One of my clients, asked an outstanding question regarding the post entitled: ”What Else is in that Bowl of Milk and Cereal?” It was such a great question that I wanted to address it in an article.
Crystal writes…
Dear Diary of a Nutritionist,
“… I’m switching to almond milk! I was wondering what you’d suggest for young children… the AAP recommends whole milk for children after 1 year of age for healthy development (bone and brain)… my guess would be almond milk, etc. lacks the needed fat content that whole cow’s milk has, so would using organic cow’s milk be the compromise until the fat content wasn’t an issue and children could be switched over to less horrific alternatives, like almond milk?”
Crystal, you are a wonderful and intuitive mother, I can tell this already.
As I addressed in the Multi-Post Series about Milk, Cows milks, is fit for a calf… Not a grown cow, not an infant, not an adolescent and most certainly not for an adult. While organic milk is lacking chemicals and hormones, it is still pasteurized, killing off healthy bacteria, and any vitamins and minerals. It is also important to note that it still contains the slow-digesting, and mucous-forming, protein– casein.
Children that consume milk, organic or not, generally suffer from chronic sinus infections, painful ear infections, and even hyperactivity disorders, such as ADHD.
It is entirely correct to point out that almond milk would not be sufficient nourishment for a growing child. Fat is necessary for all humans, especially infants, when healthy bone and brain development is crucial. All fats are not created equal of course, and therefore it is important to choose the right fats.
Lets take a look at two different fats. Milk fat and Avocado Fat.
1 cup of Whole Milk contains approximately 8 grams of pasteurized milk fat, and 8 grams of the slow-digesting protein, casein. 1 cup of pureed avocado, provides 35 grams of digestible, nutrient dense, raw fat, and 5 grams of easily digestible plant protein. Look at the nutrition facts below for further comparison.
Information was taken from NutritionData.com and commented on by author of this publication.
So… if infants should not have cow milk, how do they receive the proper nutrition necessary for healthy bone and brain development?
Natalia Rose, mentor, renown Clinical Nutritionist, author, and mother of two, beautiful and radiant children (both of which, I have had the pleasure of meeting), suggests combining different variations of fruit, greens and raw fats.
My personal favorite drinks, formulated for optimal growth and development, consist of the following combinations:
- Freshly-pressed Organic Carrot Juice + Organic Romaine Juice + Organic Romaine leaves + Avocado
- Freshly-pressed Organic Carrot Juice + Banana + Avocado + Organic Romaine Leaves
- Organic Peaches + Banana + Organic Romaine Juice and leaves
- Freshly-pressed Orange juice + Banana + Avocado
- Freshly-pressed Organic Pear juice + Avocado + Organic Romaine Leaves
- Freshly-pressed Apple juice + Avocado + Organic Romaine Leaves + 1 stalk celery
Most of these recipes rely on avocado as their main source of fat. It is recommended, and entirely possible to interchange “avocado” for other fats such as:
1. A raw, cold-pressed flax oil.
I recommend organic, cold-pressed oils by Barleans.
2. A tbsp, or two, of raw almond butter.
Make sure that the nut butter is raw and without additives. If you have a high speed blender, you can make this nut butter yourself.
Always make sure the shake is blended until it entirely without lumps. There should be no pointy romaine leaves, or lumps of almond butter. Add water if needed.
Important Note: Do not feed infants raw honey, strawberries, peanut or soy products.
Play around with the combinations. I personally like using Organic Romaine leaves, as they rich in enzymes, and their water is nutrient rich. Organic cucumbers are great for building volume, as they are a very watery vegetable. I do not suggest juicing spinach. A perfect combination is one that contains something green, something sweet, and is balanced with a raw fat (avocado, flax oil, or almond butter). A mother’s milk contains a plethora of nutrients, natural sugar and fat. With the right combination, your baby will love these sweet and nourishing drinks. These nutrient dense, milk alternatives are derived from nature, and raw, just as Mother Nature intended.
——————
Disclaimer: I am not a Dr. All information printed here is based on my own research and from discussions with other holistic nutritionists. As always, it is important to consult your child’s pediatrician before implementing any diet program.
