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My toddler has gone off milk

Deborah Sue, Advisory Service Manager

Sometimes toddlers lose interest in their milk. So far, they’ve grown up quite contentedly drinking it, being comforted by the familiar taste and getting valuable nutrients. But toddlers like to assert their independence, especially once they see that there are lots of other tempting foods around! Do your best to ensure they get their recommended intake. If you need any advice about your toddler’s need for milk, just give us a call.
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Is milk still important for my toddler?

Toddlers need plenty of calcium for growing strong bones and teeth. By now, your toddler will probably be eating three meals a day, and while they should be getting lots of calcium as part of a balanced diet, milk and dairy products are still their best source of calcium. Milk is also an excellent source of protein, energy and important vitamins and minerals for young growing bodies.


Daily needs:

The recommended intake of calcium for toddlers aged 1 to 3 years is 500mg a day, so your toddler will need at least 2-3 servings of milk or dairy each day. A serving is equivalent to a small cup of milk, two slices of cheese or a tub of yoghurt, custard or dairy food. However, it’s best not to give them more than 500mL per day, so they don’t fill up too much.


Tips to get milk into your toddler’s diet

You’ll know already how toddlers can go through fussy-eating phases, especially when it comes to milk. As a mum, you have permission to be sneaky! Here are some creative ways to get milk and dairy into your toddler’s diet:


  • Give them a different cup to use just for their milk, to make it fun
  • Try changing the way you serve their milk – if your toddler usually has milk cold, try warming it up, or vice versa. You can also try a milk shake or fruit smoothie, made using a little ripe, mashed banana
  • Add milk to their bowl of porridge or breakfast cereal with fruit to start the day
  • Remember you can use milk in mashed potato, custard, rice or semolina puddings, add milk to soup, make white sauces, or use milk and cheese in pasta dishes

Use other dairy foods

  • Kids love cheese – and its so versatile! Try a cheese sauce on top of vegetables, as a sauce for pasta like macaroni cheese or a cheese sandwich. Make a cheese dip for vegetables. Use cottage cheese as a spread for crackers
  • Yogurt is a healthy and great snack or to have as part of breakfast

You can find out more by reading our fussy eaters article… but remember, by staying relaxed and encouraging as possible when it comes to food your child will learn to be relaxed about food too and enjoy the healthy choices you make.


If you think your toddler isn't eating because they are unwell, you should take them to your health care professional.

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