Drinks for a toddler
May 31, 2023 11:45 AM Subscribe
What are some healthy tasty drinks for a toddler who doesn't like milk?
My 2 year old is average-sized, healthy, and a pretty good eater who still nurses a few times a day. We're going to wean soon, and I would like to offer a drink as a snuggle-n-sip session, to replace daytime nursing sessions. (Truthfully this is mostly because I'll miss the snuggling!)
Kiddo doesn't like the taste of cow's milk, only drinks water when thirsty, and doesn't like banana. Most other foods are fine.
Doesn't really like cold foods such as popsicles, due to brain freeze.
Will sip (but not adore) homemade fruit smoothies (frozen berries, frozen peaches, spinach, water, and a dab of maple syrup or juice for sweetness). Come to think of it, they might be too cold!
Loves yogurt. Likes fruit puree pouches.
Has a sweet tooth and loves juice, but we're of course trying not to emphasize that.
With meals we usually give water with a splash of juice to encourage drinking more.
Ideally something that's easy to make in batches and store, or something ready-made. Kiddo's overall diet is healthy and varied, so nutrition is always good but not a crucial concern.
Thanks!
My 2 year old is average-sized, healthy, and a pretty good eater who still nurses a few times a day. We're going to wean soon, and I would like to offer a drink as a snuggle-n-sip session, to replace daytime nursing sessions. (Truthfully this is mostly because I'll miss the snuggling!)
Kiddo doesn't like the taste of cow's milk, only drinks water when thirsty, and doesn't like banana. Most other foods are fine.
Doesn't really like cold foods such as popsicles, due to brain freeze.
Will sip (but not adore) homemade fruit smoothies (frozen berries, frozen peaches, spinach, water, and a dab of maple syrup or juice for sweetness). Come to think of it, they might be too cold!
Loves yogurt. Likes fruit puree pouches.
Has a sweet tooth and loves juice, but we're of course trying not to emphasize that.
With meals we usually give water with a splash of juice to encourage drinking more.
Ideally something that's easy to make in batches and store, or something ready-made. Kiddo's overall diet is healthy and varied, so nutrition is always good but not a crucial concern.
Thanks!
Yep—seconding supermedusa—my sick kid is sucking down “apple water” as we speak.
posted by lovableiago at 11:57 AM on May 31, 2023
posted by lovableiago at 11:57 AM on May 31, 2023
Yogurt drinks. Skip the overpriced premade ones - just thin out their fav flavors with 50% water. You can also look for recipes to explore like lassi or ayran/doogh.
Warm drinks may be more comforting for a snuggle session. How about warm oat milk? This could be watered down a bit as well.
posted by jenquat at 12:03 PM on May 31, 2023 [1 favorite]
Warm drinks may be more comforting for a snuggle session. How about warm oat milk? This could be watered down a bit as well.
posted by jenquat at 12:03 PM on May 31, 2023 [1 favorite]
In the same situation (weaning toddler who did not like cows milk), i offered him herbal tea. I am not sure if these teabags (easier than loose stuff) are available where you live, basically it was dried rose hips, dried hibiscus flowers, fennel and licorice root . It came in tea bags, was / is sold as "baby tea" and i bought it at the pharmacy (because i wanted organic). Licorice root was only very very small amount to sweeten as it is not good to consume too much. If it worries you i am sure there are other blends of baby tea bags without.
I think one was made of dried apple peels.
I used to make enough for the whole day and keep it in the fridge and warm it up in portions.
I did not however give him granulated baby tea (which was available in upermarkets) that dissolves in warm water (very convenient) as the prime ingredient listed was sugar.
posted by 15L06 at 12:04 PM on May 31, 2023 [2 favorites]
I think one was made of dried apple peels.
I used to make enough for the whole day and keep it in the fridge and warm it up in portions.
I did not however give him granulated baby tea (which was available in upermarkets) that dissolves in warm water (very convenient) as the prime ingredient listed was sugar.
posted by 15L06 at 12:04 PM on May 31, 2023 [2 favorites]
Have you warmed up the milk? Our kiddo only wanted lukewarm to warm milk it wasn't a taste issue but a not at body temperature issue.
posted by AlexiaSky at 12:06 PM on May 31, 2023 [3 favorites]
posted by AlexiaSky at 12:06 PM on May 31, 2023 [3 favorites]
Re. "due to brain freeze." " they might be too cold!", is it ok to just add some hot water to those items or get them to room temprature, I never tried it. Anyway you're lucky he likes water.
posted by amfgf at 12:09 PM on May 31, 2023
posted by amfgf at 12:09 PM on May 31, 2023
I second the recommendation to try warm milk if you haven’t yet. You could also experiment with non-dairy milks - my 3yo likes most oat milks (if warm, of course). We sometimes add a little chocolate syrup (to either oat or cow milk) and call it hot chocolate.
