Previously, we covered which herbs are safe for toddlers and which should be avoided. Now, let’s discover about dairy products!
Can my toddlers consume dairy products?
According to a research, your toddler needs to have two or three servings of milk or other dairy products daily. This shows that it is important for your toddler to have dairy products in their diet as it provides essential nutrients like calcium, minerals, and vitamins. However, there are certain dairy products that you need to keep an eye out for when it comes to your toddler’s safe consumption. So, which dairy products are toddler-friendly and which aren’t?
Let’s find out together, shall we?
Safe Dairy Products for Toddlers
Tofu
Tofu is safe for your toddler to eat. It is rich in essential nutrients like protein and calcium which helps develop your toddler’s bones and teeth. It can also boost your kid’s immunity and cell growth. Just watch out for any allergic reactions.
Yoghurt
New mummies can try feeding their toddlers yoghurt. Yoghurt is high in minerals, vitamins, calcium, and good bacteria. All of these are great to improve your toddler’s immune system and gut health. Mummies can feed their children with yoghurt along other superfoods like nuts and vegetables.
Soy milk
Your toddlers are safe to consume soy milk! It has many high-quality nutrients which can improve your kid’s brain development and immunity. Your toddlers may also drink it with other foods like nuts and dates.
Goat’s milk
Your children can have some goat’s milk! Goat’s milk contains a lot of calcium, vitamins, and protein. All of these are great for your toddler’s overall health. This milk can help to improve your toddler’s strength and immune system.
Cow’s milk
Aside from goat’s milk, cow’s milk is also a great dairy product for your little ones! Cow’s milk is high in calcium, vitamins, and minerals. The calcium in cow’s milk helps promote your toddler’s nervous system, bone, and teeth development. Additionally, cow’s milk can also moisturise your kid’s skin and boost his immune system.
Bean curd sheet (Yuba)
Bean curd sheets or yuba are great for your toddlers. It is high in calcium, protein, phosphorus, and iron. This dairy product can improve your toddler’s nervous system development and energy level. In addition, bean curd sheets can also help lower your kid’s cholesterol level and promote bone development.
Whipped cream
Mummies can feed their toddlers with whipped cream too! Whipping cream contains nutrients, fat, calcium, protein, and vitamins, which are great for your toddler’s health. This dairy product can help to lessen the risk of obesity. Additionally, whipped cream is already pasteurised and homogenised, which can help to kill bacteria otherwise in the milk.
Consume in Moderation
Butter
Your little ones may have butter in moderate amounts. It is a great source of calcium, vitamin A, D, and E. Calcium can help to build your toddler’s bones and lower the risk of obesity. In addition, butter may also promote your kid’s eye and skin health—especially for wound healing and skin inflammation.
Milkshake
Your toddler can have some milkshake too! Milkshakes are rich in carbohydrates, protein, and fat. Milkshakes can help to strengthen your toddler’s bones and muscles. It can also help to boost your toddler’s energy level. Mummies can make their own milkshake at home and add some other superfoods like fruits and nuts for extra goodness! Just remember to add sugar in moderation—preferably, none. Now, your toddlers can enjoy their milkshakes with ease.
Ice-cream
Mummies can feed their kids ice-cream in moderate amounts. Ice-cream contains calcium, proteins, and minerals. It can help to promote strong bones for your little one. However, it might contain a lot of sugar, preservatives, and fat. So, mummies may try a healthier version at home. You may add honey and less sugar to your ice-cream. Mummies can also try adding other foods like fruit and nuts!
Fried gluten balls
You may feed your kids with fried gluten balls. However, do so in moderation as it is oily which might lead to constipation and indigestion.
Goat cheese
Your toddlers are safe to consume goat cheese. Goat cheese is rich in vitamins, minerals, and calcium, all of which is needed by your toddler. You may cook it, bake it with chicken or sprinkle it on salad. Remember to opt for pasteurised goat cheese!
Feta cheese
It is fine to feed moderate quantities of feta cheese to your toddlers. Feta cheese is rich in calcium, vitamins, and other nutrients. All of these are great to promote your toddler’s health. It also can help to improve his bone strength, immunity, and digestive health. Nevertheless, feta cheese contains a lot of salt, cholesterol, and fat. So, your toddler may have them but in moderation. You may sprinkle them on his favourite pasta or salads. Remember also to only feed your toddlers with pasteurised feta cheese as it might be contaminated otherwise.
Camembert cheese
You may try to feed your toddlers with camembert cheese in moderation. Camembert cheese has minerals, vitamins, and calcium, which are great for your toddler’s health. However, it contains high levels of calories and fats. Camembert cheese also is a soft cheese so it might have any bacteria listeria. So, mummies need to control the intake of this cheese.
Brie cheese
Mummies can include a moderate amount of brie cheese in your kid’s diet. It is rich in protein, calcium, and minerals, which are great for your toddlers. Just remember to watch out for your toddler’s intake as it contains a lot of salt and fat.
Blue cheese
Your toddlers may have some blue cheese in moderation. Blue cheese has calcium and protein, which are great to strengthen your toddler’s bones. But, it also has a lot of salt and fat. Remember to feed your toddler with pasteurised blue cheese to avoid possible food poisoning.
Ghee
Ghee is commonly used in Indian babies’ food. It is rich in vitamin A and E, which are good for your toddler’s skin and eye health. But, you need to use it in small quantities as it is high in fat which can cause health issues.
Avoid These Dairy Products
Condensed milk
Minimise the intake of condensed milk in your toddler’s diet. You may try to use other substitutes rather than this dairy product as it has high sugar levels which is unhealthy for your child.
Stinky tofu
You may feed your toddler with stinky tofu in small portions. Stinky tofu has many essential nutrients such as vitamins, calcium, and iron. However, you cannot guarantee its sanitation and safety. On another hand, stinky tofu contains a lot of sodium and oil, which are not good for your toddler.
Sour cream
Your toddlers cannot eat sour cream as their bodies cannot handle the digestion. You may introduce it to your children when he is at least 2-3 years old.
Feed your toddlers with safe dairy products!
Mummies need to know which dairy products are safe and not to feed their little ones as the wrong ones it might affect their overall health negatively instead.
Sources:
- https://www.cdc.gov/nutrition/infantandtoddlernutrition/index.html
- https://www.hsph.harvard.edu/nutritionsource/kids-healthy-eating-plate/
- https://www.yummytoddlerfood.com/100-foods-for-toddlers/
Check out which meat and poultry are toddler-friendly and which should be avoided here.
Disclaimer: The information provided in this article is for informational purposes only and should not be considered as medical advice from Motherhood. For any health-related concerns, it is advisable to consult with a qualified healthcare professional or medical practitioner.
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