these products.
There are several dairy-free alternatives available in the market. Soy milk, for example, has a fairly similar nutrient composition to cow's milk. However, it is important to choose a fortified and organic version to ensure your child is getting all the necessary nutrients. Some children who are allergic to milk may also be allergic to soy. Other milk alternatives include almond milk, cashew milk, macadamia milk, coconut milk, rice milk, hemp milk, pea protein milk, and oat milk. While choosing a milk alternative, it is important to select one that is high in both protein and fat.
There are also dairy-free alternatives to cheese, cream, yoghurt, custard, and ice cream. Hummus is a healthy alternative that adds creaminess to a variety of dishes. It is also high in calcium since it is made with tahini, a calcium-rich food.
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Reading food labels
Dairy products are a good source of protein, calcium, and other vitamins and minerals, and they can form part of a healthy, balanced diet for toddlers. However, some toddlers may have an allergy to cow's milk protein or lactose intolerance. If you suspect your toddler has an allergy or intolerance, it is important to speak to a healthcare professional before making any changes to their diet.
If your toddler needs to avoid dairy, it is important to read food labels carefully. Here are some tips for reading food labels to ensure a dairy-free diet:
- Understand Labeling Laws: Familiarize yourself with the labeling laws in your country or region. In the United States, for example, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) requires that foods regulated by them must list "milk" or "contains milk" if the product contains milk. EU law also mandates that all foods containing milk, even in small quantities, clearly emphasize this on the ingredients list.
- Check Allergen Declarations: Allergen labeling can be a helpful first step in identifying dairy-containing products. However, it is not foolproof, and errors or omissions can occur. Always read the full ingredients list to verify the presence of dairy. Look out for “secret code” words or ingredients that may indicate the presence of dairy, such as whey or caseinate.
- Be Wary of Voluntary Claims: Dairy food manufacturers can include voluntary claims on their labels, such as animal welfare or added dietary ingredients. These claims may not always be regulated, so it is important to read the ingredients list to confirm the presence or absence of dairy.
- Understand Dairy-Free Alternatives: Dairy-free alternatives, such as plant-based milk, cheese, and yogurt, are widely available. However, check their labels carefully. For example, non-dairy foods may still contain milk products, and terms like “lactose-free” or “lactose-reduced" may not be clearly defined, and there may still be lactose present.
- Check Nutritional Information: When choosing dairy-free alternatives, consider their nutritional content. Look for lower fat and lower sugar options. Check the nutrition label for information on fat content, including saturated fat, as well as salt and sugar content, to make healthier choices.
- Consistency and Changes: Food manufacturers may change the ingredients in their products, so it is important to check the labels of all foods you buy every time you purchase them. This ensures that you are aware of any changes in the presence of dairy or other ingredients that may affect your toddler's diet.
Remember, always seek professional medical advice before making significant dietary changes for your toddler, and work with a healthcare provider or dietitian to ensure your child receives adequate nutrition during a dairy-free diet.
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Eating out
Dairy and dairy products are a good source of nutrients and are recommended for toddlers. They are a good source of protein and contain a wide range of vitamins and minerals, including calcium, which helps young children build bones and keep their teeth healthy. However, if your toddler has a dairy allergy or intolerance, you may need to remove dairy from their diet.
If your toddler has a dairy allergy, it is important to always ask if there is any dairy in the items they order when eating out. If the server doesn't know, ask for an ingredient list. If no ingredient list or nutrition label is available, have your child choose something else. You can also call ahead to ask about dairy-free options or check the restaurant's website for allergen information. It is important to remember that even if a dish is usually dairy-free, it could be prepared differently at different restaurants or by different chefs, so always check.
EU law states that all foods containing milk, even in the smallest quantities, must have this clearly emphasised on the ingredients list. However, the word "nondairy" on a product label means it does not contain butter, cream, or milk, but it may have other milk-containing ingredients. The word "lactose-free" does not mean dairy-free. In the US, foods regulated by the FDA must list "milk" or "contains milk" on the label if the food contains milk.
If your child has a dairy allergy, they should always have two epinephrine auto-injectors with them when eating out, and your doctor may recommend an over-the-counter antihistamine as well.
