If you are a parent, you likely do your best to put healthy fare on your child’s plate. But did you know that what he or she drinks is just as important? It can be confusing to know exactly what’s OK when it comes to sipping. Thankfully, four of America’s biggest health organizations have come together to give us advice.

The guidelines from the group, consisting of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry, American Academy of Pediatrics and the American Heart Association, are clear:

• 0–6 months: Only use breast milk or infant formula.
• 6–12 months: Stick with breast milk or infant formula; start introducing water with solid foods.
• 1–2 years: Add in whole milk, water and small amounts of fruit juice (if desired).
• 2–5 years: Serve skim or 1% milk, water and small amounts of fruit juice (if desired).

Steer Clear of Sugar

So what should kids skip? The experts’ number 1 rule of thumb is to avoid sugar. While sugary drinks may be everywhere, they don’t belong in your child’s diet. That includes flavored milks, toddler formulas, fruit-flavored drinks, low-calorie sweetened beverages, sports or soft drinks, sweetened flavored water and much more. Kids should also avoid caffeinated beverages.

If your child is lactose intolerant or allergic to dairy, consult with a pediatrician to choose the right milk substitute. Many plant-based/non-dairy milk alternatives (such as almond and rice milk) are missing key nutrients found in cow’s milk.

What about fruit juice? Whole fruit is always more nutritious than juice. However, it’s OK to serve a little bit of juice from a cup during meals or snacks. Just make sure it’s 100% juice with no sugar added. And stick to a small portion size—no more than a half cup per day for 1- to 3-year-olds and ¾ cup per day for 4- to 5-year-olds. Adding some water can help it go further and decrease sweetness.

Why It Matters

A daily fix of chocolate milk may not seem harmful, but what children drink in their younger years can make a big difference for their future. Not only does drinking the right beverages fuel proper growth and development, but it also sets them on a healthy path. That’s because flavor preferences are established at a very early age. If children develop a taste for healthy drinks and learn to steer clear of the sugar-laden ones, it can reduce their risk for health issues later.

For more information and to read the full guidelines, go to https://healthydrinkshealthykids.org.

Source: The Staywell Company