What to do when your toddler won’t drink milk: tips, alternatives, and expert advice

It can be worrying when your toddler suddenly refuses milk, especially when you've always associated milk with strong bones and essential nutrients. If your little one doesn’t like milk or has cow's milk allergy, you’re not alone—and there’s good news: they can still get the nutrition they need without milk according to Cleveland Clinic.

The NHS says, "Once they're 12 months old, first infant formula is not needed – toddler milk, growing up or goodnight milks are also unnecessary."

Here 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, bonus calcium-packed recipes you can try!

Whether it's a matter of taste, a reaction to milk proteins, or something else entirely, we've break down expert-approved tips and solutions tailored to your toddler’s needs.

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 pediatric dietitian and feeding therapist, recommends incorporating foods like cheese, yoghurt, fortified milk alternatives, and even fortified options such as oats and cereals.

Key nutrients milk provides:

Calcium: For strong bones and teeth.

Protein: Essential for muscle development.

Vitamin D: Helps the body absorb calcium and supports the immune system.

Fat: Provides energy for growth.

Vitamin A: Supports vision and immune health.

Vitamin B12: Important for brain development.

Phosphorus: Works with calcium for healthy bones and teeth.

Potassium: Supports muscle function and helps maintain normal blood pressure.

Magnesium: Aids in bone metabolism and supports overall development.

Zinc: Plays a role in immune function and normal growth.

If your toddler doesn’t like milk or can’t have it, don’t worry! There are plenty of other ways to get these nutrients into their diet.

Amy Lanou,a professor of nutrition at the University of North Carolina at Asheville, in an interview with Live Science, 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 shares how much milk your child should be getting per day after the age of twelve months, once they are fully on solids:

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

Here are some common reasons why toddlers might refuse milk.

Taste preferences

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.

Appetite changes

Toddlers go through phases of varying appetite. If they’re eating more solid food, they may naturally want to drink less milk.

Hunger

Sometimes toddlers may refuse milk because they are already full from snacks or meals.

Teething discomfort

Teething can cause pain in a toddler’s mouth, making it uncomfortable to drink from a bottle or cup.

Milk allergy or sensitivity

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.

Boredom with milk

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.

Dislike of certain containers

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.

Why your toddler won't drink milk from a sippy cup

Transitioning from a bottle to a sippy cup can be challenging for some toddlers, and this may explain why they suddenly refuse milk.

Tips to encourage sippy cup use

Try different cups: Experiment with various sippy cups until you find one your toddler likes, but then be consistent as eat cup needs a slighlt different skill to drink from it.

Make it fun: Choose cups with fun designs or characters.

Start gradually: Begin with a mix of bottle and sippy cup feedings before fully transitioning.

Offer praise: Celebrate small wins to encourage your toddler to keep trying.

When should toddlers stop drinking milk?

Milk is packed with nutrients that are great for toddlers, but it’s not something they need to drink every day. Experts suggest toddlers aged 1–2 years should have up to 350mls per day (which can be included in food). However, they can also meet their nutrient needs from milk by having 2-3 dairy portions (or fortified alternatives) daily.

Why keep milk in the diet:

Why cut back on milk:

Ensuring proper nutrition without milk

Here’s a quick guide to other nutrient-rich foods your toddler can enjoy:

Protein

Lean meats (chicken, turkey, beef)

Eggs

Legumes (lentils, chickpeas, black beans)

Vitamin D

Fatty fish (like salmon and tuna)

Sunlight exposure (with proper sun protection!)

The Department of Health recommends daily vitamin D supplements for children under 5 who consume less than 500 mL of infant formula daily, as formula is fortified with vitamin D.

Healthy fats

Avocado

Nut butters (check for allergies)

Olive oil

Calcium

Fortified plant-based milks

Leafy greens

Almonds and sesame seeds

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.

Milk alternatives for toddlers

If your toddler doesn't like or can't have cow’s milk, there are plenty of great alternatives. Charlotte Stirling-Reed, a leading baby and toddler nutritionist, and Amy share their advice on choosing thebest plant-based milk options.

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 – e.g. contains 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 fiber 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."

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—UK spending on plant-based foods increased 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.”

Non-dairy foods rich in calcium

If milk isn’t an option, these foods are excellent sources of calcium:

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 pediatrician. 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.

Toddler won’t drink milk? Try these calcium-packed recipes by Annabel Karmel

Annabel Karmel MBE, a leading children’s food expert, explains, "Calcium is essential for your toddler's growth, helping to build strong bones and teeth, while also supporting muscle function and nerve health. However, for your body to absorb calcium, you also need vitamin D, which is why it’s so important to combine calcium-rich foods with a good source of vitamin D."

If your toddler won’t drink milk, here are some easy, calcium-packed recipes to try!

Annabel Karmel’s Super Green Mac N’ Cheese

Macaroni cheese is a surefire bet when it comes to toddler teatimes! And my super green mac n’ cheese is supercharged with goodness. If your little one isn’t taking as much milk, this is a great recipe to add to the menu (and it’s one the whole family will enjoy too!) It not only contains milk and cheese but the broccoli and peas green contain some calcium too.

MAKES: 6 PORTIONS

Suitable for freezing

Ingredients

300g broccoli florets

100g peas

225g macaroni

50g butter

50g plain flour

750ml milk

2 tsp Dijon mustard

100g mature Cheddar cheese, grated

50g Parmesan cheese, grated (or vegetarian alternative)

Topping

50g white breadcrumbs

25g Cheddar cheese, grated

Method

Annabel Karmel’s Diary Free Salmon Fishcakes

Did you know that certain fish (with bones) such as tinned salmon and sardines are high in calcium? So if your little one has a cow’s milk protein allergy, mini fish cakes or bites such as these are a great option. Just ensure the bones are well mashed.

MAKES: 6 FISH CAKES

Suitable for freezing

Ingredients

150g tinned red salmon (ensure bones are well mashed)

100g cold mashed potato

2 spring onions, chopped

½ tsp tomato puree

1 egg, beaten

25g Panko breadcrumbs

Method

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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.