Giving Almond Milk to Babies – Is It Safe?

Milk is an important part of your baby’s diet, whether its breast milk or formula milk. However, as your baby grows, you may want to try other options as well such as cow’s milk, soy or almond milk. If you are considering giving almond milk to your baby, then you are at the right spot. In the following article, we shall discuss giving almond milk to babies and more.

What Is Almond Milk?

As the name suggests, almond milk is milk derived from almonds. This milk is obtained by grinding almonds with water, sugar and other add-ons. In the recent past, almond milk has gained popularity and, thus, many parents are opting for almond milk for their babies.

Can you Give Almond Milk to Babies?

Is almond milk good for babies? The answer is yes, it is good for babies. You can give almond milk to your baby but not before twelve months of age. If due to some reasons you are not able to breastfeed, then formula milk is a great substitute option for a baby who is less than a year old. However, if your baby is more than a year old, you may safely give almond milk to your baby but you must do so only after checking with your paediatrician.

Nutritional Value of Almond Milk

Almonds are a powerhouse of nutrition and 100 grams of almonds can fetch approximately 570 calories. Here is what you can find in 100 grams of almonds:

• Carbohydrates- 3gms
• Proteins- 19 gms
• Fats- 50 gms
• Dietary fibre- 12 g

Almonds are also rich in Vitamin E, Vitamin A, Potassium, Sodium, calcium and various other vitamins and minerals.

At What Age Can You Introduce Almond Milk to a Baby?

You can start giving almond milk to your baby after he turns a year old and not before that. Almond milk is a great source of calcium and Vitamin D and, thus, it is good for your growing baby’s bone health; however, almond milk lacks protein. Therefore, if your baby is getting enough nutrition and protein from other food items then you may add almond milk to your baby’s diet.

Health Benefits of Almond Milk for Infants

Here are some of the health benefits of almond milk for infants:

• Almond milk is a great substitute for babies who have dairy allergies.
• Almonds are helpful in control cholesterol levels under check if consumed within permissible amounts.
• Almonds contain riboflavin and L-Carnitine, which is helpful in better brain development in babies.
• Almonds have a low glycemic index and thus they are very effective in protecting your baby against medical conditions such as diabetes. Although sugar intake doesn’t lead to diabetes, almonds can help in prevention.

How Can You Introduce Almond Milk to Your Baby?

At twelve months of age, you can start giving nuts to your baby and almonds are a good option too. You can give almonds in the form of almond milk also. You may start by giving a small portion or as a snack to your little one. You can also puree vegetables like cauliflower with almond milk and give it your baby. Almond milk can be added to vegetables, porridges or even in smoothies. But before including almond in your baby’s diet, do confirm that your baby is not allergic to it.

Daily Intake of Almond Milk for Babies

Almond milk or any kind of milk cannot substitute the main meal of a one-year-old baby and thus it should only be given as a supplement. If you opt for almond milk or any other milk for your baby then you should not exceed two to three servings or 16 to 24 ounces of milk in a day. This is because more than these amounts of milk in your baby’s diet will make him less hungry and eat less solid foods, which means your baby will not get enough iron from his diet.

Comparison of Almond Milk with Breast Milk

Breast milk is the best milk for your baby because it contains all the essential nutrients required by a baby until six months of age and it also provides great nutritional benefits until one year of age. A baby should only drink breast milk until six months and solid foods can replace breast milk gradually, however, your baby should not have any kind of milk till one year of age.

Comparison of Almond Milk with Cow Milk

Almond milk is a great source of vitamin A and D and thus a good option for babies who are lactose intolerant. However, almond milk is low in calcium and protein as compared to cow’s milk. Therefore, if your baby has dairy allergies then you may consider giving almond milk to your baby.

Almond Milk Recipe for Babies 1-Year-Old or More

Are you wondering how to make almond milk for babies? Here we have the recipe for you:

What You Will Need

• Almonds
• Milk
• Cardamom powder/saffron
• Sugar

How to Prepare

• Soak some almonds overnight. Remove the skin and blend them into a smooth paste by adding some milk.
• Boil some milk in the pan and then add the almond paste to it.
• Cook for some time and then saffron or cardamom powder for flavour.
• Add sugar to taste.

You can give this almond milk to your baby.

FAQs

Here are some frequently asked questions about almond milk for babies who are 1-year-old:

1. Can Babies Drink Almond Milk Instead of Formula?

Almond milk can be given to babies as a supplement but it cannot replace breast milk or formula milk. This is because formula milk contains nutrients that are required for healthy growth and development of your baby and almond milk lacks these essential nutrients.

2. Is Almond Milk Harmful for Child with Nut Allergies?

Some children are allergic to nuts and almond milk is made from almonds, which are nuts. Therefore, if your baby has a nut allergy then giving him almond milk is a bad idea.

3. Is Almond Milk a Good Source of Fat?

Almond milk is a good option for your baby and it is a great source of vitamin D and calcium. However, if you are looking for a good source of fat for your baby then almond milk may not be the ideal choice because almond milk is not only low in calories and protein but it also lacks good fats, which is essential for your baby’s growth and development.

4. Can Almond Milk Be a Substitute for Child with Milk Allergy or Lactose Intolerance?

If your baby is lactose intolerant or allergic to dairy products then you may consider giving him almond milk. However, you should choose a sugar-free and calcium-fortified variety for your baby.

There is no denying that almond milk is good for babies, however, if you wish to include it in your baby’s diet it is best to consult your paediatrician first. However, do not give almond milk to your baby before twelve months of age.

Also Read:

Coconut Milk for Babies
Soy Milk for Babies
Goat Milk for Babies