How much milk?
Most babies and toddlers love milk, every now and again I see a baby who just is not that fussed about it, but for the most, warm milk is often associated with comfort. Some littles would happily run their own dairy farm if it meant unlimited sippy refills. But here’s the thing, too much milk isn’t just a recipe for a very full diaper pail. It can actually cause some not-so-funny health hiccups.
Moo much milk?
How much milk is enough and what to do when you toddler thinks its the be all and end all of their diet.
So, before your toddler starts demanding their own moo-cup subscription, let’s talk about why more milk isn’t always better.
How Much Milk Is Enough?
The experts (you know, those people in lab coats who get paid to measure things like cow juice) suggest that the amount of milk should decrease over the first 2 years of your childs life. If you still feel like your toddler is drinking as much milk as they did when they were a baby, well, let’s just say things start to go downhill faster than a spilled sippy on hardwood.
The Top Reasons Too Much Milk is Trouble
“Milk Anemia” (Not the Superhero You Want)
Milk is basically iron’s worst frenemy. It doesn’t have much iron, and it also blocks iron from other foods. Too much, and your toddler might end up low in iron. Cue cranky moods, pale skin, and less energy than your coffee cup.
The Appetite Disappearing Act
Ever seen your toddler push away dinner because they “aren’t hungry”? Spoiler: it’s because they’ve been hitting the free milk bar like it’s happy hour. Milk fills them up but doesn’t deliver the full range of nutrients they need. Especially as they get older, you want them to be getting most of their nutrients from food as time goes on.
Constipation Station
Milk has protein, calcium and fat, but you know what it doesn’t have? Fiber. Toddlers who overdo it often end up struggling on the potty or in the diaper. Milk overload = the great poop stand-off.
The Long Term Effect
Too much milk can also add unnecessary calories, increasing risk of obesity later on. Basically, it’s like giving your toddler an unlimited milkshake membership—sounds dreamy, but not great for long-term health.
What to Do Instead (Without a Meltdown)
Stick to water with meals. Milk is an option in between and follow the guidelines for the correct amounts.
Offer a cup, not an endless sippy or bottle nipple. That bottomless milk refill is a trap, as its the nipple teat on a bottle.
Mix up dairy sources. Yogurt and cheese count too. Variety = fewer toddler protests.
Bring in the iron team. Pair iron-rich foods (meat, beans, greens) with vitamin C foods (berries, oranges, peppers) to help absorption.
Remember: Whole milk until 2, then you can go lower fat. Unless your pediatrician says otherwise.
Milk is great. It builds bones, makes cookies happy, and gives your toddler that adorable milk moustache. But if your kiddo is basically mooing at you, it’s time to put the brakes on the dairy train.
Because toddlers? They’re humans, not calves. And last I checked, we’re not planning on anyone joining the pasture anytime soon.
Want to chat about your toddlers milk intake or bottle addiction ? Book a free 15 minute consult below.
