If you need to increase the calories in your toddler’s diet for any reason, whether she’s sick or just isn’t eating enough food to fill her caloric needs, adding skim powdered milk to whole milk is a great trick to use. Some toddlers don't like the new flavor, but a few tricks will help her adjust.
Caloric Needs
The number of calories your toddler needs depends on his height, weight, activity level and health status. The average 1 to 3 year old needs 100 calories daily for every 2.2 pounds he weighs, according to the University of Texas Medical Branch. For 2- to 3-year-olds, figure about 1,000 to 1,400 calories a day. Caloric needs increase when your toddler has a fever and with some medical conditions because the body burns more calories even if your child is inactive. For every 1 degree a fever above the normal temperature of 98.6 degrees Fahrenheit, your toddler needs 7 percent more calories, according to the Yale Guide to Children’s Nutrition.
Terms
Nonfat dry milk and skim dry milk are used interchangeably. Dry milk and powdered milk are the same thing. The only difference between them is that “nonfat” and “dry” are regulated by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, while the other two terms are defined by the World Health Organization.
Powdered Milk
Nonfat dry milk is made by removing the water from pasteurized skim milk. The final product should have no more than 1.5 percent milk fat. One-third cup of nonfat dry instant milk, which makes about 1 cup of milk, has 82 calories. By comparison, dry whole milk has between 26 to 40 percent milk fat and one-third cup has 145 calories. Skim milk powder retains its nutrients, but sometimes it’s put through a heating process that damages some of the whey protein.
Mixing
Some types of skim powdered milk won’t mix well unless you use warm or hot whole milk. Other types may not need the liquid heated, but they’re still hard to dissolve and need a blender or whisk. Instant nonfat powdered milk is often more expensive, but it dissolves more easily. The size of the powdered milk flakes and different processing methods mean that each brand may need different amounts of whole milk, but it’s usually in the range of 1/8 to 1/3 cup of powdered milk to 1 cup of whole milk. Start by mixing the powder with about half the fluid called for in the package directions, then taste it and gradually add more whole milk until it’s the consistency and flavor you like.
Flavor Tips
If your toddler has a hard time adjusting to the flavor, try adding a touch of sugar or vanilla extract. It also helps to let the milk chill for at least several hours. Experiment with the amount of skim milk powder you use, beginning with a smaller amount and gradually adding more as your toddler gets used to the new taste. If it's in your budget, experiment with different brands, and try the instant and regular types to see which one your toddler likes the best.
References
- Wisconsin Center for Dairy Research: Dried Dairy Ingredients
- Utah State University Cooperative Extension: Nonfat Dry Milk
- USDA Nutrient Database: Milk, Dry, Nonfat, Regular, With Vitamin A and D Added -- NDB No. 01154
- USDA Nutrient Database: Milk, Dry, Nonfat, Instant, With Vitamin A and D Added -- NDB No. 01092
- Google Books: Yale Guide to Children’s Nutrition
- University of Texas Medical Branch: Caloric Needs
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