Dairy Struggle

Olivia - posted on 02/03/2009

If she is rejecting it, it's probably for a good reason like Heidi said. Just for fun, try a super squiggly straw that you use only in the milk cup! Believe it or not, non-organic milk has a lot of bad stuff in it (anitbiotics, growth hormones, pus, etc.)... she's probably sensitive to it.

Heidi - posted on 02/03/2009

this sounds totally contrary to what your doctor told you, but children will eat and drink what they need. sounds nuts, but continue to offer everything you consider healthy and necessary and let your child decide what she wants to eat.

my brother who was a terribly finicky eater (to the tune of cereal, hot dogs and pb & j) exclusively... is the only sibling of mine who does not have weight problems. his diet has gotten mildly better, but he is in great shape, works out and is a very healthy adult (30 years old).

relax.

she will be fine.

Lisa - posted on 02/03/2009

Try strawberry milk. its pink and its pretty.Try using jam or you can buy the nestle quick stuff.

Let her mix it herself it will be a challenge but she will feel that this is her special drink.

Let her no this is just for her and all the special lil girls drink it.

Well you no what i mean.

Jennifer - posted on 02/03/2009

If your daughter is eating cheese and yogurt without a problem, she should be just fine.  You could give her calcium enriched juices.  Pink milk (NesQuik Strawberry) has been popular at my house too.

Speaking as a person allergic to dairy with a son who cannot tolerate gluten or dairy, I can tell you truthfully that you do not need to drink cow's milk.  It could be that the milk is upsetting her tummy.  A problem with milk could manifest in many different behaviors, even sleep issues. 

Aside from all that, she could just be going through a phase and asserting her independence.  Perhaps try having her pick out a new cup herself?  All my kids went through various stages of resistance to good foods that they'd previously liked so I'm sure it will pass.  Good luck!

Jane - posted on 02/03/2009

hi if u want a nice girls name beginning with m what about malise thanks jane x

Carolina - posted on 02/03/2009

does she like the color pink?  i went through a similar power struggle with my daughter when she was about 2 and we tried pink milk.  we used carnation instant breakfast- strawberry and it worked for her.  she loves all things girly so we called it princess pink milk.  i also tried making smoothies with fruit and yogurt.  she loved those too.  if she is eating enough yogurt and cheese then don't sweat it too much.  just keep making the milk available for her.  eventually she will realize that you are stronger and she'll give in.

Amanda - posted on 02/03/2009

We are not big milk drinkers in our house (cereal is about it) and at  my daughter's two year checkup, her pediatrician told me she did not really need to drink milk.   If she is eating cheese and yogurt, she's probably getting plenty of dairy.  Another thing she told me, milk is for baby cows....I thought that was interesting

Maria - posted on 02/03/2009

hi hun, i have a 17month old little boy and he was the same, all i did was changed his bottle before bed into a bottle of tea and he is on just 2 bottle a day now. If she is eating things like cheese and yoghurts then there is no need for concern at her age they are not dependent on milk anyway as long as shes getting some dariy in her diet i wouldnt worry yourself, just give her juice during the day thats what i do and my son is fine. hope i have help you and please let me know how you get on

Cinda - posted on 02/03/2009

She may not want it because it upsets her stomach. The first cup of the day may be fine but after that her tummy says "no more"! I agree that it doesn't have to be milk, keep going with the yogurts, just watch the sugar with those. Also try Enriched Rice Dream (rice milk) or a soy milk like Silk. Those may not upset her stomach as much and come in good flavors like vanilla. My boys love a peach smoothie made with vanilla rice dream and frozen peaches.

Genna-Kay - posted on 02/03/2009

She doesn't HAVE to have milk to get diary and calcium...keep going with the other options, she'll probably decide on her own that she wants milk again. The more you try and force it on her, the harder she will resist it!

Meredith - posted on 02/03/2009

I have not had this particular struggle, but have had some luck getting my son to try things in which he was not initially interested.  We like to re-name things, for instance, we call yogurt "special ice cream" and spinach puree on pizza "magic green sauce." Maybe you could come up with a name for the Ovaltine that does not include the word "milk."  We have also found that getting someone outside our immediate family that my son looks up to to eat something encourages him.  He will eat ANYTHING his uncle eats.

Good luck!

Michelle - posted on 02/03/2009

What kind of milk are you providing for her?  I might try buying organic whole milk as it has more of a sweet taste to it similar to yogurt or ice cream, this is also just as healthy!!  That is the only mile my three year old will drink.

Good luck!