Dairy products are an essential part of a child’s diet as they are packed with nutrients that are necessary for growth and development. Dairy products such as milk, cheese, and yogurt are rich in calcium, protein, vitamins, and other minerals.
In this article, we will discuss what is the recommended dairy intake for children and the importance of including dairy products in their diet.
Why is dairy important for children?
Dairy products are an important source of calcium. Calcium is essential for building strong bones and teeth. It also plays an important role in muscle function, nerve transmission, and blood clotting.
Children who consume an adequate amount of calcium are less likely to develop osteoporosis in later life. Dairy products also contain protein, which is necessary for building and repairing tissues, and for maintaining a healthy immune system.
How much dairy does a child need?
The recommended amount of dairy intake for children varies according to age. According to the USDA, the recommended daily intake of milk and dairy products for children are as follows:.
- Children aged 2-3 years should consume 2 cups of dairy per day
- Children aged 4-8 years should consume 2.5 cups of dairy per day
- Children aged 9-18 years should consume 3 cups of dairy per day
It is important to note that these recommendations are based on children who are not lactose intolerant and who do not have any other medical conditions that restrict their intake of dairy products.
Related Article
How much dairy is too much for kids?
What are some good sources of dairy for children?
Milk is the most common source of dairy for children. It is rich in calcium and vitamin D, which is necessary for the absorption of calcium. However, some children may not like the taste of milk.
In such cases, parents can opt for other dairy products such as cheese, yogurt, and kefir. These products are also rich in calcium and other nutrients.
What are some dairy-free sources of calcium for children?
Some children may be lactose intolerant or may have other medical conditions that restrict their intake of dairy. In such cases, it is important to find other sources of calcium. Good sources of calcium for children who cannot consume dairy include:.
- Calcium-fortified cereals
- Calcium-fortified orange juice
- Leafy green vegetables such as spinach and kale
- Broccoli
- Almonds
- Soy products such as tofu and soy milk
What are some tips for incorporating dairy into a child’s diet?
Some children may not like the taste of milk or may refuse to drink it altogether. In such cases, parents should try to incorporate other dairy products into their child’s diet. Some tips for incorporating dairy into a child’s diet include:.
- Try different types of milk such as whole milk, 2% milk, and skim milk to find the one that your child likes the most
- Use milk to make smoothies or milkshakes
- Include cheese in sandwiches and wraps
- Use yogurt as a dip for fruit or vegetables
- Make a yogurt parfait with fruit and granola
Conclusion
Dairy products are an important part of a child’s diet as they are packed with nutrients that are essential for growth and development. The recommended daily intake of dairy varies according to age.
Parents should try to incorporate dairy products into their child’s diet in creative ways to ensure that they are getting enough nutrients. However, for children who are unable to consume dairy, there are plenty of other sources of calcium available.
