Milk is the most important food in the first year of any bub’s life and littlies under 12 months should be consuming breastmilk or formula as their main drink. Once children reach one year of age, though, they

can move to other milk. But, you may be asking, which one is best to go with?

Back in the day, milk was pretty simple – it was delivered in a bottle by the milkman and it almost always came from a cow! Now, though, there’s a huge range of milks and milk alternatives containing varying amounts and types of fats, vitamins and minerals, as well as other health-related fortifications. Some milks cater for those with cows’ milk allergy, lactose intolerance or other health concerns (such as milks targeting adults with bone-density issues or those conscious of heart health). Other milks, such as organic and unpasteurised varieties, are available for those with certain personal preferences. Not all milks are suitable for children, so here’s the low-down on the main types…

Cows’ milk

This is the most commonly used milk and is an excellent source of readily absorbed calcium, for healthy teeth and bones, and protein, for building muscles. Cows’ milk is also a good source of fat to meet the energy needs of growing toddlers, as well as essential B-group vitamins. Toddlers need milk as part of their three daily dairy serves, which should also include cheese and yoghurt. For little ones under two years choose full-cream or full-fat products, but kids that have turned two can enjoy reduced-fat dairy, which still provides an excellent amount of calcium, protein, vitamins and minerals.

Long-life cows’ milk

This has the same nutritional value as regular cows’ milk, however it’s been heat treated differently so it lasts longer on the shelf, unrefrigerated. Use long-life milk in the same way you’d use regular cows’ milk. Once opened it will go off just as regular milk does, so be sure to keep it refrigerated.

A2 milk

The A2 refers to the type of protein found in cows’ milk. Friesian cows produce milk that has more A1 protein and Guernsey cows produce milk high in A2. Regular cows’ milk produced in Australia and New Zealand has a mixture of A1 and A2 proteins. While A2 milk is being promoted widely as having health benefits, there’s little scientific evidence to suggest that A2 protein is any better for us than A1. Food Standards Australia and New Zealand recommend milk (both A1 and A2) as a healthy and safe part of children’s diets.

Unpasteurised or ‘raw’ milk

Pasteurisation is a heat process milk undergoes that kills harmful bacteria such as E. coli and salmonella, which can cause serious illness in young children. It’s recommended that children do not consume milk that hasn’t been pasteurised and indeed under current guidelines raw cows’ milk can’t be sold in Australia.

Soy milk
This is made by soaking soy beans and grinding them with water. The end result is rich in protein, low in saturated fat and contains no cholesterol. Soy milks are a great alternative to cows’ milk for those little ones who have a diagnosed cows’ milk allergy or whose tummies are sensitive to the cows’ milk

sugar known as lactose. Soy milk also contains strong antioxidants, which help protect the body’s cells from free radicals. Full-fat soy milk is suitable for children after one year of age, but make sure you choose a brand that has added calcium for healthy teeth and bones.

Rice milk

Rice milk is a recent addition to the milk market and its popularity is rising mainly due to an increase in people with both an allergy to cows’ milk protein and soy milk. Unlike soy and cows’ milk, rice milk is very low in fat, protein and kilojoules, making it an unsuitable dietary alternative for very young children. Some rice milks have been fortified with calcium, making them a suitable drink for much older children and for adults. Seek the advice of an accredited practising dietitian or your GP if your little one needs a suitable alternative to soy or cows’ milk.

Goats’ milk

Goats’ milk has a similar nutritional make-up to cows’ milk, however the protein is smaller and may be better tolerated by some little ones who show a sensitivity to regular milk. Again, it’s important that goats’ milk is pasteurised to kill any nasty bacteria. Goats’ milk available at supermarkets has been treated and is therefore safe for kids to drink.

Coconut milk

Coconut milk has been around for centuries and is popularly used in Asian dishes such as curries. It’s very high in fat, especially saturated fat, and provides very little else in the way of nourishment. Because of this, it’s not a suitable substitute for cows’ milk. Coconut water has also surged onto the market in recent times however again it’s not a suitable alternative to regular milk as it’s fat free and very low in protein, carbohydrates and energy.

Toddler milk
If your child’s eating a balanced diet with a wide variety of foods, including three serves of calcium-rich dairy or alternatives every day, then there may be no need to add anything extra. Many toddlers between the ages of one and three, however, go through stages of picky or fussy eating or may have bouts of being unwell. This can mean their diets are lacking in important vitamins, minerals or energy and therefore may need a boost. Many GPs and healthcare professionals recommend supplements such as vitamin tablets or drops and mineral liquids to fill in the nutritional gaps, which is where a toddler

formula can be very useful. Toddler formula isn’t designed to replace meals, as this will just reinforce fussy food behaviours. However, it is useful in helping your little one reach his daily dietary requirements, as it’s an excellent source of calcium, protein, vitamins and minerals. Always read the nutritional label and look for toddler formulas with an energy and carbohydrate content that’s closest to normal cows’ milk for optimal nutrition.

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