When Your Baby Refuses to Drink Milk

Some babies and young children suddenly refuse to drink milk. If this is not due to illness or teething, it may simply be that they no longer want it. Don't force them: from 6 months onwards, calcium can be obtained in many other ways. What's important is that your child gets enough of it, as calcium is essential for proper bone development.

How much calcium does your child need?

Daily calcium requirements vary by age: infants over 6 months need around 270 mg, children aged 1 to 3 years need 500 mg, and children aged 4 to 8 years need 800 mg. A glass of milk (240 ml) provides approximately 240 mg. The same amount of calcium can be found in two slices of hard cheese, a small pot of plain yogurt, or half a ball of mozzarella.

Milk in another form

If your child refuses plain milk, try offering it in other ways:

• Foamy milk with a pinch of cocoa powder
• Milk porridge with fruit or flavored varieties
• Flan, panna cotta, or a fruit and milk smoothie
• Pancakes or waffles made with milk

If your child also reacts poorly to formula-based porridge, a gluten-free, cow's milk protein-free, and soy-free cereal porridge is a good alternative—it still contains calcium as well as essential vitamins and minerals.

Milk alternatives

Yogurt, kefir, and buttermilk are all excellent substitutes. Start with plain yogurt before moving on to fruit varieties to limit sugar intake. Plain yogurt pairs well with fresh fruit, raisins, honey, or muesli, and can be blended to make a topping for pancakes. Kefir can be used to make fruit smoothies or as a base for quark.

Other calcium-rich foods

Dairy products are not the only source of calcium. Good non-dairy alternatives include broccoli, kale, Brussels sprouts, sardines, beans, figs, spinach, sesame seeds, almonds, and hazelnuts. From age 2, cheese becomes a practical addition to your child's diet: in sandwiches, incorporated into a sauce, or grated over pasta. Be sure to keep portions moderate, as it is high in fat.

What about other nutrients in milk?

Milk also provides vitamins A, D, and B2, as well as protein, phosphorus, magnesium, and potassium. If your child doesn't drink milk, make sure they get these nutrients from other sources:

• Vitamin A: found in eggs, butter, and cream. Essential for good vision and proper development.
• Vitamin D: found in eggs and liver. Promotes calcium absorption and bone development; a deficiency can lead to rickets and frequent infections.
• Proteins: found in legumes, dried figs, and cereals such as amaranth and quinoa.

If tests reveal a deficiency, your doctor may recommend vitamin or mineral supplements in the form of syrup or tablets.

In summary

Milk is not the only way to meet your child's nutritional needs. With a little imagination, you can ensure they get all the calcium, vitamins, and minerals they need, even if they refuse to drink a single glass.