Can I give almond milk to my baby?

During the first two years of life, the only kind of milk the baby should drink is breast milk. If this cannot be offered at all feedings, formula milk is recommended when the baby is up to 12 months, and cow’s milk when the baby is older than 12 months.  

During the first 6 months of life, the baby drinks exclusively milk, preferably breast milk, since breast milk is the best possible food for a baby during early life. From this age on, complementary feeding is started, but it should be followed by breast milk for as long as possible.  

If during these months the mother is not able, or does not want to exclusively breastfeed the baby, she can offer the formula milk advised for the specific age of her baby (for example, first formula, second formula, follow-on formula, etc). Always consider the advice of the baby’s doctor. 

From 12 months on, you can already give cow’s milk to the baby, since its stomach is already capable of digesting this milk, which is different than breast milk. 

Almond milk, like other vegetable milk, should not be given to the baby before 2 years old. This is because vegetal milk is made of dried fruits and grains, which are harder for the babies to digest this age (although recent studies state that they could be introduced to the baby’s diet earlier). 

Almond milk provides protein, healthy fats, calcium, magnesium, phosphorus and vitamin D, making it beneficial for the baby, although it is never recommended as a substitute for breast or cow’s milk. It is a good option in case of allergy to cow’s milk protein or in vegan children. 

– Easy to digest and softer than cow’s milk 

– Provides electrolytes such as potassium, making it convenient in case of diarrhoea and vomiting 

– Provides a lot of fibres, avoiding constipation. 

– Contains good quality fats that help to reduce bad cholesterol levels. 

– Almond milk enriched with calcium promote the development and growth of bones and teeth. 

– Contains a lot of vitamin E, a natural antioxidant, and B vitamins that promote tissue regeneration. 

However, it also has contraindications and side effects that must be considered. For example, consumed in excess can affect the function of the thyroid in people who have problems with this organ. It is not suitable for people allergic to nuts. It provides a lot of sugars and carbohydrates and, sometimes, it can contain additives that are not good for children.