XP: Cows milk vs. alternatives

mamatotwins0812

I swear I know I saw a post on this recently and cant find it anywhere so I apologize if I am being redundant. With my guys turning one today and the thumbs up from the pedi to start milk, I am contemplating the cows milk vs. non lactose milk for them. Personally I don't drink milk for several reasons but want what's healthiest for my babies. Our pedi said he is fine with any just as long as they have the same fat content as cows milk. I was just wondering if anyone here has made a choice other than cows milk and if you found that the nutrition and fat content is the same. I'm having a hard time finding concrete info anywhere so figured I'd check here to see too. Thanks . 

momof2buggs

Don't know if you're aware of this or not, but cow's milk causes a high insulin response, due to the CRAZY amount of sugar. (It's my personal opinion that this is one of the causes of the explosion of diabetic children today). I recently started doing some research, and found that coconut milk actually has 50% more calcium than cow's milk. I use the SO brand, which offers an unsweetened, organic variety. My kids do like it a little sweeter, so I add a small amount of raw, organic honey in there sometimes for them. They love the stuff! Your kiddos will probably balk at the difference in taste/texture, but keep trying. It took my son a couple of months to become accustomed to it, after I weaned him from the breast.

 

 

Good Luck! 

mamatotwins0812

momof2buggs:

Don't know if you're aware of this or not, but cow's milk causes a high insulin response, due to the CRAZY amount of sugar. (It's my personal opinion that this is one of the causes of the explosion of diabetic children today). I recently started doing some research, and found that coconut milk actually has 50% more calcium than cow's milk. I use the SO brand, which offers an unsweetened, organic variety. My kids do like it a little sweeter, so I add a small amount of raw, organic honey in there sometimes for them. They love the stuff! Your kiddos will probably balk at the difference in taste/texture, but keep trying. It took my son a couple of months to become accustomed to it, after I weaned him from the breast.

Good Luck! 

Thanks. I was awre of the higher calcium but I am most concerned with the fat content as I understand that to be the most important part. Is the fat connect in the coconut milk the same as whole cows milk?

TobieRose

I have not done much research on this personally, but I have a friend who has and gives her boys almond milk. Unfortunately I can't give you all of her reasons, but her kids are healthy and they like the taste! 

karah4816

TobieRose:

I have not done much research on this personally, but I have a friend who has and gives her boys almond milk. Unfortunately I can't give you all of her reasons, but her kids are healthy and they like the taste!nbsp;

My babies aren't born yet but my husband and I drink unsweetened almond milk and we love it

momof2buggs

I believe the fat content is higher than cow's milk in general, but every brand is different. Some use water as a filler, so I'm not sure without knowing the exact brand. We also bought a Vitamix, as we are a Paleo family, and I know you can make your own. I will try soon. m

My youngest is almost 4, so fat content isn't a concern for us, but I'm sure a quick Google search would yield some fairly accurate nutritional information. My kids do not like the taste of Almond Milk, and I haven't been able to find a brand that doesn't have preservatives or unnatural ingredients.

SV917

My twins aren't here yet, but I do not plan on giving them cow's milk. So Delicious coconut milk has 4.5 grams of fat in a 1 cup serving, which is less than whole cow's milk, but comparable to 2%. If more fat is needed in their diet, mashed avocado is a good, baby-friendly food.

 Coconut milk is not on this list, but here is a nutritional chart for other milks: https://www.eatingwell.com/healthy_cooking/healthy_cooking_101/shopping_cooking_guides/a_buyer_s_guide_to_milk_part_ii

Rynleigh

mamatotwins0812:

momof2buggs:

Don't know if you're aware of this or not, but cow's milk causes a high insulin response, due to the CRAZY amount of sugar. (It's my personal opinion that this is one of the causes of the explosion of diabetic children today). I recently started doing some research, and found that coconut milk actually has 50% more calcium than cow's milk. I use the SO brand, which offers an unsweetened, organic variety. My kids do like it a little sweeter, so I add a small amount of raw, organic honey in there sometimes for them. They love the stuff! Your kiddos will probably balk at the difference in taste/texture, but keep trying. It took my son a couple of months to become accustomed to it, after I weaned him from the breast.

Good Luck! 

Thanks. I was awre of the higher calcium but I am most concerned with the fat content as I understand that to be the most important part. Is the fat connect in the coconut milk the same as whole cows milk?

Coconut milk is higher in fat than whole cow's milk. But I wouldn't feed it to my babies as a replacement for milk. It is currently in "fad" status as one of those "miracle foods", and it is NOT as good for you (or your babies) as people are making it out to be.

https://chriskresser.com/3-reasons-why-coconut-milk-may-not-be-your-friend

Similarly, almond, rice, and soy milk are not the best options...

https://www.ehow.com/facts_5572252_dangers-almond-milk.html

https://www.ehow.com/list_6183526_health-risks-drinking-soy-milk.html 

https://www.fda.gov/NewsEvents/Newsroom/PressAnnouncements/ucm319972.htm 

Like most other foods, these are totally fine *occasionally* or as a treat... but it is not a good idea to give them to little ones on a daily basis.

The "crazy" amount of sugar in cow's milk is LOWER than the amount of sugar in breast milk.  

I wouldn't do lactose free milk unless your baby/ies show/s signs of lactose intolerance - it's not lower in sugar, it's just already had the lactose converted to glucose, instead.

If your reason isn't vegan-related and you're open to other animal milks, you may want to investigate goat's milk - it is equivalent to cow's milk in fat and sugar, and lower in cholesterol, with several health benefits. 

https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2007/07/070730100229.htm

https://www.parenting.com/article/ask-dr-sears-advantages-of-goats-milk 

 

Reilly626

I will do what my ped advises at their 12 month appt. I grew up on milk and lived in dairy country and I'm fine.