Rice milk for Babies
Complete guide on how to prepare and serve rice milk to your baby, by age.
Safety Information
How to Serve Rice milk to a 6–9 Months Old
How to Cut
Rice milk is a liquid and requires no cutting. If using for infants 6-9 months, ensure the milk is unsweetened and fortified with essential nutrients such as calcium and vitamin D. Serve in an open cup or with a spoon, never a bottle, to foster safe drinking habits and oral motor skills. Rice milk is not intended as a main drink at this age—offer only small tastes alongside breast milk or formula, and avoid using it as a substitute.
Serving Instructions
For babies 6-9 months, rice milk is not a replacement for breast milk or infant formula. It can be introduced in very small amounts (a few sips or up to 30 ml/1 oz) to help babies explore new tastes. Make sure the product is unsweetened and fortified with calcium and vitamin D. Serve at room temperature or slightly chilled, in an open cup or by spoon. Always pair with a meal containing healthy fats, iron-rich foods, and vegetables for optimal nutrition.
How to Serve Rice milk to a 9–18 Months Old
How to Cut
Rice milk still requires no cutting. For children 9-18 months, continue to offer unsweetened and fortified rice milk in an open cup, ideally as a minor addition to meals. It is not recommended as a main source of nutrition, as rice milk is low in protein and fat compared to breast milk, cow’s milk, or formula. Limit serving to small portions (30–60 ml or 1–2 oz) if used, and always ensure a balanced meal that includes protein, healthy fats, and iron-rich foods.
Serving Instructions
At 9-18 months, rice milk should only be used occasionally and in small amounts (30–60 ml or 1–2 oz per meal), always unsweetened and fortified. Use it to moisten grains, cereals, or as a minor drink in an open cup. Do not offer as the primary beverage—breast milk, whole cow’s milk, or formula (if still needed) are more nutritionally appropriate. Ensure meals also include protein, healthy fats, and iron-rich components.
How to Serve Rice milk to a 18+ Months Old
How to Cut
Rice milk remains a liquid with no need for cutting. For toddlers and older children, rice milk can be offered in small amounts (up to 100 ml or 3–4 oz per serving) if it is unsweetened and fortified. It is best used as an ingredient in recipes or a minor drink, not as a main beverage due to its low protein and fat content. Continue encouraging a variety of whole foods including dairy, proteins, vegetables, and grains for a balanced diet.
Serving Instructions
After 18 months, rice milk can be used as an ingredient in cooking, baking, or as an occasional beverage, always unsweetened and fortified. Portion sizes can be up to 100 ml (3–4 oz) per serving, but it should not replace full-fat cow's milk or other more complete milk alternatives if those are tolerated. Continue to prioritize a diet rich in protein, healthy fats, fruits, vegetables, and whole grains.
More Plant based Dairy Alternatives
Track Your Baby's Feeding with My Smart Solids
Log preferences, track allergens, and generate personalized AI meal plans.
Discover My Smart Solids