posted by maleficent at 12:14 PM on May 31, 2023
posted by maleficent at 12:14 PM on May 31, 2023
I would try plant milks, especially oat, which is a favourite with my kid. You could also try a homemade yogurt smoothie (or just watered-down yogurt), or commercial varieties like yop (not sure how much sugar is in those, though).
posted by randomnity at 12:23 PM on May 31, 2023
posted by randomnity at 12:23 PM on May 31, 2023
Have you tried different cups in addition to different drinks? My two year old will suck down tons of plain water in her fancy unicorn thermos with a straw, but otherwise will only drink water when she's pretty thirsty.
posted by mjcon at 12:26 PM on May 31, 2023
posted by mjcon at 12:26 PM on May 31, 2023
+1 to tea. My toddler also really likes (unflavored) seltzer. We initially mixed it with tap water to cut down on the carbonation (bad for their teeth), but she no longer lets us do that so we just give her less. I know some kids like cucumber or other "spa water".
In both cases toddler is into these drinks because she sees us drinking them. So maybe you could snuggle and both have the same special drink?
posted by matildatakesovertheworld at 12:32 PM on May 31, 2023 [1 favorite]
In both cases toddler is into these drinks because she sees us drinking them. So maybe you could snuggle and both have the same special drink?
posted by matildatakesovertheworld at 12:32 PM on May 31, 2023 [1 favorite]
I used to make special milk - warmed-up milk with vanilla and some sugar. The boys loved it.
Also, you still get lots of snuggle time with weaned babies. You really don't need a special drink!
posted by Ftsqg at 12:49 PM on May 31, 2023 [1 favorite]
Also, you still get lots of snuggle time with weaned babies. You really don't need a special drink!
posted by Ftsqg at 12:49 PM on May 31, 2023 [1 favorite]
Soy milk and other plant milks such as oat would be my first suggestions. My kids drink milk but my son also likes to drink soy milk.
There are a bunch of Japanese "teas" that are just roasted grains so don't have any caffeine in them and you drink them cold. Barley tea, roasted corn tea, roasted rice tea, etc.
posted by any portmanteau in a storm at 12:55 PM on May 31, 2023
There are a bunch of Japanese "teas" that are just roasted grains so don't have any caffeine in them and you drink them cold. Barley tea, roasted corn tea, roasted rice tea, etc.
posted by any portmanteau in a storm at 12:55 PM on May 31, 2023
It depends on what you want to get out of this. Protein, fat and carbs are all different in different sources, and there are lots of different opinions on what is “good”. Yogurt, plant/ nut milk vs juicy water have very different nutritional profiles. Plant milks have nutrients but their similarities to mammal produced milk doesn’t go past all are generally white. Most people agree that sugar is generally less needed, so that would eliminate juicy water when what you’re really looking for is a more satisfying snack type drink. Your breast milk is highly fatty. Are you aiming for something with a similar profile or just something hydrating and low in sugar?
posted by waving at 1:06 PM on May 31, 2023 [1 favorite]
posted by waving at 1:06 PM on May 31, 2023 [1 favorite]
I'm a bit surprised that no-one had mentioned chamomile tea. It is recommended here for babies at night time even before weaning, and strongly for weaning and after. You can add a tiny bit of honey for sweetness, but it is sweet in itself.
These days, as an adult, I drink it most nights and make single cups from tea bags, but you could absolutely make a larger portion and reheat in the microwave if that seems easier for you.
Another tea that is perhaps more of an aquired taste, but one never knows with toddlers, is sage. All the same properties as chamomile. And licorice has been mentioned above.
Generally, herbal teas are used in many countries, and recommended by doctors for small children.
posted by mumimor at 1:09 PM on May 31, 2023 [1 favorite]
These days, as an adult, I drink it most nights and make single cups from tea bags, but you could absolutely make a larger portion and reheat in the microwave if that seems easier for you.
Another tea that is perhaps more of an aquired taste, but one never knows with toddlers, is sage. All the same properties as chamomile. And licorice has been mentioned above.
Generally, herbal teas are used in many countries, and recommended by doctors for small children.
posted by mumimor at 1:09 PM on May 31, 2023 [1 favorite]
Came here to suggest the 'Japanese teas with no caffeine' like any portmanteau in a storm.
Barley (Mugi) is excellent and some brands can be cold brewed. Corn tea is tasty and easy to prepare.
You can happily add a bit of apple juice to herbal tea as a substitute for the honey that toddlers can't yet consume.
I'm not sure if it's safe for children, but look into honeybush and rooibos teas. Honeybush is the mildly sweeter cousin of rooibos.
