2 year old stopped drinking milk

[Fionn]

Thanks to those of you who offered advice when my 3 year old stopped drinking milk. Now his brother, 2 next week, has completely stopped. I think it's coincidence, I don't think he's copying his brother (who is now allowed a bottle at bedtime again. He was so upset by not having it, and even offered to give his big present back, so I relented, feeling I was being mean. It obviously means a lot to him. Anyway, I don't need to justify it!). Just one night a few days ago he pushed the bottle away and has refused it since. I've offered it hot, cold, in a bottle, various cups and glasses but nothing works. I tried making hot chocolate but it was lukwewarm and tasted pretty horrible so I'm not surprised that didn't work either. He's not keen on cereal so not much gets in that way. As he's still very young I am quite concerned about this and welcome any tips. At least I can reason with the older child, but this is frustrating. Thanks!

Just re-read the advice I got last time. Rhiannon, what is chocolate milkshake powder? Who makes it? Is cocoa powder the same?
Enid - maybe I'll try the Choc Nesquik. But I'm very anti processed foods and natural things being polluted with sugar and additives to make them appeal to kids. Does it still have the same food value as milk? I'm worried that if he likes it he'll never drink milk again. But he might not anyway!
What's worse - no milk at all or chocolate milk?

The nesquik is just powder that you (or your toddler for extra fun!!) stir into normal milk. The ingredients are: sugar, cocoa, lecithin, flavouring, cinnamon. I put two teaspoons in a big glass of milk. Straws essential!

If she doesn't have a glass of that in the day, we also have Green and Blacks Organic Hot Choc for nighttime - mmmmm, very nice.

Fionn, my nearly three year old is mad about chocolate nesqick. Too mad - I'm not going to buy another box when this one runs out. I, too, am worried about the sugar/additives content.

He also likes Milo chocolate milkshake mix. I think it is slightly more nutritious.

He prefers it in a bottle still, with a very mutilated teat (don't ask!) so he doesn't have to suck.

So to reassure you - chocolate milk is the business for ds but also to warn you - it seems to be addictive.

As a rule, I never buy two bottles of any fruit juice, squash, powder mix, on the run anyway. I prefer to offer plain water and milk.

With luck, some chocolate milk for now might lead your ds back to drinking straight milk again. If not, at least he's drinking milk - and you can add only the teensiest bit of chocolate powder to it.

I also would be interested to know if its bad to stop milk altogether. My ds ( 2.6) hasn't had any milk for about 6 weeks at least. He's just gone off it. I give him a little bit in his weetabix and try to up the yoghurts/cheese intake but have also drawn a blank. Does anyone know if this is bad for him to not have milk anymore? Thanks.

Jessi, I was speaking to a very anti-milk nutritionist a few weeks ago who told me that milk wasn't really necessary in a balanced diet. Calcium is the main benefit of milk but as this is available from lots of other foods it needn't be a problem. Having said that, my DD's dietitian did tell me to ensure that DD consumed at least one pint of soya formula everyday to ensure adequate calcium intake, though she is generally a poor eater and probably wouldn't make up for any shortfall elsewhere. If I were you I would look for some books in the local library and find as many calcium rich foods as possible to use until DS starts drinking milk again.

Thanks PamT, I'll do that.

As well as milk shakes what about instant whip or Dairy Lea? Some soft drinks now have calcium added as do Nutrigrain breakfast bars.
My sister(24) has hated milk/dairy products for as long as I can remember, she now takes calcium pills to prevent osteoperosis later on.

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