Best alternatives to cow's milk for children

Cow's milk is a great natural source of many nutrients including protein, calcium, vitamin b12, calcium and even riboflavin. However, some kids can develop an intolerance to cow's milk which can cause some of the following symptoms:

Cow's milk intolerance symptoms

• Gas, Diarrhea or constipation

• Eczema

• Chronic Chest congestion

• Ear infections

• Reflux

• Chronic Nasal Congestion

Thankfully, there are many other alternatives to cow's milk. Here are a few of them:

Alternative to cow's milk

Sheep's milk

Goat's milk

Soy milk

Coconut milk

Rice milk

Oat milk

Almond milk

Hemp Milk

Now, keep in mind that although nuts and plants milk are a good alternative to animal's milk, they do not contain the same amount of vitamins especially if they are homemade as they have not been fortified, meaning, no vitamins and nutrients were added to them. Here's a table that describes the nutrients in cow's milk versus plant and nut milk.

Look at the difference on the amount of protein between whole milk and all the other ones. Protein is a nutrient that is required for a child's growth and development. This micronutrient is needed for the health and development of bones, teeth, muscles, hair and even for the proper function of the immune system.

With that in mind. if your child has not been diagnosed with cow milk protein allergy but does show symptoms of having an intolerance to it then a great alternative to it may be goat's milk.

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Is Goat Milk a good option?

Goat milk is easier to digest as it forms a small and soft curd in the tummy. The protein in goat's milk is broken down faster than cow's milk protein which can alleviate some of the symptoms related to cow's milk intolerance.

A great way to find out if your child has an intolerance to cow's milk is by slowly transitioning from cow's milk products to goat's milk within a process of five days and watching for any side effects. If you have a baby who is on a traditional formula that uses cow milk as a base, here's how you can help your baby transition from a cow milk based formula to a goat milk based formula.

How to transition from cow milk formula to goat milk formula

Day one :

1 oz of goat's milk

3 oz current formula or milk

Day two:

2 oz goat's milk

2 oz current formula or milk

Day three:

3 oz goat's milk

1 oz current formula or milk

Day four:

3 oz goat's milk

1 oz current formula or milk

Day five:

4 oz goat's milk

For higher quantities just simply double the amount of milk.

Also read: 30+ baby food recipe ideas

How to choose the right goat's milk products for your children

Choosing the right goat's milk products for your children is detrimental to their tummy health. You want to pick products that are organic and have a commitment to use milk that are sourced from goats that are on a pasture diet, do not consume GMO foods and that are not given any antibiotics or growth hormones.

Our family really enjoys using the Kabrita products as they source their milk from the Netherlands where there is a limit on the use of antibiotics, growth hormones and pesticides used on goats, making their goat's milk best suitable for children consumption.

Here's a table with nutritional facts and comparison of Kabrita's goat milk toddler formula versus other milk

They also carry products for both babies and toddlers including formula, porridge and even snacks. My kids love their goat milk cheese puffs and I am at peace knowing that they are eating a snack that is free of GMO and other harmful additives.

If you want to give Kabrita a try, they offer a free sample of their products that includes formula, porridge and cheese snacks, you don't even have to pay for shipping so you literally have nothing to lose by trying it.

You can also get 10% off your order at Kabrita.com when you use coupon code GENTLEKABRITA at checkout. Coupon only valid one per customer.

Also read: GOAT MILK RECIPES