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I have been giving my boys soy milk since we can’t do cows milk. I recently saw somewhere that soy can stunt a childs growth. So, what am I supposed to give my kids that is good for them, that they will drink, and is a good source of calcium? I have thought about goats milk, but my understanding is it doesn’t taste very good. What are the other options? I’m starting to think I just have to live with the possibilty of stunting their growth. Opinions anyone?
Ahh, I just lost my previous post!
Anyways, we are sticking with soy in our house b/c I have only seen one article stating “the dangers” of soy and about a zillion that discuss the negative effects of cow’s milk on so many kids’ digestive system. Our Ped GI told us during our transition, that if soy didn’t work, then we could do OJ + Calcium as a total alternative!!! I was surprised b/c of the acidity, but we’re actually having fresh squeezed OJ, no problem. He told us that his practice is moving farther away from advocating cows milk altogether. He said that goat’s milk lacks folic acid (although I’m sure you could get it fortified), but he says that the structure of goats milk protein is closer to cow’s milk than previously thought. Some use rice milk and I think I just read that some use a potato based milk?? HTHMy kids are casein (in both cow’s milk and goat’s milk) and soy free, so here is the info on milk substitutes that I have gathered:
Rice Milk
This is a popular milk substitute, as rice is fairly hypoallergenic, so most children can tolerate it. It is available in most grocery and health food stores, and fortified with calcium and vitamins. However, it is low in protein and fat, so you would need to ensure there is enough fat and protein intake from other dietary sources. Some rice milks contain gluten, so if a child is also gluten free you would need to double check this.Hemp MilkHemp milk is becoming a very popular milk substitute, since it is a good source of protein and fat. Some are fortified with calcium and vitamins, and some are not. Some taste good, and some don’t.Vance’s DariFreeDariFree (made by Vance’s) is a unique potato based milk substitute, that is fortified with calcium and vitamins. (This is what we use, since Ben can’t tolerate rice, and the good tasting hemp milk also contains rice ingredients.) It is gluten, casein, soy and rice free. It is protein free (great for kids with multiple protein intolerances) and fat free. Therefore we need to ensure Ben is getting plenty of good fats and protein elsewhere in his diet.Coconut milkI don’t know many who use this as a milk substitute for drinking because of it’s strong flavour and thick texture, but many people mix a small amount of coconut milk into another milk sub for added fat content. It is also great to add to fruit smoothies, makes a good coffee creamer (OK, so that’s for us moms and not the kiddos
) and has lots of other good uses in baking and cooking.Hope this helps a bit!Thanks ladies. I’ll have to look into those options.
Lauren, I’m still scared to death to try dairy. Everytime Justice has even a little we are up for at least two nights. We do of course do soy yougurt, but I am trying to get away from soy. I don’t know maybe I should just get over it and let it go and do what works for us. Why does parenting have to be so darn hard?
I honestly don’t even let them have a lot of soy milk. They get at the most two glasses a day and usually only one. I think I’m also going to research what are some calcium rich foods and go that route. I really appreciate you ladies. Thank you for all the times that you have helped me.
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