Disclaimer [ENGLISH]
Disclaimer: This material is for educational purposes only. You, the reader, assume full responsibility for how you choose to use it. It is not intended to provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment, nor does it replace the advice or counsel of a doctor or health care professional. Reference to a specific commercial product or service does not imply endorsement or recommendation of that product or service by CPCMG.
Research shows that what children drink from birth through age 5 can significantly impact their health. Beverages make up a big part of dietary intake during this period.
However, with so many choices available, it can be confusing for parents and caregivers to know which drinks are healthy and which ones to avoid.
If your child is…
…0-5 yrs old
They should drink:
- 0-6 months: Only breast milk or infant formula (unless directed by your clinician).
- 6-12 months:
- Can start to offer a small amount water at mealtimes once solid foods are introduced.
- Do not offer juice.
- 12-24 Months:
- Add in whole or 2% milk along with water for hydration.
- Offer fruit rather than fruit juice.
- 2-5 years:
- Continue offering milk and water.
- Move from whole milk to low-fat milk.
- Offer whole fruit rather than fruit juice.
All kids 5 and under should avoid drinking flavored milks, toddler formulas, and sugar-sweetened beverages.
…5+ yrs old
They should drink:
-
Water
- Plain water, including carbonated water with no added sweeteners, is the best way to quench your child’s thirst.
- The amount of water each child needs varies day-to-day based on how active they are, the weather, and the amount of fluids they get from other beverages like milk or foods like soups or applesauce.
-
Milk
- Children should drink unflavored, low-fat (1%) and nonfat (skim) milk, or soy beverages (calcium and vitamin D fortified) in no more than 8-ounce portions.
- Children need up to 3 cups of milk or milk products (e.g., yogurt or cottage cheese) per day to meet nutrient needs.
WHAT TO AVOID
- Flavored milks (e.g., chocolate, strawberry)
- Caffeinated beverages (or those with stimulants)
- Low-calorie sweetened drinks (e.g., “diet” or “light” drinks)
- Sugary drinks (e.g., soda, lemonade, sports drinks, sweet tea, etc.)
-
100% Juice
- 100% juice means that everything in the container came from a fruit or vegetable, and there are no added sweeteners or other ingredients.
- Consuming whole fruits is strongly preferred over juice, as juice does not contain fiber and many other important nutrients found in whole fruit.
- Minimal amounts of 100% juice may be an option if a child is otherwise unable to access or consume whole fruit.
- If a product is 100% juice, it will be written on the front-of-pack label or on the Nutrition Facts Panel and will show 0 g added sugars on the Nutrition Facts Panel.
- No more than 6 ounces of 100% fruit or vegetable juice or fruit juice combined with water, per day. Do not add sweeteners like honey or table sugar.
- 100% vegetable juice should have no more than 100 mg of sodium per portion.
This publication was adapted from information within American Academy of Pediatrics Patient Education Handouts and healthydrinkshealthykids.org.
Reviewed by: NM M.D., AR D.O. | 12/2023