Substitute for cow’s milk for a baby?
My baby is going to be one soon, and off formula (formula feeding was not by choice). I know the standard is to give him cow milk, but we’ve changed our diets, and are phasing out meat, dairy, etc
I’m just wondering WHAT I can give him in place of cow milk? Is soy OK for a toddler? And is it really necessary for him to have milk in a bottle or sippy? He has started eating our food and baby food, does he really need 5 bottles full of milk every day? Can a baby have too much soy? Would rice milk be as good? And why do Dr.’s say to give them so much milk?
I’d appreciate BOTH sides of the argument here, has anyone ever had problems from giving a baby NO milk? Or, what did you use if your vegetarian/vegan/pescotarian?
Thanks for your help!
Ok, I am so done with yahoo answeres, people DON’T READ. Soon to be off formula, so I don’t need formula suggetions. I asked about soy, not breast milk (did you see the ‘not by choice’ comment???) and yes, common sense is to ask a Dr, but I’d like to get some ideas first. Thanks for telling me to call my Dr. Drs do not know everything, mine also says to eat meat at least once a day, which I don’t agree with.
Has anyone out there actually fed a vegetarian child? What did you use other than cow milk?
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5 comments a "Substitute for cow’s milk for a baby?"
For a baby. try a goat’s milk formula if you can find it. It’s the second best thing after breastmilk.
My daughter had to have Soy Milk. Best to talk with ones own doctor and not the net.
Dairy products contain cow somatic cells (pus) and though dairy industries and federal regulations are in place to limit somatic cell counts in dairy products (like milk, which goes on to produce pastries, cheeses, and other processed, pre-packaged products), they are still consumed by humans when we consume them. Newborns have sensitivities to many foods and beverages, since their digestive systems are still developing. Feeding cow’s milk to babies is becoming increasingly frowned upon by the medical community, and mothers are being encouraged to give alternative milk products to infants.
Soy- based products are also the source of many allergens, even though soy-based formulas are available for infants. In fact, many within the medical community advise AGAINST feeding nuts and nut-based foods to children until the age of four, when the allergic effects of such foods can be more safely determined.
As a raw foodist, I make my own milk by blending almonds and water, and straining the pulp. I repeat this process, and filter the milk four times. I then add a little nutmeg and cinnamon. While this may be an option for when your child gets older, but for now, I recommend the following:
Breastfeeding. A mother’s breastmilk is equipped with the nutrients and immunity-building components necessary for THAT child’s development, AND helps increase the bond between mother and child. However, if you have consumed prescription/ illegal drugs and alcohol excessively….maybe not. However, rice milk may be an option; of course, consult your doctor.
I would also suggest the water from young thai coconuts; you can use a hammer to crack them open, and can store the water *usually between 8-12oz per coconut* in a carafe in your refridgerator for up to 4 days. Thai young coconut has many healing and wellness-building properties.
I would consult the baby’s doctor. Just let them know about your dietary changes and ask if they have any suggestions. Soy milk would probably be ok, but I don’t think it has enough fat in it, and fat is the reason you give your baby whole milk and not skim milk. You might be able to give them soy and make up for the fat somewhere else, but it would need to be healthy fat. I would definitely consult the doctor first.
Rice milk, soy milk, Almond milk. Tofu, orange juice, green leafy veggies and beans.
Vegetarian Diets: Advantages for Children
Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine
Some cookbooks for veggie moms -
The Vegetarian Mother’s Cookbook – Cathe Olson
Raising Vegetarian Children – Joanne Stepaniak
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