hemp milk babies

I’ve been diving into more homemade plant-based milk options lately, and hemp milk has been a game changer. It is super easy to make and has so many nutrients. I think it is very underrated. I started prioritizing making my own milk because the ones in the store usually have unnecessary additives, gums, and preservatives. I literally just wanted something simple, so what better way than to do it yourself?

Not to mention, I am a (tired) breastfeeding mom. I pump occasionally for my baby, but I feel like breastfeeding has been draining me. So I needed a little something extra to give my baby so that I regain a bit more space for myself (and boobies). For context, I work from home, and my baby is feeding on demand, and he is VERY demanding. Like every 2-3 hours demanding. Sometimes cluster feeding hourly demanding.

When the babe turned 4 months, I started supplementing with hemp milk. Honestly, I wouldn't have minded trying a formula, but the ones in America -- trash! They are super full of unnecessary ingredients, in my opinion, such as cane sugar, canola oil, and maltodextrin, to name a few. Also there are no truly vegan baby formulas being sold in America.

To add to the fire, just recently, several articles have come out questioning the ingredients in many of the baby formulas in America. I am talking about the hidden ingredients that are not on the labels -- lead and pesticides.

What! Wouldn't this be harmful to the baby? The children are far too delicate to be overexposed to toxins, so we are hedging the risk and making hemp milk "formula" at home.

Why Choose Hemp Milk?

Hemp seeds are my favorite nutritious food. Why?

complete protein with all nine essential amino acids
balanced omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids
anti-inflammatory properties that support heart and brain health
magnesium, iron, and zinc

Here is the recipe I used for a breast milk supplement for my baby (he has been taking it since 4 months old) and as a milk alternative for my toddler. It’s gentle on their stomachs and has essential nutrients to support their growth and development.

Simple Hemp Milk Recipe

You can make it in 5 minutes (or less), and it requires only a few simple ingredients

Ingredients:

½ cup hemp seeds
3-4 cups filtered water (less water for creamier milk, more for a thinner consistency)
1 tsp vanilla extract (optional)

Instructions:

Add all ingredients to a high-speed blender.
Blend on high for about 1 minute until smooth and creamy.
Strain using a nut milk bag or fine mesh sieve (optional – hemp seeds blend so well that straining isn’t always necessary!).
Transfer to a glass jar and store in the fridge for up to 5 days.

Ways to Enjoy Hemp Milk

I don't limit hemp milk to just the babies (the parents need nutrition too!). My hubby and I use it in other ways:

pour it over granola, dry cereal, or oatmeal
blend it into smoothies
drink it warm with cacao and maple syrup (hot cocoa)
replace coconut milk with it in meals (coconut milk gives me nausea sometimes)

Final Thoughts

Listen, I am not telling you that you should replace your milk with this one or start giving your newborn baby hemp milk; I am just sharing what has worked for my family and me. Always do what is right for you.

Have you ever made homemade plant-based milk before? What is your go to? Let’s chat in the comments!