Exploring Plant-Based Milk Alternatives for Infants

Many mothers who look for alternatives to breast milk during the day often choose formula, unaware that there are healthier plant-based milk options that can supplement (but not fully replace) nursing.

Sesame seeds are used in foods such as halva, tahini, and sesame oil. They contain six times more calcium than cow’s milk, along with significant amounts of protein and minerals such as calcium and iron. Sesame seeds are also rich in magnesium, zinc, phosphorus, manganese, selenium, copper, and potassium, as well as a wide range of vitamins, including A, C, E, B1, B2, B3, and B6. In addition, they provide amino acids, unsaturated fatty acids, and dietary fiber.

To prepare sesame milk, grind whole sesame seeds in a coffee grinder and soak them in water overnight. Strain the mixture through a muslin cloth to remove the husks. Then squeeze the remaining fiber in the cloth to extract the maximum nutritional value. Sweeten the milk with sulfite-free natural molasses or cooked organic dates (without preservatives). After cooking, allow the dates to cool, then peel and remove the pit. Blend everything with water in a blender. For very young infants, strain the fibers again. This milk can be prepared in larger quantities and stored in the refrigerator. Honey is not recommended for infants under one year of age.

Almonds, a type of nut, are rich in minerals such as calcium, iron, zinc, magnesium, and potassium. They also contain polyunsaturated fatty acids, trace elements, protein, vitamins B1, B2, B3, and E, folic acid, and dietary fiber.

Almond milk recipe: Soak almonds in water overnight in the refrigerator, then easily peel off the skins in the morning. Blend the almonds with water and strain through a muslin cloth or fine sieve. Industrial “shkedia,” cold-pressed and available at health food stores, is also suitable for easy almond milk preparation. Add one teaspoon of shkedia to a bottle of lukewarm water (the younger the infant, the more diluted the mixture should be). Sweeten as described in the previous recipe.

Breast milk naturally contains readily available sugar, which is why the plant-based milk alternatives above are sweetened. In addition, meals served in the morning should be sweeter than those served in the evening. The younger the infant, the less concentrated (less fatty) the food should be. More concentrated foods can be given in the evening, before bedtime.