Blog post by Amy Langfield, co-founder of Grow with Iris
The noise around free from nutrition can be very confusing and overwhelming, especially when it comes to feeding our toddlers. Milk and ‘growing up’ milk alternatives are a minefield! Unfortunately not all of them are equal when it comes to fortification, added ‘nasties’ or information that will give their parents the peace of mind they need.
The majority of toddlers don’t actually need a ‘growing up milk’, especially if they eat a varied and balanced diet. The NHS guidance states that after 12 months, first infant formula, toddler milk, and growing-up milk are unnecessary.
But what if you have a super fussy toddler, a plant-based toddler or like me, you’re a Mum of two vegetarian kids, and one lives with multiple food allergies? You worry constantly that your child isn’t getting what they need to thrive, with the added stress of not knowing whether what they are consuming is safe.
Iris, my eldest, was born with a severe milk allergy which she thankfully outgrew when she was 4. However, she still avoids dairy as it aggravates her tummy and eczema. Finding a milk alternative is tricky at any age, but solutions for infants and toddlers have to be the most challenging. The baby formula industry is dominated by cow and goat milk formula… So what do you do if your child is allergic to dairy?
We battled for months, back and forth to the G.P, worried about her red raw skin, blood in her nappies and clear discomfort to get a prescription hypoallergenic formula for Iris. When she was finally diagnosed and we could access said formula, I was disappointed to read that the first ingredient was corn syrup. The lack of choice was frustrating and isolating. I was desperate and didn’t know where to turn…
For people who are in the same position I found myself in before Iris turned one and are unable to breastfeed, the good news is that there are some ‘free from’ formulas out there. These are being imported from for example Australia and France, but this comes at a huge cost, which during a cost of living crisis when most people are struggling financially, can be challenging..
For those with toddlers over 12 months, the good news is that Grow with Iris fortified growing-up drink is available as a new choice to give parents that peace of mind and convenience they crave. We know that 12 months often coincides with the tricky transition back to work or stopping breastfeeding, so are here for all those families!
What does my child actually need?
Toddlers aged 1-3 need approximately 350mg calcium daily (about 300ml cow’s milk). Cow's milk provides calcium, protein, vitamin D, fat, vitamin A, B12, phosphorus, potassium, magnesium, and zinc, but these can come from other sources like cheese, yoghurt, and fortified foods.
What do I do if my child can’t have any of the above?
Plant-based milk alternatives comparison:
Oat milk: Creamy and often fortified but low in protein.
Almond / Nut milks: Not suitable for children with nut allergies and also low in calories, protein, and fat and also not recommended for children under 4 years old.
Soya milk: Soya is one of the top 14 and most common allergens in kids. Closest to cow's milk in protein and calories but lower in fat.
Pea milk: High protein, often fortified, and free from common allergens; good for allergy-prone children. Grow with Iris is nutritionally tailored for young children on more limited diets and free from 6 major allergens, so a perfect option if you’re looking for a tasty, safe and fortified option!
What do I do if my child won’t take milk at all?
My eldest Iris has always guzzled her milk alternatives, however my youngest is very fussy. So I’m more creative with the way he consumes his plant milk alternatives. Here are a couple of tried and tested ideas I use at home on a regular basis.
Smoothies/milkshake: Blend 3 tablespoons of Grow with Iris with 200ml water, half a banana and a teaspoon chia and a teaspoon of flaxseed for extra nutrition.
Overnight Oats: Mix a ½ cup of oats with 100 ml of your chosen plant milk, a tablespoon of cacao powder, teaspoon chia and a teaspoon of flaxseed. In the morning top with chopped banana, raspberries, strawberries or their fave fruit!
Pancakes: Vegan and Gluten Free: 1 cup GF oats, 1 cup water, 1 teaspoon baking powder, 1 ripe banana, 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon, 1 tablespoon flaxseed, 1 tablespoon chia seeds, 3x tablespoons Grow with Iris.
Whiz dry ingredients in a blender and transfer to a bowl, Blend banana with Grow with Iris, Mix wet and dry ingredients together then fry with coconut oil (or oil of your choice)... Enjoy!
Hot chocolate: 3 tablespoons Grow with Iris, 1 teaspoon cacao powder and 200ml hot water. Top with plant-based whipped cream if desired.
My biggest piece of advice as an allergy mum of two...
It’s important to focus on your own child’s needs. This will most likely vary from sibling to sibling but the worst thing you can do is compare yourself and your child to others. Work out through trial and error what they individually like / dislike. This takes time and patience so remember it won’t happen overnight. Ask other allergy parents or plant-based families their go-to recipes and ideas and try them out too. Be kind to yourself and remember you’re doing your best!
For transparency I co-founded Grow with Iris to help alleviate the stress and desperation that can come from having a little one on a limited diet, but these tips work with any fortified milk alternative.
If you have questions about managing allergies, I'm always happy to help – reach out at hello@growwithiris.com or DM us on instagram @grow_with_iris
“Working alongside Pots for Tots and Grow With Iris - two brands committed to children’s nutrition is incredibly rewarding. Both are hugely invested in shaping healthier futures and making parents' lives easier!” - Lucy Upton, The Children’s Dietitian
Thank you to Amy for sharing her valuable experience with us. Use code PEAPOT10 to get 10% off your Grow With Iris order. Peas out!