Hi! I’m curious about the beverages you recommend up there. For what age are they suggested for? Do you “Juice” in a juicer or “Blend” in a blender the ingredients? Do you know of any doctors who support a cow milk free diet? What do you think about cheese, butter and yogurt?
Curious if she replied to this comment about the juicer/blender. I have the exact same question.
The Juice is Juiced and the ingredients like romaine and avocado (which do not say juice) are blended. Sorry for the confusion!
I was unable to breastfeed and my daughter could not tolerate any formula due to poor digestion. She had bad colic too. At four months old, my homeopatic doctor and a Dr. Sears book suggested cow’s milk. Even though it is pasturized, we buy it in the refrigerated section (Meyenberg) and add water, it has made all the difference. She no longer has digestive issues since using cow milk products and is happy and healthy. She only eats goat yogurt and goat cheese which are both pasturized, but are not mucuous forming. She has only had one cold in her 18 months of life. Good Luck!!
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the drinks sound great, but do they supply enough calcium? thanks!! weaning baby over to SOMETHING within the next month and i have serious concerns about organic whole milk…
It’s way too late, but I just wanted to say for anyone else reading, that we do not actually obtain our calcium from dairy as most people believe. Calcium is obtained from dark green leafy vegetables!
What is your source on that? That is quite a bold statement, and I am guessing, not true.
Actually, Crystal is right. The milk is very acidic so when you drink it, your body tries to neutralize it so you don’t die. To neutralize, the body uses calcium. And where does it get it? Your bones. So instead of giving you calcium, it takes it from you. Google it and you’ll find multiple sources.
Also, there is a lot of calcium in orange juice
This is SOO helpful. Thank you for such a wonderful article. My one year old has so many intolerances and I’ve just started avocado smoothies w/ success. Great combo ideas above. I freeze lots of avocado in cubes and pull from the freezer when needed. I usually make 2 small smoothie combos per day. I’ll be trying the above next week!!
I am so happy that you found this article useful! Please let me know how these shakes work for you and little one!
I love the suggestions and keen to suggest to clients and friends. I was just wondering if you have had any feedback from Mum’s by now and whether the high fibre content compared to milk is a pro or a con for young children.
I would not be concerned about the fiber content as o pertains to digestion. Animal Milk (not a human mother’s) is very difficult for babies to digest. Plant proteins, especially minimal amounts in blended form are much gentler and friendlier, even aiding the colon. If your concern is digestion, start small and see how your child reacts. Let me know!
Thanks for the reply. We’re going to give it a try!
No problems with digestion here – my daughter is almost 14 months. And…she’s had her fair share of digestion issues! I am so relieved we’ve finally found a great alternative to cow milk. I make almond milk every other day for her (always seem to have almonds soaking on the counter…for better digestion) – she drinks about 15 ounces per 24 hours. Sooo…there’s some almond milk feedback for you!
Thank you for this!!! My 9mo will be transitioning soon and I am so worried about cow’s milk for him! I’ll talk to the pediatrician tomo and see what he thinks
Thank you so mush for this post!! My 12 month old daughter has had digestive issues since birth. I have been to doctor after doctor for the past year with no improvement. Through a milk scan they have found she has extremely slow digestion. In 1 hour she had only digested 25% of her stomach’s contents. Their advice is to give her a small dose of an antibiotic 3 times a day?!! This seems crazy to me but they are 100% confident this is “safe” and the “only” solution. I have been so discouraged! Then I read this article….. I am so excited to try out these recipes!! I have been so worried about the imminent switch to whole milk. I felt like I had no other option! Thank you so much for the hope AND information! Any further information or advice on the subject would be greatly appreciated!!
Would love to hear how she does! Send me an email to lauren@theglowdetoxdiet.com
HI Nicole! Just wanted to offer support as well if you need it! My daughter is 16 months and had a very difficult first year w/ digestion as well. When we switched to homemade almond milk at a year – everything was so simplified and worked so wonderfully! The recipes from Lauren are wonderful!! Good luck!
I would also like to know how this works for you and your daughter. My sister in law has a 3 month old with digestion as well and she, I am sure, is only digesting 25% of her food. She is very under weight. I am currently 20 weeks pregnant and currently researching milk alternatives for my newborn because there is the possibility I may not be able to breast feed and I don’t trust baby formulas; especially with the new research out about brown corn syrup that is in most formulas and contains high levels of arsenic. If anyone can provide me with more information that would be wonderful!
