Medically Reviewed by: Lucy Upton
It can be worrying when your toddler won't drink milk, especially when you've always associated milk with strong bones and essential nutrients. If your little one doesn’t like milk or has a cow's milk allergy, you’re not alone. The good news is that, according to experts at the Cleveland Clinic, they can still get the nutrition they need without milk.
The NHS says, "Once they're 12 months old, first infant formula is not needed – toddler milk, growing up milk or goodnight milks are also unnecessary."
To find out more, we spoke to toddler nutrition experts about why some toddlers might refuse milk, how to navigate a milk allergy, and the best milk alternatives to ensure your child’s nutritional needs are met. Plus, we've included some calcium-packed recipes you can try!
Whether it's a matter of taste, a reaction to milk proteins, or something else entirely, we've broken down expert-approved tips and solutions tailored to your toddler’s needs.
Plant-based milk alternatives for toddlers who won't drink milk
If your toddler won't drink milk or can't have cow’s milk, there are plenty of great alternatives. Leading baby and toddler nutritionist, Charlotte Stirling-Reed and Amy share their advice on choosing the best plant-based milk options.
Oat milk
A creamy option that’s often fortified with calcium and vitamin D. However, it can be low in protein.
"Oat milks tend to be quite low in protein, and aren’t ideal for young children. If you are offering oat milk as a main drink, ensure the rest of the diet is varied in protein sources such as meat, fish, eggs, lentils, pulses, nuts and seeds each day or with most meals."
Almond milk
A light, nutty flavor, often fortified but also low in protein.
"Nut milks, such as almond or hazelnut milk, are substantially lower in calories, protein and fat, and therefore are not ideal as a main drink for young children."
Soy milk
One of the closest plant-based options to cow’s milk in terms of protein content.
"Soy milks are generally the closest in calories and protein to cow’s milk but are lower in fat than cow’s milk. If offering soya milks, include other sources of healthy fats, including oily fish, olive oil, avocado, nuts and seeds regularly."
Pea milk
High in protein and often fortified, pea milk is a great choice for toddlers. It provides essential nutrients while being gentle on those with milk allergies.
Amy says, "When we were developing Grow With Iris, our priority was to find a protein source that wasn’t on the list of the 14 most common allergens, so pea protein was the natural choice. It’s not only a great source of key vitamins like A, C, and folic acid, but also a fantastic source of fibre and protein—helping to support growth and development in toddlers.
We've worked extensively with our expert team to create a formula that works for children with multiple food allergies. Our blend has been developed through rigorous research, testing, pilot batches and focus groups - because when you're dealing with allergies, there's no room for compromise."
Do toddlers need milk? Why calcium is important
Milk is often seen as the best source of calcium, protein, and other nutrients that help your toddler grow but it’s not the only way to get these nutrients. According to the NHS, toddlers aged 1–3 need around 350mg of calcium a day. That’s about 300ml of milk (a little more than half a pint), but you can also get it from other foods.
Lucy Upton, a qualified paediatric dietitian and feeding therapist, recommends incorporating foods like cheese, yoghurt, fortified milk alternatives, and even fortified options such as oats and cereals. Milk provides key nutrients such as Calcium, Protein, Vitamin D, Fat, Vitamin A, Vitamin B12, Phosphorus, Potassium, Magnesium and Zinc.
If your toddler doesn’t like milk or can’t have it, don’t worry! There are plenty of other ways to get calcium and other nutrients into their diet.
In an interview with Live Science, professor of nutrition at the University of North Carolina at Asheville Amy Lanou, said that, after they are weaned from breast milk (or formula), children don’t really need milk, adding that most people in the world do not drink milk and yet still get adequate nutrition.
How much milk does my child need per day?
In order to get all the above-mentioned nutrients, the NHS suggests that after the age of twelve months, once they are fully on solids, children should be having the following:
6-12 months: 500-600ml of breast milk or formula
Lucy advises, "Breastfed babies can continue to be fed responsively or ‘on demand.’" She adds, "Before 12 months, babies should only consume breast milk or formula. The amount will vary based on their age and progress with solids starting at 6 months."
1-3 years: 350ml breast milk, formula, or cow’s/goat’s/sheep’s milk
Common reasons why toddlers refuse milk
Are you asking yourself 'Why won't my 1 year old drink whole milk'? Especially when you're told that they should be making the switch at 12 months. Here are some common reasons why toddlers might refuse milk. As toddlers develop their taste buds, they might simply dislike the taste or texture of milk, especially if they are transitioning from breast milk or formula to cow's milk. Toddlers also go through phases of varying appetite. If they’re eating more solid food, they may naturally want to drink less milk. Sometimes toddlers may refuse milk because they are already full from snacks or meals. If a toddler has a cow’s milk allergy or lactose intolerance, they may be unable to drink milk, or experience discomfort when consuming it.
