While it is well known that in the first year of a child’s life, mother's milk or a suitable substitute is crucial for growth; toddlers also continue to need high levels of calcium for optimum health of bones and teeth. Milk is one simple source that provides energy and is also an essential source of protein, fat, carbohydrate and sodium.Full fat milk provides a few extra kilojoules to aid growth and development. Reduced fat milk typically has extra skim milk powder added to it so contains more protein, calcium and some B vitamins. Some children won’t drink cow’s milk because they don’t like the taste, or can’t drink it because they are allergic or lactose intolerant. Alternatives include: goat’s milk, soy milk, almond milk and rice milk; although this last option is not a good substitute because it is mainly carbohydrate and is a poor source of protein and fat. Soy and almond milk contain natural sweeteners and additives; soy needs to be enriched with calcium and vitamin D to be a good substitute for dairy and almond doesn’t contain enough protein, fat or calcium.Goat’s milk, unlike the rice and almond varieties that are lactose-free, does contain some lactose; however, it may be the best alternative for toddlers to get sufficient calcium and to stay healthy.Alternative dietary sources of calcium include cheese, yoghurt, salmon, cooked chick peas, broccoli and spinach, but some non-dairy products may not contain the saturated fat required for energy and healthy growth of the brain. Besides growth of teeth and bones, calcium is necessary for muscle contraction, nerve transmission, sleep and cardio-vascular health. Seven hundred mg per day is recommended for toddlers age one to three. Vitamin D is also required to aid absorption of calcium and can be found in oily fish, egg yolks, cheese and food fortified with vitamin D, but is most readily absorbed through the skin from sunlight. For more information about toddler nutrition see: Balancing a Toddler's Diet.Resources:Toddlers’ Milk – Cherie Lydon – TheFoodCoachThe Truth About Vitamin D – Daniel J. DeNoonImage: Shutterstock