If you could post an update on the forum about your daughter or email me as well: mdc5113@gmail.com That would be great!
Hi Megan – I was unable to breastfeed and it was so devastating – I’m already afraid in thinking of whether we will have another child and how I will feed him/her. I too will research a lot in trying to think through the best alternative when he/she is first born. There just HAS to be better alternatives out there than what is available on ‘the shelves’ – I think formula companies and doctors use scare tactics to be honest with you?? Real food is where it’s at.
As far as almond milk goes – It would need a lot of fortifying? Extra fats like organic virgin coconut oil (lauric acid – found in breastmilk!) and such.
I’m curious if Lauren has any thoughts on this. It has been so wonderful feeding it to my 16 month old after such a horrible first year w/ feeding issues – but – I started her on it at 12 months – after she was on solids. So, for a newborn – I don’t know what would need to be added.
I will email you a quick note so you have my address…:)
Have either of you thought about milk banks? I can’t remember the name of the website but there is a program where women donated their breast milk that they pumped. I am not sure if either of you have the option to pump. I pumped for 10 months. Things really went down hill in the last two months when we switched to organic formula. Maybe if you pumped and cut dairy out of your own diet? Not sure what your options are so I just thought I would throw it all out there. As an update on my 12 month old things are looking up… knock on wood. We switched her to almond milk and and have been giving her avocado smoothies a couple of times a day. She seems like a brand new child?! Happy… giggly… very mobile…out of no where?! I don’t KNOW that it was the diet change but I certainly think so. Time will tell. We had her 12 month check up today and got the thumbs up from the pediatrician. After I give it a little more time I will update again. Good luck!!
Hellos again, Megan! I lost your email address and am curious to hear how you and your baby are doing? How about your sister-in-law and her little one?
AJ My baby girl is now 2 months old and is such a joy! I did not produce enough breast milk to satisfy my angel so I started her out on goats milk with organic grade B maple syrup for added nutrients. Based on the research of goats milk being close to breast milk in nutrients it was my 1st choice to start her off. I however do not take well to milk of another animal but can tolerate it but did not consider my daughter having the same allergy as me (silly). The goat milk gave her much gas that would get trapped in her tummy (not a happy baby) so I immediately went to my 2nd choice for milk with nutrients and started her on coconut milk with organic grade B maple syrup for added nutrients. I also add probiotics to her milk once a day for extra nutrients. I started off making my own coconut milk but the straining was not an easy task and itty bitty pieces of coconut were clogging her bottle. So, I now purchase already made coconut milk. It comes just as soy and almond milk come in the box. To also help with her gas I have been giving her “lemonade” from the master cleanse and that has done wonders for her. I am firm believer in the research of Stanley Burroughs (the master cleanse) and after already switching my little one to coconut milk I read The Master Cleanse again and he states in his research that children should never be on cow or goat milk and should be on coconut milk; if not cocnut milk than almond milk. He then explains that they should receive the lemonade in between feedings. Since I have been feeding her coconut milk and giving her lemonade she has been healthy, not under weight, not over weight, all smile, and her gas (if any) comes out and does not get trapped in her belly.
From the Master Cleanse:
“FEEDING YOUR BABY
The mother should nurse all her babies if at all possible. There is no real substitute. Cows and goats
mild is for their babies and is not suitable for the human baby. It creates mucus and other problems just
the same as in adults, including colds and infectious diseases.
Correct food, reflex stimulation, and color therapy will assure the mother all the milk she needs for her
baby. Where mother’s mild is not available the best replacement is coconut milk— see recipe. With this,
give the baby about 8 ounces of lemonade in between regular feedings. To the regular formula for
lemonade add about double the amount of water until the infant is about 6 months old and then gradually
change to regular strength. A nursing baby should begin to be weaned in 9 months and be eating regular
foods after that.
Commercially prepared baby foods and baby formulas are unfit for the balanced need of a healthy baby.
