Learning About Healthy And Non-Healthy Drinks for Toddlers

Introducing Water And Milk

As parents, we want to ensure that our children are getting the best nutrition possible, and that includes the beverages they consume. However, with so many options available, it can be overwhelming to determine which drinks are healthy for our little ones, especially between the ages of 12-36 months.

As tempting as it may be to reach for juice or other sugary drinks, it's important to understand the impact these beverages can have on our children's health. From tooth decay to obesity, the consequences of consuming too much sugar can be detrimental.

So, what are the healthiest drinks for your child during this critical period of growth and development? In this discussion, we'll explore the best choices to keep your little one hydrated and healthy, and why water and milk should be at the top of your list.

Toddler Drinks

These include two main beverages – milk and nutritional drinks. Usually, milk helps in the transition from breast milk or formula milk to solid foods for children ages 12 to 36 months. Toddlers’ drinks are not referred to as supplemental nutrition drinks. Supplemental nutrition drinks provide special medical nutrition for some children. These are not considered transitional drinks and are high in calories.

Furthermore, if your toddler has started eating solids and is eating a stomach-full, you can discontinue giving your toddler any drinks.

Best Choices Of Beverages

The following are the best choices of beverages:

• Although the choice of drinks is wide, plain water is the best. It provides much-needed hydration without any harmful calories or additives. At the age of 12 to 36 months, your child will require 1 to 4 cups of water in a day.
• Additionally, you can also introduce milk. Milk essentially provides various minerals like calcium, and zinc, vitamins like vitamins A and D, and protein. These nutrients are required for growth and development. At the age of 12 to 36 months, 2 to 3 cups of milk a day.

Drinks That Should Be Avoided And Not Given To Toddlers

1. Juices

Whole fruit is always preferred over fruit juice as it provides fibre along with the goodness of fruit juice. This is good for the stomach and also keeps the gums strong. Even so, you can give them freshly squeezed, unsweetened juice. This should not substitute the meals and only be given occasionally.

2. Carbonated Drinks

Carbonated or soft drinks contain added sugar and have no nutritional value. They can lead to tooth decay. Children at a younger age should not be introduced to carbonated drinks.

3. Flavoured Milk

Flavoured milk like chocolate, strawberry, and, almond milk usually contains added sugars. The sweet taste can be addicting and create resistance towards regular milk, hence should be avoided.

4. Plant-Based Milk

Plant-based milk has become increasingly popular as more people are seeking alternatives to traditional dairy milk. Made from nuts, seeds, grains, or legumes, plant-based milk is a great option for those who are lactose intolerant, vegan, or simply looking to reduce their dairy intake.  

Plant-based milk is preferred when children have a dairy allergy. However, plant-based milk has minimal to zero nutritional value except for soy milk. On the other hand, soy milk is still acceptable and recommended for children as it has equivalent nutrition values to cow’s milk.

5. Toddlers Milk

Although it is termed as a ‘transitional drink’ that helps in the weaning of breast or formula milk, it is quite harmful to toddlers. They contain added sugars and can fill up their stomach too fast.

Conclusion

When it comes to introducing beverages to your toddlers, the most preferred drinks are water and milk. Water provides hydration that children require when they turn 12 months. Similarly, milk is known for its nutritional value as it is rich in nutrients like calcium. Apart from water and milk, any homemade, hygienic and healthy drink is good for your toddler. However, a professional’s opinion should be taken before giving the child new foods and beverages.