Salep is a drink common in parts of the middle east (it's a warmed milk drink with various things like coconut powder). I'm not sure if the nutritional profile is right though.
posted by Ms. Moonlight at 1:18 PM on May 31, 2023 [1 favorite]
Barley (Mugi) is excellent and some brands can be cold brewed. Corn tea is tasty and easy to prepare.
You can happily add a bit of apple juice to herbal tea as a substitute for the honey that toddlers can't yet consume.
I'm not sure if it's safe for children, but look into honeybush and rooibos teas. Honeybush is the mildly sweeter cousin of rooibos.
Salep is a drink common in parts of the middle east (it's a warmed milk drink with various things like coconut powder). I'm not sure if the nutritional profile is right though.
posted by Ms. Moonlight at 1:18 PM on May 31, 2023 [1 favorite]
Perhaps a malted beverage like Ovaltine or Horlicks or Milo? You can reconstitute them in water or soy milk or the like.
In the past, they were touted as "nutritious" for children in Africa (and other places) - they even did studies! But the studies were pretty flawed - comparing starving children with children given supplemental fortified malted beverages instead of comparing to adequately fed children.
No harm in them, but they have a lot of calories. I found them to be tasty as a child, and still do.
posted by porpoise at 1:27 PM on May 31, 2023
In the past, they were touted as "nutritious" for children in Africa (and other places) - they even did studies! But the studies were pretty flawed - comparing starving children with children given supplemental fortified malted beverages instead of comparing to adequately fed children.
No harm in them, but they have a lot of calories. I found them to be tasty as a child, and still do.
posted by porpoise at 1:27 PM on May 31, 2023
When I was a young child I used to adore fennel tea.
posted by koahiatamadl at 2:15 PM on May 31, 2023 [1 favorite]
posted by koahiatamadl at 2:15 PM on May 31, 2023 [1 favorite]
A small spoon of Nesquik chocolate powder makes milk a lot more appealing for my kids.
posted by qxntpqbbbqxl at 5:44 PM on May 31, 2023 [1 favorite]
posted by qxntpqbbbqxl at 5:44 PM on May 31, 2023 [1 favorite]
I diluted apple juice to about 1/2 juice, 1/2 water. I add extra water and ice to OJ and other juices. Children can have decaf tea; I make a pot of decaf tea, add a pitcher of lemonade and ice. Mostly, I'm sorry I grew up in a household where we didn't drink much water. Water is the best default beverage. For a child who doesn't enjoy cold drinks, warm decaf or herb tea. The Zingers - orange, lemon, raspberry - are really pleasant warm or tepid, maybe with a tiny bit of sugar.
I loved the coziness of nursing and then we started reading at bedtime, so the snuggling was continued.
posted by theora55 at 7:23 PM on May 31, 2023
I loved the coziness of nursing and then we started reading at bedtime, so the snuggling was continued.
posted by theora55 at 7:23 PM on May 31, 2023
My youngest can be relied on to drink Tazo Passion herbal tea no matter the circumstances. I brew a strong cup and serve it on ice. It's kept her hydrated through fevers and food poisoning. We potty trained her by letting her drink as much of it as she wanted. Sugar free, available at Starbucks, can get the tea bags almost anywhere. Truly it is a wonder drink. She calls it "pink tea". Highly recommended.
posted by potrzebie at 7:53 PM on May 31, 2023 [1 favorite]
posted by potrzebie at 7:53 PM on May 31, 2023 [1 favorite]
My mostly water drinking toddler has started having a cup of tea with us at breakfast, probably entirely because my partner and I drink black tea for breakfast. She gets her choice of any herbal teas we have. Her favorite picks: chamomile, mint, and orange (orange spice like Bigelow). She also really like the fruit tea "Berry Nice" from Simpson and Vail, but it's my favorite for iced tea so I don't often give it to her! They have other great fruit mixes and rooibos teas, too. When I make tea for her, I either steep a teabag in a little bit of boiling water, then add cold water to make it a warm but not hot OR I add boiling water to cold, pre-made tea (like iced mint in the fridge) until it's the right temperature.
Her other favorite treat drink is juice, but as other above have suggested, it's well-watered. She gets watered grape, apple, or orange juice when grown ups get wine/cider/beer.
For milk, she's a little milk fiend (and only gets it at breakfast), so take my suggestions here with a grain of salt. But we had fun trying out different kinds of non-cow milk, so maybe buy single-serve packages of alternative milks and see if your toddler likes any? And maybe warm is better than cold for milk, too! Also, a little fruit or chocolate blended into the milk to make a strawberry or chocolate milk without tons of sugar can be fun, too.
posted by carrioncomfort at 6:01 AM on June 1, 2023
Her other favorite treat drink is juice, but as other above have suggested, it's well-watered. She gets watered grape, apple, or orange juice when grown ups get wine/cider/beer.