Recent articles and TV reports indicate these foods are very undesirable always. Prepare fresh food
from fruit, vegetables, berries, and seeds. The baby has no need for any of the animal or fish products.
Use pure maple syrup instead of sugar”
As for my niece, my sister in law is not big on research and is not very proactive (it is what it is). So, my niece, unfortunately in still on formula but they had to change her to a sensative recipe. She is doing much better and has now gained weight. I am trying to get them to switch her over to coconut milk but not everyone is ready for what is not “common”
All the research I have done before my angel and daily made me decide to start a “Mommie Blog”. Once it is up and running it be great if you and other moms would check it out! The purpose is just to get information out to mothers from my own experiences and research as I make this journey with my own little one. I will have to direct people to this blog as well because you share so much information as well and the women that post their information on here helping each other!
Soon my little one will be on solids with her milk so I will have to let you know how that goes. She has already been introduced to pureed pears and loves them. Each mom has to do what works for THEIR baby and listen to their intuition!
Hi Nicole, I’m guessing your daughter was diagnosed with gastroparesis. I too have this syndrome, but was opposed to the antibiotic “solution.” What helped me was limiting fiber and fat (butter and oils) intake. I know the fiber limitation sounds counterproductive healthwise, but 10% of the population cannot digest a lot of fiber. I still eat fiber (probably 15 grams per day). I also switched to a gluten-free diet and had major improvements after that. I know you posted this quite a few months back, so hopefully your daughter is doing well now. Best of luck!
I read that a lot of people are relying on their peds for information. I can state that no pediatrician I’ve ever been to has suggested anything other than cow’s milk. As well as a bunch of other things not necessary for a child’s “healthy” nutrition. My granddaughters all have cow milk allergies, as does myself and their parents. When eating cereal and the like, we use almond milk. I also use it for cooking. I use unsweetened unflavored almond milk. NO allergies whatsoever! I would recommend seeking the advice of a natural path, as they give sounder advice.
After the crazy runaround with different kinds of formula, my 8 month old has had some terrible reactions and now we’re finally using soy as it has been an okay alternative for him. I don’t want to be using this, but have been unsure about switching him to almond milk as such a young age. I do know a couple people who have had their babies drinking almond milk and supplementing with Barleans around this age. Any thoughts?
Can you get goat milk?
I would suggest checking out detoxtheworld.com — detox families. there is so much useful information on there for mothers.
How do you associate painful ear infections with consuming milk?
Are you feeding your baby not elevated? A babies pallet is not developed yet so when a baby is not elevated while eating milk then goes into their ears.
What’s rhw difference between romain juice and romain leaves juice?
*the, *romaine. Also, recipes please on how to make the juices?
The difference is… one you JUICE, and one you blend…
When you juice romaine, you are removing the fibers– you get the beneficial sugars, vitamins, minerals, water, etc.
When you include the romaine fiber– you get the whole deal. It adds more bulk. Both are beneficial.
What is romaine and where do you get it?
Romaine is a lettuce. You can purchase it at most any grocery.
My 2yr old is only 5% for weight and pediatrician recommends staying on whole but he loves loves almond milk. Would this be ok for him if I supplement fats w/avocado?
I would try the whole deal. Almond milk is a great substitute for milk and a fabulous transitional food for adults and kiddos. As for babies though, you really want to make sure they are getting as much raw and unpocessed foods as possible. Try these smoothies in their whole form, not just choosing certain ingredients. Your son will love these smoothies options and you will be teaching him to love veggies at such as young age. Wonderful!!
Hi Rachel! This article from Lauren helped me so much when my daughter turned one and I transitioned her to homemade almond milk. Shes now two and still has aout 8 ounces a day. She’s never had dairy due to intolerances and allergies and is thriving on her almond milk! Give it a shot…make your own and make it ‘heavy’ to up your son’s fats. Maybe transition slowly in case his tummy needs to adjust? Good luck!
Great article, but I was wondering why you do not recommend jucing spinach? I’ve been giving my son who is 8months a green juice which contains spinach, celery,cucumber,kale and parsley and he seems fine. I’m worried that I might be doing the wrong thing. Please advise. Many thanks.
