Plant-Based Milk Alternative for Toddlers

 

Constipation is a very common issue among toddlers and older children. Most children do not get adequate fiber in their diet. Some foods can cause constipation.  Nutritional therapy can help including a properly balanced diet can help relieve constipation. 

Dairy food allergy contributes to constipation in children 3 months and older. A study was done to investigate the effects of cow’s milk protein in infants and toddlers and found out that in the first three years of life cow milk allergy was one of the most frequent causes of constipation. 

Whole food can be used for relieving constipation in toddlers. Two great options are oats and apples.

Dietary fiber is necessary and beneficial. The recommended daily total fiber for children older than 1 year is determined by age plus 5 or 0.5 g/kg.(3)

Other fiber-rich foods include vegetables, fruits, and whole grains. When dietary fiber intake is consumed, it increases stool and stimulates colon transit.

Constipation is typically characterized by infrequent bowel evacuations having one or two of the following:

• Large stools, and difficult or painful defecation. 

• Less than 3 bowels per week.

• Painful defecation

• Passing out large stools that cause obstruction

• Blood in stools

• Soiling

This is a plant-based milk alternative for children ages 1 and up.

Makes 56 fluid ounces

Prep time: 5minutes

Cook time: 5-10 minutes

Serving size: 8-10 ounces

Ingredients:

2/3 cups of oats (steel-cut or old-fashioned)

2 apples, peeled and cored

1 handful of greens (spinach, kale, callaloo)

½ cup soaked hemp seeds

4-6 Medjool dates

6 dried apricots

½ inch cinnamon sticks

3 cups of water for cooking the oats with the other ingredients

5-6 cups of water for blending

Nutritional Facts 

Calories: 153

Fats: 4.8g

Carbohydrates: 24.5g

Protein: 4.6g 

Dietary fiber: 4g 

Sugars: 9g

Added Sugar: 0

Vitamin D: 0

Calcium: 3.7%

Iron: 10.6%

Potassium: 98 mg

Vitamin A: 11%

Vitamin C: 14%

Method

In a medium, add 3 cups of water. Add all the ingredients. Steam under low-medium heat for 10 minutes. Allow to cool down. After the mixture has cooled down, In a blender add 2.5 cups of water and 2-3 cups of the cooked oats mixture. Strain into a glass jar. Do this until you have blended all the cooked oats. Store in refrigerator for to 3 days.