When your baby turns 1 year of age, the American Academy of Pediatrics, (AAP), recommends starting whole milk by cup. Milk is an excellent source of calcium, which is needed for bone formation, muscle development, and nerve functioning. Milk also supplies Vitamin D and Phosphorus, both are essential factors in bone formation.
Additionally, Vitamin D is required for calcium absorption. Vitamin A, protein and essential fats that toddlers need for development are also supplied in milk. When a child turns 1 year, their calcium requirements go from 260 mg/day to 700mg/day, so drinking 16oz of milk or milk alternative will provide close to what your toddler needs in calcium. Ironically, babies at this age are often weaning from breastfeeding or bottles as they continue to increase their intake of real food. I often see babies drinking more milk at this age than they need, which displaces the nutrients they need from other foods.
What if your toddler refuses to drink milk? I’ve had one such toddler who refused to drink milk. She weaned herself from breastfeeding at 14 months and only wanted her “wa wa” (water) in the cup. We did try many different cups and offered many different times but most often it just got handed back to us or tossed on the floor. I’m grateful she is a big fan of yogurt, cheese, and almond butter and luckily she eats an occasional piece of broccoli. I do occasionally give her chocolate milk and hot chocolate, which she is delighted to drink. Her older sister drinks milk every meal and I had hoped her influence would eventually rub off, but it hasn’t yet at 3 ½.
I work with a lot of families managing a milk intolerance or milk allergy. For those children finding a milk alternative is important. I’m not a fan of most alternative milks as they are so low in protein and fat, but when it comes to calcium, they are highly fortified and a good way to meet calcium goals. My new favorite that has changed my opinion on milk alternative is Ripple, pea protein milk which is high in protein (8g) and fat (4.5g). When looking for a milk alternative, it’s important to compare brands and make sure they are enriched with calcium and vitamin D and without added sugar. There are plenty of other foods rich in calcium that are important to include so toddlers are getting what they need. Here is a list of high calcium foods for toddlers.
| Age of child | Recommended Dietary allowances mg/day |
| Infants 7-12 months | 260mg |
| Children 1-3 years | 700mg |
| Children 4-8 years | 1000mg |
High Calcium foods for toddlers:
8 oz milk 300mg
Siggi yogurt (5.3 oz) 150 mg
Dannon plain yogurt (5.3 oz) 250mg
Danimals Smoothie, 3 oz 100mg
Chobani 3 oz plain yogurt 85 mg
Yo Baby yogurt (4oz) 250mg
String cheese 150mg
Cheddar cheese 1 oz 200 mg
Parmesan cheese ¼ cup 250 mg
Milk Alternatives, 8oz
Soy milk, Silk 450mg
Soy Dream 300mg
Almond milk, Silk 450mg
Almond Breeze 450mg
Coconut Milk, Simple Truth 450mg
Rice Dream, Enriched 300mg
Ripple pea protein 450mg
Non-dairy Calcium-rich foods for toddlers:
Calcium Fortified OJ, 4oz 175 mg
Canned salmon ½ can 230mg
White beans ½ cup 80mg
Tofu extra firm 3 oz 150 mg
Almond butter 1 TB 40mg
Chia seeds 1 TB 75 mg
Sesame seeds 1 TB 60 mg
Plum Organic snack bars 100mg
Z bars, Cliff Kid 200mg
Gerber cereal bars 100mg
1 cup cheerios 100 mg
Broccoli, 1 cup 75mg
Edamame 1 cup 95 mg
Kale, 1 cup 140mg
Orange 75 mg
For more information on milk alternatives, check out my blog post; 3 Best Non-Dairy Yogurt Options.