I’m no expert on juices for kids, but there is a good concensus that kale and spinach are 2 of the top superfoods (kale is best), and I eat them daily. I don’t see how you could go wrong. With your blend of vegetables, you are actually giving him some of the best gifts of nature. However, choose organic, specially for kids! Leafy vegetables are part of the dirty dozen when it comes to pesticides and other harmful chemicals.
Thank you for your input and kind comments!
Just a note for the moms out there wondering about upping fats for their little ones who are not consuming dairy. Besides avocado, i give organic virgin coconut oil to my little one…a couple of teaspoonfuls per day. Honestly…it has made a huge difference in her skin, energy levels and overall health. Thanks again, Lauren, for this article!
To- Nicole Brewer
Thanks for your comment! Any updates on the almond milk and avocado smoothies would be appreciated!!
I think my 13 month old son has a mild allergy/sensitivity to casein (or something in milk). He is continually sick with sinus problems. Four separate sinus like “viruses” in the last 6 weeks and constant runny nose even when he’s “well”. It seems to do a bit better after switching him to almond milk recently, but I know that its not nutritionally acceptable for a growing toddler.
Anyway, I work, so I was hoping to make a milk-replacement drink in bulk. Will a carrot-avacado-almond milk combo stay safe for three days? I know it will lose some of its nutrition due to oxidation etc, but I have to be practical. Would it be okay to buy avacado oil and mix it with almond milk? Is there anything protein dense that I can easily add? If it can be easily mixed daily then I can expect the babysitter to make it up fresh daily and I can give him the more complicated drinks on the weekends. AHHH!! I just want my healthy little boy back!
Hi,
What would you give to a 4 month child? I don’t want to give cow milk and cannot produce enough maternal milk. Do you have an alternative since all vegetable milk miss something?
Thanks!
I give my little one goat milk. I was not able to breast feed and began giving her breast milk since birth. She is now a healthy 8 month old. Her doctor is a DO, which get more education than an MD, and he approved goat milk. It is easier to digest than cows milk because it has a different protein. It also is considered to have the closest amount of nutrients to a mothers breast milk. Some recipes moms add ingredients for extra nutrients but it is not necessary. I have a lot of research I can share with you.
mdc5113@gmail.com
I am so excited to try these shakes and other tips, thanks everyone for your advice. My son is 14 months old and has had 3 ear infections and 2 rounds of croupe so hoping if I cut out dairy, he will benefit. I went and did all of my shopping at a local organic co-op today and am rearing to get started. On another note………….Can anybody recommend a link or site that I can find the Daily Value requirements for a 1-2 year old? I want to make sure that while I am doing this diet change that my son is still getting a well balanced variety of fats/cholesterol/calcium etc each day but dont know what all of the requirements are. Other then 900-1000 calories seems to be the norm.
If anybody would like to e-mail me outside of this forum with advice or experience feel free as well. Chexrider@yahoo.com
Audra,
Have you checked out Detox Families at http://www.Detoxtheworld.com?
There is some wonderful support and material that should be very helpful for you.
Would this be suitable for adding to an 8 month old’s diet? Unable to express the amount required for his daily needs and he will need a supplement. Trying to get my head around giving him something other than a traditional milk/milk substitute.
Hello! It was great to read this all. Thank-you!! I have a one year old daughter and am starting to wean her. My question would be, how much avocado would she need to eat per day in order to get enough of that good fat?
What is the concensus on Hemp Milk as an alternative for my 11mo. Looking to transition at a year. Also, I am breastfeeding and will continue to as long as we both like, so is there still a need to provide a milk alternative. I will be making these types of smoothies/drinks as healthy snacks and nutrient sources but was wondering how bf factors in.
Can not take the time to read many of the Q&A at the moment, but those I did read all dealt with the bovine milk source. What is your take on unpasteurized/raw goats milk? On a rare occasion my husband would bring home a nest of kitties for us to raise and without exception they would all get the diarrhea and eventually die on cows milk, but my cuzzin suggested goats milk and they did OK on that. She said goats milk was a safe alternative for any baby animal if mothers milk was not available, including human babies and we have known families in the area that did so. I am lactose intolerant and have switched to almond and occasionally coconut milk, depending on the store’s availability, but still eat some milk solid foods OK.