The transition from baby to toddler brings many changes. One of the biggest changes is moving from breast milk or formula to cow's milk at 1 yr of age.  If your child has a milk protein allergy or your family does not eat cow's milk products, soy milk can be a good alternative for meeting your child's calcium needs.

The growth rate of a toddler is slower than it was when he was an infant, however a nourishing diet remains essential. Milk is an important part of a toddler's daily diet to provide calcium and vitamin D for growing bones. Your child should consume about 4 cups of milk or dairy foods per day to meet the estimated needs for calcium and vitamin D, according to the American Academy of Pediatrics.

The fat provided by the whole milk is necessary for proper brain development and normal growth patterns.  For children who have a milk protein allergy or intolerance or whose parents have chosen to follow a vegan diet, soy milk is an alternative. A main difference between whole cow's milk and soy milk is the fat content, generally 8 g of fat in one cup of whole milk and about 4 g of fat in one cup of soy milk. Providing fat in the diet from other sources can make up the difference.

If your child does not like the taste of cow's milk, soy milk may be a good choice. Soy milk comes in many flavors, most commonly vanilla, and has a much sweeter taste than cow's milk. Look for enriched soy milk to ensure adequate calcium is available in each glass since milk products are the primary way toddlers consume calcium. Enriched soy milk may also have added fiber and iron and lower amounts of saturated fats, cholesterol and sugar.

(Info obtained from Livestron.com & The American Academy of Pediatrics)

For older children and adults, here is a good article about the different types of milk available .

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/43672735/ns/health-diet_and_nutrition/t/skinny-milk-nutrition-cow-goat-rice-or-soy/

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