If you are removing dairy from your toddler's diet, it is important to ensure they still get the nutrients they need. Dairy-free alternatives to milk, such as those made from plants like soya, coconuts, or oats, can be a good source of calcium. However, they may also contain high amounts of sugar, so it is important to check the labels. Other sources of calcium include green leafy vegetables, orange juice with calcium added, figs, tofu, and dried beans.
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Allergy vs. intolerance
Dairy products are a good source of protein, vitamins, and minerals, including calcium, which are essential for young children to build bones and keep their teeth healthy. However, in some cases, dairy products may need to be removed from a toddler's diet due to allergies or intolerances.
An allergy occurs when the body's immune system identifies a substance, or allergen, as a harmful invader and releases a chemical called histamine to protect itself. This release of histamine causes symptoms that can range from unpleasant to life-threatening. Allergies can be inherited, but it is not a particular allergy that is passed down; instead, it is the likelihood of having allergies. Allergic reactions can affect various parts of the body, including the eyes, nose, throat, lungs, skin, and gastrointestinal tract. In the case of a cow's milk protein allergy, symptoms may include itchy, watery, red eyes, chronic ear problems, sneezing, and a runny or stuffy nose. Anaphylaxis is a severe and potentially life-threatening allergic reaction that can occur within minutes to hours of exposure to an allergen. It impairs breathing, causes a sudden drop in blood pressure, and can send the body into shock. Many children outgrow their allergies, especially if the allergy started before the age of three.
On the other hand, lactose intolerance is a common digestive problem where the body does not produce enough of the enzyme lactase to break down lactose, a sugar found in dairy products. It is rare in young children and usually develops after the age of three. Lactose intolerance causes discomfort but is not dangerous. Symptoms may include bloating, diarrhoea, loose stools, and gas.
If you suspect your child has a dairy allergy or intolerance, it is important to consult a healthcare professional, such as a GP or a dietitian, before removing dairy from their diet. They can help you manage symptoms and ensure your child still receives the necessary nutrients.
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Calcium and vitamin sources
Dairy products like milk, cheese, and yoghurt are among the best natural sources of calcium. However, if your toddler is lactose intolerant, has a milk allergy, or follows a vegan diet, there are plenty of non-dairy calcium sources available. These include plant-based alternatives like soy, coconut, oat, almond, hazelnut, and hemp milk, which are often fortified with calcium. Additionally, dairy-free cheese, yoghurt, and custard can be good sources of calcium.
When choosing dairy-free alternatives, be mindful of added sugars, as they can contribute to tooth decay. Also, remember that plant sources of calcium may contain "anti-nutrients" like oxalic and phytic acids, which reduce calcium absorption. Processing techniques like soaking, cooking, boiling, sprouting, or fermenting can reduce these anti-nutrients.
To ensure your toddler receives adequate calcium, incorporate calcium-rich foods into their diet. Offer a variety of calcium sources, including plant-based options, alongside other nutrient-dense foods. Some suggestions include making parfaits with layers of plain yoghurt, fruit, and whole-grain cereal, or adding low-fat cheese to snacks and meals.
Vitamin D is also crucial for calcium absorption. It is not prevalent in many children's foods, so supplements are often recommended. Speak to your healthcare provider about your child's vitamin D requirements and whether a supplement is necessary.
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Frequently asked questions
If your toddler has a cow's milk protein allergy, it is important to consult your paediatrician, doctor, health visitor, or dietitian before reintroducing milk to their diet. Many children outgrow this allergy by school age.
Dairy-free margarine, calcium-fortified dairy-free 'milk' substitutes (oat, almond, coconut, hazelnut, soya, and hemp milk), dairy-free cream, yoghurt, custard, ice cream, and cheese are all good alternatives to dairy.
Processed meats such as hot dogs, sausages, and lunch meats often contain milk or are processed on milk-containing lines. Other foods to avoid include butter, cream, cheese, and yoghurt. When eating out, always ask if there is any dairy in the items your child orders. If no ingredient list or nutrition label is available, have your child choose something else.
Dairy is a good source of protein, calcium, and vitamin A. Calcium helps build bones and keep teeth healthy, and vitamin A helps the body resist infections and is needed for healthy skin and eyes. Removing dairy from your toddler's diet may lead to inadequate bone mineralization.
