Toddler not drinking milk?

My toddler is refusing milk

As your toddler grows up and learns to assert their independence, it's common for them to lose interest in their milk. Although up until now they've happily enjoyed the familiar taste of milk and the comfort it brings, it's often the first thing to go once they learn the meaning of ""no"" – especially as they begin to realise there is a whole other world of tempting alternatives available.

Yet milk still plays a valuable nutritional role in your toddler's diet. If they aren't keen on drinking milk straight from their beaker, there are ways to make sure they get enough. For example, milk served with cereal or as part of a sauce still counts as towards their intake, and simple tricks like heating their milk will give them a nice bedtime treat. Read on to discover why milk is so important and get tips on ways to include milk in your toddler's diet.

My toddler is refusing milk

Your growing toddler may be eating three meals a day, but their milk is still important as it provides them with a lot of nutrients.

Giving them three dairy servings a day (120ml milk counts as one serving) divided into milk drinks, cereal, cooking and other dairy products will ensure they get many of the nutrients that are essential for keeping them healthy.

Getting milk into your toddler's diet

Many toddlers go through a fussy-eating phase, especially when it comes to milk. Try these tips to encourage your toddler to enjoy more milk:

Start their day with a milky bowl of muesli or porridge
Include warm milk in their bedtime routine; sit together and let your toddler enjoy their milk while you wind down with a cup of tea.
A new beaker or an exciting cup that's used especially for milk will make it seem like more of a treat.
If your toddler usually has cold milk, try warming it up or vice versa.

More than just milk

Aptamil Growing Up milk 1+yr is nutritionally superior to cows' milk, and is suitable for toddlers aged from 1-3 years. It contains our unique blend of GOS/FOS prebiotics. Just 300ml will provide your toddler with more than half of the iron they need each day, plus vitamins D and C which are essential for your toddler's healthy development.

If you have any questions about your toddler's diet, our team of baby feeding advisors, experienced mums and healthcare professionals are here to talk you through them. Give them a call anytime on 0800 996 1000, or ask them online via Live Chat, our confidential, instant messaging service available from 8am to 8pm, Monday to Friday.

2 comments

duddu said...

thank youuuuu

26 October 2010 11:52

lissa117 said...

I was worried recently about my eight yr old not getting enough calcium. It then dawned on me that she eats oodles of cereal with milk. This can be the same with toddlers. Although up until one year of age they need to be on baby milk/formula for the correct age or breast milk. It doesn't matter so much that their not drinking the milk if their eating it. If they are supposed to consume eight or nine ounces of milk then it doesn't matter if they have had it mixed in food instead of in a bottle, Provided you try the bottle first and they are well hydrated. At the end of the day if the nutrients are going in then there going in. I make up my nine month old's breakfast cereal with baby milk. that's at least four or five ounces with each breakfast. If you subtract that from what their supposed to be drinking in a bottle per day then your not left with that much. Their tastes will change with their level of activity. If your really worried that their not drinking enough milk then give the bottle ahead of the solids. At the end of the day if your toddler is drinking and eating the majority of what their supposed to then you are both doing well. Each child is different. if the baby or toddler isn't failing to thrive or seeming overly upset and is active and healthy and sleeping/wetting nappies then just relax as no one child is the same. Its very easy to beat yourself up as a parent it really is. Going to baby weigh in clinics is good as you can keep an eye on the child's weight and well being. Are they following the line on growth charts? if so then STOP WORRYING! I myself am five foot ten and my eldest is VERY tall for her age, however my youngest is TINY. She isn't unhealthy but she is just petite. She follows the line of the 50th centile, whilst me and my eldest as babies followed the 100th centile. If your baby seems fractious or ill then TAKE THEM TO A DR. If they seem happy in their work and they are taking in the majority of baby milk and some good varied solid food in the three or four months leading to a year then STOP WORRYING and cut yourself some slack!! I wish you the best of luck. PS. in summer months if the baby is thirsty and it is hot, then you can also add some cooled boiled water or if breast fed then offer the baby your breast a little more often

4 January 2012 00:22

Toddler refusing milk

My toddler is refusing milk

A Healthy Toddler Diet