How to Know if Almond Milk Causes Constipation in Toddlers

Constipation isn’t fun for anyone! Figuring out the cause of constipation can be tricky, especially when it’s a toddler who can’t talk yet.

Almond milk is a popular alternative to cow’s milk due to certain dietary needs like a dairy allergy or lactose intolerance. Some people just like the taste of almond milk!

In this post we’ll cover common causes of constipation, how almond milk compares to other milks, which milk is best for toddlers, and more!

Common causes of constipation in babies and toddlers

First, let’s look at the common causes of constipation. Constipation occurs when stool (poop) moves too slowly through the digestive system. 

Here are common causes of constipation in toddlers:

• Withholding or ignoring the urge to have a bowel movement. Children that have passed large, hard stools may avoid using the bathroom again because of a bad past experience.
• Inactivity
• Changes in diet. A diet low in dietary fiber and fluids can cause constipation. Starting solids can cause temporary constipation as the digestive system adjusts from all liquids to including solids.
• Changes in routine. Traveling, temperature change, and stress can cause digestive problems.
• Medications
• Too much calcium from milk or supplementation
• Genetics
• Medical conditions. Although rare, there are anatomic malformations or metabolic or digestive issues that can cause constipation 

Symptoms of constipation in babies and toddlers

These are the signs and symptoms of constipation you may see in your baby or toddler:

• Fewer than 3 bowel movements per week
• Dry, hard stools that are difficult to pass
• Abdominal pain
• Pain during a bowel movement
• Blood on the stool
• Liquid or pasty stool in child’s underwear

Contact your pediatrician for guidance if your child is experiencing a fever, not eating, has blood in their stool, abdominal swelling, weight loss, pain during bowel movements, or chronic constipation. 

What is almond milk?

You may be wondering: how can a nut make milk? Let’s take a look at how almond milk is made and its nutritional makeup.

How is almond milk made?

Commercial almond milk is made by first soaking almonds in hot water. Almonds and water are then blended and the almond pulp is filtered out to leave behind a smooth, milky liquid. A vitamin-mineral blend is usually added to the milk at this point and the milk is homogenized or pasteurized.

Almond milk vs. Cow milk vs. Plant-based Milks

Unsweetened almond milk is rich in vitamins and minerals but contains less protein, fat, and carbohydrates than dairy milk and some other plant-based milks. Here is the nutritional breakdown of almond milk compared to other milk. 

Per 1 cup of milk	Whole Cow’s Milk	Unsweetened Silk Almond Milk	Soy Milk	Pea Milk	Oat Milk	Rice Milk	Hemp Milk	Coconut Milk
Energy (calories)	149	37	105	80	130	115	70	76
Protein (g)	8	1	6	8	4	0.5	3	0.5
Total Fat (g)	8	2.5	3.5	4.5	2.5	2	5	5
Carbohydrate (g)	12	1	12	1	24	22	1	7
Calcium (mg)	276	450	300	440	350	288	300	460
Vitamin D (IU)	128	100	108	110	100	96	100	96

Can almond milk cause constipation?

Usually almond milk is not the sole cause of constipation. The only property of almond milk that could contribute to constipation and other intestinal issues is its rich source of calcium. 

The form of calcium commonly found in almond milk is calcium carbonate. Calcium carbonate is associated with stomach problems more often than other forms of calcium. 

However, it is difficult to consume enough calcium from food, including almond milk, to cause constipation. Calcium supplements, and not calcium from food, has more potential to cause constipation.

How to choose the best milk for toddlers

It can be hard to know which milk is the best choice for your toddler. The American Academy of Pediatrics and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends not offering any type of milk to drink besides breast milk and/or infant formula to babies under 12 months of age. 

Breast milk and/or infant formula is the main source of nutrition until 12 months. Other milk can displace the valuable nutrition in infant milk when offered as a drink prior to 12 months.

The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends whole fat dairy milk once your baby turns 12 months. Whole cow’s milk is full of essential nutrients for toddlers including fat, protein, carbohydrates, calcium, vitamin D, vitamin A, and zinc to support healthy growth. If your child has a dairy or cow protein allergy, check out the best plant-based alternatives for kids below.

Can my toddler have raw milk?

Raw milk should be avoided. The immune systems of babies and young children are still developing and raw milk can contain harmful pathogenic bacteria and other contaminants. These increase the risk for foodborne illnesses.

It is recommended that people of all ages drink pasteurized milk to reduce the risk of foodborne illnesses. 

The best plant-based milk for kids

Not all plant-based milk is created equal, as shown in the table above. Just like with cow’s milk, wait to serve plant-based milk until your baby is 12 months old to avoid displacing breast milk or formula. 

Check labels and select brands that are fortified with calcium and vitamin D, contains zero added sugar, is low in preservatives, and have similar protein and calorie content as dairy milk. These plant-based milks have similar nutritional value as cow’s milk and are the best plant-based options:

• soy milk (fortified)
• pea protein milk (fortified)
• oat milk (fortified)

How to prevent and relieve constipation in toddlers

Obviously, it’s best if we can avoid constipation before it happens. Luckily, the same things that help prevent constipation can also help relieve it. Here are some things to do every day to prevent constipation or to help relieve it.

Increase fiber

Fiber is an indigestible part of carbohydrates. Fiber helps keep the digestive system regular and moving. Two types of fiber exist, soluble and insoluble, and both help with constipation symptoms.

Soluble fiber is found in foods like fruit, oats, beans, vegetables, chia seeds, and nuts. This type of fiber dissolves in water and forms a gel-like consistency. Soluble fiber helps stool retain more water.

Insoluble fiber is found in whole wheat, quinoa, brown rice, beans, leafy greens, and broccoli. Insoluble fiber does not dissolve in water but contributes bulk to stools. This type of fiber helps move food through the digestive system, keeping you regular and helping prevent constipation.

Don’t get hung up on the types of fiber. Instead, serve your family a variety of fruits, vegetables, grains, beans, and nuts and seeds.

Stay well-hydrated

The more fiber you eat, the more water you need in order to keep stools soft and easy to pass. Here are the recommended fluid needs by age for kids:

• 5.5-6 cups per day for ages 1-3 years
• 7-7.5 cups per day for ages 4-8 years

Be active

Staying active has many benefits including helping prevent and relieve constipation.

Kids learn from role modeling. Do family activities that involve everyone like biking, walking, a trip to the playground, or even a living room dance party. Encourage your kids to be active for the recommended minimum of 60 minutes each day!

Summary of Constipation in Toddlers and Almond Milk

• Common causes of constipation include changes in diet and/or routine, inactivity, withholding the urge to poop, medications, genetics, and too much calcium
• Symptoms of constipation can vary but most people have straining when pooping and hard stools
• Increasing fiber, staying hydrated, and being active can help relieve and prevent constipation
• Almond milk does not usually cause constipation in toddlers
• Almond milk is not a good alternative to cow milk for toddlers
• Almond milk is low in fat, carbohydrates, and fat 
• Soy, pea protein, or oat are the best almond milk alternatives 

Looking for more recommended baby-led weaning supplies? I have it all laid out for you in this baby-led weaning supply guide. Follow our baby-led weaning journey on instagram @mydietitian.friend!