Milk substitutes - which is best?

DD has become really blocked up in the nose since introducing cow's milk, so much so that she has a choking cough a lot lately (it doesn't run out her nose)
I'm wondering what would be the best substitute for a 13m old and how much milk they are actually supposed to have at this age? I noticed the rice milk says it can't be considered a whole food for children under five. What is it exactly that they need so much in cow's milk? Just the calcium?
Does anyone also know if formula also causes an excess in mucous?
So many questions! Thanks if you can help with the answers!

hun my dr told me that milk isnt responsible for that type of mucos!! its a different mucos.
maybe try soy milk?

Hey Sacha,

It is very common to see this type of reaction to cow's milk, and it is definitely a known trigger to asthma and this type of respiratory mucus. The best thing to try is goats milk, or a goats milk formula, as these are much easier for little ones to digest. The other option is yoghurt - because it is a fermented dairy product, it is less prone to cause allergies and mucus. Many of the toddlers and children that I treat are intolerant to cows milk, but a great deal of them can tolerate cows yoghurt perfectly. Unfortunately, it's down to trial and error with each child, but give these options a try. If you need any extra help, don't hesitate to msg me.

All the best
xxx

Sacha, has the mucous increased since winter started? When did you introduce whole cows milk?

Are there any other tell tale signs of milk intolerance or allergy? Such as loose stools or ear infections?

One of my daughters is intolerant to milk, and the other has a severe allergy to it. When I first introduced cows milk she got bad diahorrea and increased illness such as tonsilitis and ear infections. I went back to toddler milk or formula and it got better, BUT always continued until the diagnosis.

Both of my daughters 4 yrs old and 20 months are on rice milk. But we have no alternatives. Goats milk still had reactions from both girls.

AJP - I have also heard this but I experience the same problem with dairy myself so I'm inclined to be skeptical.

Nicole, thanks for the information. I will try the goat's milk and see if it makes a difference.

Christy, no she doesn't have any other symptoms, and while it could be a cold I guess, it really does coincide with me introducing milk at 12m. I had her to the doctor today and she said her throat is quite phlegm coated so I would say she is coughing due to it running back down her throat rather than out through the nose. (Bleeuurgh!) Thanks, I will try the goat milk and then go to rice milk if it's not working.

Thanks all, for your replies :)