It is inadvisable to provide a 9-month-old infant with almond milk as their predominant milk substitute. Almond milk, regrettably, falls short in terms of vital nutrients crucial for their physical maturation and progression. Hence, it is prudent to adhere to breastfeeding or formula feeding as the preferred options during this particular phase.
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Although almond milk has become increasingly popular as a milk alternative among adults, it is not advisable to rely solely on it as the primary source of nourishment for a 9-month-old infant. Almond milk, unfortunately, falls short in providing vital nutrients that are of utmost importance for the optimal growth and development of infants during this critical stage. Instead, it is strongly recommended to opt for breastfeeding or formula feeding as the preferred choices during this particular phase of the infant’s existence.
Here are some interesting facts to provide further insights into why almond milk may not be suitable for a 9-month-old:
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Nutritional deficiencies: Almond milk is low in protein compared to breast milk or formula. Infants require adequate protein for proper muscle and tissue development, which almond milk may not provide in sufficient amounts.
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Limited essential vitamins and minerals: While almond milk may be fortified with certain vitamins, it still falls short when compared to breast milk or formula. Infants need a well-rounded combination of nutrients, including calcium, vitamin D, and iron, which are present in greater quantities in breast milk or formula.
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Potential allergy risks: Almonds are allergenic, and introducing almond milk too early in a baby’s diet may increase the risk of developing allergies later on. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends avoiding introducing potentially allergenic foods, including almond milk, to infants before the age of 12 months.
To further emphasize the importance of breast milk or formula for infants, here’s a quote from the American Academy of Pediatrics:
“Poor growth can result from feeding an infant any milk other than human milk or infant formula… It is important to advise parents that during the first year of life, human milk or infant formula should be the primary nutrient sources.”
– American Academy of Pediatrics
Overall, it is crucial to prioritize the nutritional needs of a 9-month-old infant, and breast milk or formula feeding provides the necessary nutrients for their optimal growth and development.
Table:
| Nutrient | Almond Milk | Breast Milk | Infant Formula |
|---|---|---|---|
| Protein | Low | High | Varies |
| Calcium | Limited | Good source | Good source |
| Vitamin D | Limited | Varies | Varies |
| Iron | Limited | Good source | Good source |
Please note that this table is for illustrative purposes only and it is important to consult with a healthcare professional for specific dietary recommendations for your child.
See the answer to your question in this video
The video discusses whether almond milk is suitable for babies and toddlers. It emphasizes that almond milk is safe for babies over the age of 1 year, but it should not be used as a replacement for breast milk or formula milk for babies younger than 1 year old. The nutritional differences between cow’s milk and almond milk are highlighted, with almond milk having lower levels of fat and protein. It is important to ensure that these gaps are filled with other foods in the baby’s diet. Additionally, the added ingredients in commercially available almond milk are not ideal for children, making homemade almond milk a safer option. Overall, almond milk can be incorporated into the diets of babies and toddlers above the age of 1, but other sources should provide necessary fat and protein.
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Experts advise only introducing other milk, such as cow’s milk or almond milk, after a baby’s first birthday, as the specific nutrient profile in breast and formula milk is essential for development. Almond milk can safely be given to most toddlers but is not a replacement for breast milk or infant formula.
No, babies younger than 12 months should not drink almond milk. Toddlers over 12 months old can drink almond milk once or twice a day in between periods of breast-feeding or eating their other foods. However, children 1 year old and up should only drink cow’s milk, according to the leading children’s health organizations in the United States, including the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP). To reap almond milk’s benefits, ensure your toddler is eating a well-balanced diet.
More intriguing questions on the topic
Can 9 month olds drink almond milk?
Almond milk should not be offered as a beverage to babies under 12 months, although small amounts in recipes is fine. The WHO and AAP recommend breastfeeding for the first 6 months of life. Breastfeeding provides the nutrients babies need and exposes babies to different flavors from the mom’s diet.
Can I give my 9 month old unsweetened almond milk?
Response: Ideally, you should wait until after your baby hits their 1st birthday to introduce milk. That means that really, they’ll be a toddler when they try their first sip of cow or almond milk.
Can 9 month old have almond milk in oatmeal?
Response will be: Babies should continue with breast milk or infant formula as their main milk supply for the first year. However, you can use other milks like whole cow’s milk or dairy free options such as almond milk with cereal from six months.
Is almond milk safe for baby?
Answer to this: Can babies have almond milk? Almond milks, and other nut milks, are not recommended as a complete replacement for dairy or soy milk for children under 5 years because they are low in protein.
Can babies drink almond milk?
No — babies shouldn’t drink almond milk. Babies under the age of 12 months should stick exclusively to breast milk or infant formula, whereas children 1 year old and up should only drink cow’s milk, according to the leading children’s health organizations in the United States, including the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP).
Can almond milk replace breast milk?
Almond milk should not be used to replace breast milk or formula, as developing babies need specific vitamins and nutrients that these kinds of milk provide. If anyone has any concerns that a child may be lactose-intolerant, talk to the child’s doctor. Lactose intolerance is more common in older children and adults than in babies and toddlers.
Can a baby drink non-dairy milk?
In reply to that: Nondairy milks don’t typically contain as much protein, vitamin D, or calcium as cow’s milk, all of which your baby needs plenty of as they continue to grow. Babies with nut allergies should never drink cashew or almond milk.
When can babies drink whole milk?
As an answer to this: Here’s a guide to when — and how — to introduce whole milk. When can babies have cow’s milk? According to the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP), babies over 1 year of age can begin drinking cow’s milk instead of breast milk or formula.
Can babies drink almond milk?
As an answer to this: No — babies shouldn’t drink almond milk. Babies under the age of 12 months should stick exclusively to breast milk or infant formula, whereas children 1 year old and up should only drink cow’s milk, according to the leading children’s health organizations in the United States, including the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP).
Can almond milk replace breast milk?
Response to this: Almond milk should not be used to replace breast milk or formula, as developing babies need specific vitamins and nutrients that these kinds of milk provide. If anyone has any concerns that a child may be lactose-intolerant, talk to the child’s doctor. Lactose intolerance is more common in older children and adults than in babies and toddlers.
Can a 6 month old eat milk?
Response: If your child is 6 months or older and has started eating solids, it’s okay to give him a few sips of water with his meals, but he still shouldn’t drink milk — almond or cow’s.
Should babies drink breast milk?
Response to this: Specifically, babies under the age of 12 months should drink breast milk or infant formula, whereas babies over the age of 1 should stick to cow’s milk , an important source of protein, calcium, potassium and vitamins A, D and B12.