After a long time of having the same drink, toddlers might get bored and want something different, especially if they see other family members drinking something more exciting. If your toddler is used to a bottle and you switch to a sippy cup or straw, they may resist milk simply because they're not yet accustomed to the new drinking method. Pain from teething can cause pain in a toddler’s mouth, making it uncomfortable to drink from a bottle or cup.
What to do if your toddler is struggling with milk allergies?
Cow’s milk allergy is one of the most common food allergies in babies and young children, affecting 2% of babies according to Allergy UK.
Amy Langfield, who faced life-threatening allergies with her daughter Iris, emphasises the importance of finding safe, nutritious, and tasty alternatives. "Finding a nutritious, safe milk alternative isn’t just important, it’s essential," Amy says. Now, through her company, Grow With Iris, she has been leading the development and launch of a range of fortified plant-based growing-up drinks for children over 12 months. She has also developed a pea protein-based growing-up drink free from the six most common allergens, providing a solution for families navigating allergies.
Amy’s tips for dealing with milk allergies:
Focus on variety
"A varied diet rich in fruits, vegetables, grains, and proteins is key." The wider the range of foods you offer your toddler, the better chance they have of getting all the necessary nutrients.
Choose fortified options
"Opt for plant-based milks fortified with calcium, vitamin D, and other nutrients." This ensures your toddler is still getting the essential nutrients they would normally get from milk.
Watch for allergens
"Check labels for hidden allergens and ensure manufacturing standards are rigorous." When dealing with allergies, it’s important to be cautious and make sure there’s no cross-contamination in the products you choose.
Why plant-based milk may be good for your toddler
Amy says, “We’ve been alarmed at the number of parents who opt to give their kids plant-based milks that have nowhere near the level of fortification that Grow With Iris provides and are made for adults. Often, parents even know that these plant milks 'aren’t good enough,' but they use them because they feel there are no better options. This is especially concerning for families dealing with allergies, where children are far more likely to face nutritional deficiencies.”
Amy continues, “The landscape of children’s nutrition is evolving rapidly with UK spending on plant-based foods increasing by 250% from 2021-2022. But whether you’re managing severe IgE allergies like Iris’, delayed reactions, or simply choosing plant-based options, the priority remains the same: reliable nutrition with no nasties.”
Creative ways to sneak in milk or milk alternatives
If your toddler rejects plain milk or alternatives, try these ideas:
Smoothies: Blend milk with fruits like bananas, strawberries, or mango.
Soups: Add milk to pureed vegetable soups for creaminess.
Porridge or oatmeal: Use milk as a base for breakfast cereals.
Cheese-based dishes: Mac and cheese, quesadillas, or scrambled eggs with cheese.
Milk-based desserts: Custards, puddings, or yogurt-based treats.
Sometimes the solution is as simple as making the food enjoyable. Kids are more likely to try new things if they see them as fun and delicious!
If your toddler is consistently refusing milk or showing signs of discomfort, such as stomach pain, rash, or changes in behaviour, it’s important to consult with your GP or paediatrician. They can help identify any underlying health concerns, such as allergies or intolerances, and offer tailored advice for your child’s nutrition. Always seek professional medical advice before making significant changes to your toddler's diet.
About the experts
Lucy Upton has also provided her expert advice and medically reviewed this article. Lucy is a UK Paediatric Dietitian and Nutritionist with over 15 years of experience across the NHS, private sector, public health, and industry. As director of The Children’s Dietitian Ltd, Lucy offers clinics, courses, and resources to empower families.
Amy Langfield is the CEO and Co-Founder of Grow With Iris, a company focused on providing allergy-friendly, nutritious alternatives for toddlers. After facing life-threatening allergies with her daughter Iris, Amy was inspired to create products that meet the needs of children with allergies or plant-based diets.
Charlotte Stirling-Reed is “The Baby & Child Nutritionist” and is a Registered Nutritionist with the Association for Nutrition. Charlotte is also an author and mum to little foodies Raffy and Adaline, and owner of consultancy, SR Nutrition. It’s her mission in her work to give parents confidence in feeding their children.
Annabel Karmel has over 30 years of experience in baby and children's food and nutrition and is a best-selling author... 51 cookbooks and counting! From healthy eating during pregnancy, to critical nutrients when weaning your little one and how to manage fussy eaters, Annabel has pioneered the way families all over the world feed their babies and children.
About the author
Anne Lora Scagliusi is a Senior Digital Writer at Mother & Baby. She is a Scotland-based journalist with over a decade of international writing experience, specialising in women’s health, maternal mental health, and wellness. Her work has been featured in Vanity Fair, Marie Claire, and Glamour and has appeared on several Vogue global editions. She is mum to a one-year-old bambino and lives between Italy and the UK.