For milk, she's a little milk fiend (and only gets it at breakfast), so take my suggestions here with a grain of salt. But we had fun trying out different kinds of non-cow milk, so maybe buy single-serve packages of alternative milks and see if your toddler likes any? And maybe warm is better than cold for milk, too! Also, a little fruit or chocolate blended into the milk to make a strawberry or chocolate milk without tons of sugar can be fun, too.
posted by carrioncomfort at 6:01 AM on June 1, 2023
+1 tea. My 3 year old prefers it to be room temperature and likes ones with fruit flavors/scents (peach, mango, and pineapple are favorites). I usually add a little honey or no sweetener at all, and dilute hot tea with ice cubes to get the temperature and caffeine levels down. We do low caffeinated and decaffeinated teas--Harney and Sons Decaffeinated Midsummer's Peach and their white tea blend Bee's Knees are particular favorites.
posted by jessica fletcher did it at 8:53 AM on June 1, 2023
posted by jessica fletcher did it at 8:53 AM on June 1, 2023
My 3 year old also nursed for a long time, her favorites are:
-"cinnamon milk" - soy milk warmed in the microwave with cinnamon and a bit of maple syrup - this is what I offered when I weaned her, mainly because it's fortified with calcium and is what I use
-mint tea, ginger-peach tea (it's a specific packaged tea here), camomile tea, hibiscus tea
-chocolate milk (yes sugary but not a big concern for us)
-kombucha (diluted waay down with water, we get a berry flavor)
I'll note that she's not a big juice fan, she will drink it but drink water right after, she loves water, opposite of my first who was a juice fiend. Getting her a special water bottle with a good straw seemed to increase her water consumption if you haven't tried that yet. She also doesn't like to eat bananas anymore, but they are essential in our smoothies and don't turn her off of them.
When I weaned I honestly offered her anything that would help her cope lol but it went really well, there was one day when she was very upset not to be nursing and after crying said "ok fine I'll have some ice cream", lol so that's always an option too.
posted by lafemma at 10:25 AM on June 1, 2023
-"cinnamon milk" - soy milk warmed in the microwave with cinnamon and a bit of maple syrup - this is what I offered when I weaned her, mainly because it's fortified with calcium and is what I use
-mint tea, ginger-peach tea (it's a specific packaged tea here), camomile tea, hibiscus tea
-chocolate milk (yes sugary but not a big concern for us)
-kombucha (diluted waay down with water, we get a berry flavor)
I'll note that she's not a big juice fan, she will drink it but drink water right after, she loves water, opposite of my first who was a juice fiend. Getting her a special water bottle with a good straw seemed to increase her water consumption if you haven't tried that yet. She also doesn't like to eat bananas anymore, but they are essential in our smoothies and don't turn her off of them.
When I weaned I honestly offered her anything that would help her cope lol but it went really well, there was one day when she was very upset not to be nursing and after crying said "ok fine I'll have some ice cream", lol so that's always an option too.
posted by lafemma at 10:25 AM on June 1, 2023
I was a baby like yours and now I am a full-grown milk-hating adult!
my mom in your position (early 90’s), faced with a kid who would not drink milk, got the rec to give me goat milk. it worked well enough for switching me to food I think? I can’t stand the stuff now. I do like kefir and loved gogurt as a kid, so more sour stuff.
what I was not prepared for as a kid was how people just assumed all kids like milk? many parents would INSIST I drink milk at their dinner table when I asked for water. even at daycare and kids events they would just not account for kids under 5 drinking WATER. table would be set with milk and apple juice every time. my mom started sending me water bottles way before my peers thought it was cool.
all just to say if your kid ends up being selective about foods in the future, i’m glad they have a supportive parent looking for alternatives.
posted by one-half-ole at 7:28 PM on June 1, 2023
my mom in your position (early 90’s), faced with a kid who would not drink milk, got the rec to give me goat milk. it worked well enough for switching me to food I think? I can’t stand the stuff now. I do like kefir and loved gogurt as a kid, so more sour stuff.
what I was not prepared for as a kid was how people just assumed all kids like milk? many parents would INSIST I drink milk at their dinner table when I asked for water. even at daycare and kids events they would just not account for kids under 5 drinking WATER. table would be set with milk and apple juice every time. my mom started sending me water bottles way before my peers thought it was cool.
all just to say if your kid ends up being selective about foods in the future, i’m glad they have a supportive parent looking for alternatives.
posted by one-half-ole at 7:28 PM on June 1, 2023
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posted by supermedusa at 11:47 AM on May 31, 2023 [6 favorites]