Plant Based Milks
At 12 months of age if a child is on a formula they can be transitioned to an alternative milk. Breast-feeding should be continued for as long as possible for its superior immune defense and nutrition. Alternative milk may be added as desired to breastfeeding babies' diets after a year of age.
There are an abundance of alternative milks made out of nuts, grains and seeds. Milk can be made of oat, hemp, rice, cashew, almond, soy, flax, coconut and more. They are readily available in healthy food stores and in most grocery stores.
It is surprisingly easy to make alternative milk at home if you have a good blender. It is basically water and your choice of nut, seed or grain. The milk is squeeze through a nutbag to remove the pulp. Add vanilla or sweetener if desired. Making it yourself decreases packaging and can assure a better product., using ingredients that are free of chemicals and additives.
Soy milk and pea milk have by far the most protein. Hemp milk and cashew milk comes in next with oat milk not far behind.. Flax, coconut and rice milk are at bottom of the list where protein is concerned.
There is tremendous variability in protein content in commercially available almond milk. Standard almond milk is not high in protein. However, there are higher protein vegan milks currently offered of many varieties including almond milk. The added protein is often pea protein.
If your child is continuing to breast-feed and enjoys a wide variety of protein rich foods, the protein content of their alternative milk may not be a huge issue. But if you have a child that is depending on a good source of protein in their plant based beverage, it is important to keep protein content in mind. To boost protein content, pea protein can be added to any drink including home made plant based milks.
For proper neurologic development, adequate fat intakes is recommended through the second year of life. Most breast-fed children get plenty of fat from breastmilk. Conversely milk made from rice is low in fat. If your child is at the top of the curve for weight compared to height and enjoys many healthy fats in their diet then rice milk may be the best choice. Coconut milk is higher in fat and may be a good choice for a child who is otherwise not ingesting enough healthy fats through their diet.
In addition to liquid milk, most grocers carry plant based cheeses, yogurts, sour creams and ice creams. These can be added to meals for flavor or eaten as treats and snacks. These newer nut cheeses are not only tastier but much healthier than their predecessors.
It is important to consider whether your plant based milk is supplemented with vitamin D, calcium and B12. Many commercial brands have supplemented formulations. Check the container. Make sure your child is getting adequate supplies of these and all vitamins and minerals in the diet. If not, supplements should be taken.
Their tastes vary. Try them all. Mix it up. Cashew milk is creamy and rich. Hemp and flax milk are a bit more savory. Have a glass for a pick me up. Use them in smoothies and baking. Enjoy a good tasting product free from cruelty and harm.
