Does your Toddler Drink Enough Milk?
Canada’s Food Guide recommends that children 2-8 years old consume two servings of Milk and Alternatives every day. Make sure your child is getting the daily recommended servings.
Milk is one of the most important foods for children. It is their main source of calcium and vitamin D, two elements that are necessary for the development of bones and teeth. Milk is also an important source of protein and energy, and of several other essential nutrients.
Determine the amount of milk products your child consumes.
The amount of milk a child needs to meet the daily requirement of vitamin D is at least 500 mL (2 cups) per day. It is important to note that some commercial yogurts are also made with vitamin D fortified milk.
Tips to encourage your child to drink more milk
- Offer small servings of milk at one time.
- Juice is out of place at lunch or supper. Make it a house rule that, "We have milk with our meals."
- Set a good example by drinking milk yourself.
- Break out of the routine by offering chocolate milk, or adding vanilla, ground cinnamon or cocoa powder to milk.
- Encourage your child to get himself or herself a glass of milk.
- Serve milk in a fun coloured glass or with a unique straw.
- Serve milk cold.
- Prepare milk-based recipes such as soups, white sauces, puddings and smoothies.
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