Talk to your child's pediatrician about vitamins and supplements.
Every parent wants her toddler to receive adequate nutrition. A healthy diet that meets all of the daily requirements is necessary for healthy growth and development. Milk offers many important nutrients and it is healthy for strong bones and teeth. When a toddler refuses to drink milk, it leaves parents wondering what they can give their toddler to meet his calcium needs. Luckily, there are other foods and drink choices to ensure that the toddler will continue to thrive and be healthy.
Nondairy Drink Choices
If your toddler refuses to drink milk, you might think he is lactose intolerant. However, lactose intolerance is highly unlikely at your toddler's age. It usually develops in grade-school or teenage years, but it may happen earlier. If it does, there are nondairy drink options for your toddler. Calcium is in soy milk, which comes in variety of flavors: vanilla, chocolate and strawberry. The variety in flavor will help you find something that your toddler likes. Offer fortified juices, which also have calcium--just make sure to check the labels so you pick one with the most nutrients.
Nondairy Food Choices
You will need to get creative and offer calcium-rich foods often to ensure an adequate supply of nutrients. The vegetables that offer calcium are leafy greens (spinach) and broccoli. If your toddler isn't a veggie lover, you can always serve him fortified bread as toast or in sandwiches. Beans are also a good alternative.
Flavored Milks
Perhaps your toddler refuses milk because he doesn't like the way it tastes. Try a few things to figure out the reason why he's refusing. Offer your toddler flavored milks. Don't worry, it still has less sugar than most juices or sodas. The idea is just to get him accustomed to drinking the milk. If he refuses it, try making a fruit-flavored yogurt smoothie. It tastes and looks more like a milkshake but it will provide loads of nutrients and milk.
Sneak it In
There are several ways to incorporate dairy without your child even knowing. Serve your toddler rice pudding made with cinnamon and raisins, custards or oatmeal. Most toddlers enjoy eating cereal, so try making it a point to serve it daily. You can also increase the serving of cheese. Most toddlers enjoy grilled cheese sandwiches, macaroni and cheese and pizza. Just ensure that you are cooking at home and making these options as healthily as possible.
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