Beverage Guidelines for Infants and Kids

Nourishing a newborn is pretty simple. They eat and drink only one thing: breast milk, formula, or a mixture of both. But what happens when they start eating solid foods and need additional hydration? Are there any beverage guidelines for when you start introducing new liquids into their diet? What are the best (and worst) drinks they can have? Here, we'll discuss some essential beverage guidelines for infants and kids up to three years old.

A Few Considerations for Healthy Drinks

Marketing tactics today can make it challenging to know what's healthy and what's not. Key phrases and words are put on the forefront of labels, making it tough to choose the right option. Is 100% fruit juice really... made entirely of fruits? If something has "organic" on the label, is it truly organic? The key lies in reading the labels. Check to see if there is added sugar in fruit juice, and read the ingredients on things that may be marketed to look healthy. When in doubt, talk to your pediatrician for clarity and additional recommendations,

Beverages to Avoid Giving Children

Although the best beverages tend to be water and plain milk (at a certain age), children are exposed to thousands of different beverages, from sports drinks to chocolate milk and everything in between. However, healthy eating research suggests that many drinks on the market can have adverse health effects and should, therefore, be avoided until your children are a bit older. For more information, consider the following recommendations, which have been endorsed by the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry (AAPD) and other leading health organizations:

Sugar-Sweetened Beverages

Drinks like sodas, sports drinks, and fruit drinks that contain added sugars may taste appealing to children, but they come with significant health risks. Consuming too many sugary beverages can lead to an increased risk of obesity, tooth decay, and type 2 diabetes, even at a young age. Additionally, these drinks often replace healthier beverages like water or milk, leading to nutritional deficiencies. Other sugar-sweetened beverages (SSB) include sweetened water, sweetened tea, and more.

Excess calories or sugar don't help young children, as they can interfere with their natural appetite regulation and overall development. Although guidelines recommend avoiding them altogether during early childhood, children may enjoy them in moderation as they grow older.

Artificially Sweetened Drinks

While artificially sweetened drinks like diet sodas may seem like a good low-calorie alternative, they aren’t necessarily healthy for young children either. Limited research exists on the long-term effects of artificial sweeteners on children's health. Still, some studies suggest they may negatively affect taste preferences, encouraging a sweet tooth later in life. These drinks can also disrupt natural body processes like appetite control and metabolism, so it's best to skip them for now.

Non-Dairy Alternatives (Plant-Based Milk)

Plant-based milk, such as almond, cashew, oat, or soy, may not provide the same essential nutrients as cow’s milk. Many non-dairy alternatives are lower in protein, calcium, and vitamin D—nutrients that are crucial for early childhood development. Furthermore, some plant-based milk may contain added sugars or unnecessary additives, harming young children's growth. Although some milk alternatives may be used in certain situations (i.e., if they're allergic to dairy), they should only be given to children after a consultation with your pediatrician, dietitian, or a healthcare professional.

Caffeinated Drinks

Caffeinated beverages like tea, coffee, and energy drinks should not be given to infants or young children. Caffeine can cause sleep disturbances, irritability, increased heart rate, and even anxiety in children. It may also affect a child's developing nervous system and reduce calcium absorption, which is important for bone growth. Wait until they're older to give them a sip of your coffee, or let them try a decaffeinated version if they're curious.

Flavored Milks

Flavored options, such as chocolate or strawberry milk, may seem like a good way to get children to drink whole milk, but they often contain many added sugars. This can contribute to several adverse health outcomes, so beverage recommendations advise against it.

Toddler Milk

Toddler milk products are marketed as nutritious alternatives for young children, but most are unnecessary and contain added sugars, fats, and unnecessary additives. Experts agree these products provide no added health benefits over cow’s milk or formula. In fact, they can contribute to an increased preference for sweetened beverages later in life. Children aged one to three can usually transition from breast milk or formula to dairy milk without issues.

Recommended Beverage Guidelines Based on Age

Although it can be difficult to determine what's best for your children in some respects, beverage guidelines are pretty simple. Several different health organizations agree so you can rest assured that you're giving your kids exactly what they need. The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics (Eat Right), the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry (AAPD), and the American Heart Association (AHA) recommend the following guidelines.

Newborns: 0 to 6 Months

During the first six months of life, newborns need only breast milk or formula. Breast milk offers an ideal mix of nutrients, antibodies, and enzymes that support a baby’s growth, brain development, and immune system. It’s uniquely tailored to meet all their nutritional needs. If breastfeeding isn’t an option, infant formula is a safe and nutritious alternative to mimic breast milk.

At this age, water, juice, and other liquids are unnecessary and harmful. Water, in particular, can lead to an imbalance of electrolytes in newborns and interfere with nutrient absorption from breast milk or formula. Stick to exclusive breastfeeding or formula feeding until your pediatrician advises otherwise.

Infants: 6 to 12 Months

At around six months, babies start eating solid foods, but breast milk or formula should still be their primary source of nourishment. You can introduce small sips of water to help them adjust to new textures and foods, especially with meals. Water helps with hydration and supports healthy digestion, but it should not replace breast milk or formula yet.

Although juice might be marketed as a healthy option, it’s best to avoid it during this period. Juice is high in natural sugars and lacks fiber. Instead, stick to whole fruits and plain water.

Babies: 12 to 24 Months

Once your child turns one, you can begin offering whole cow’s milk. Whole milk is important for toddlers because it contains fats essential for brain development. Experts recommend 2-3 cups of whole milk daily to ensure your child gets the fats, calcium, and vitamin D they need to build strong bones and teeth. If you notice any signs that your child is lactose intolerant, talk to your pediatrician.

During this time, water should also become a regular part of their diet. Encourage them to drink water throughout the day, especially between meals. It’s best to keep them hydrated without adding extra calories or sugars.

Juice, even 100% fruit juice, should still be limited. If you choose to offer it, do so sparingly—no more than 4 ounces (½ cup) per day.

Toddlers: 2 to 3 Years

Your child's milk intake can begin to shift from whole milk to low-fat or fat-free milk, depending on your pediatrician’s guidance. Most toddlers this age no longer need the higher fat content of whole milk after age two, and switching to lower-fat options can help reduce unnecessary calorie intake while still providing essential nutrients like calcium and vitamin D.

Water should continue to be your toddler’s go-to beverage for hydration. Offer it regularly throughout the day, especially during playtime and meals. Avoid fruit drinks, sodas, or artificially sweetened beverages. While they might seem tempting, these drinks can contribute to unhealthy weight gain, dental issues, and a preference for sugary or artificially sweetened foods.

At this age, it’s important to build healthy beverage habits that will carry into childhood and beyond. By reinforcing water and plain milk as primary beverages, you’re setting the stage for long-term healthy choices.

Supporting Healthy Growth and Development From Day 1

There are several different things that you'll learn as a new parent. However, during those early days, it's important to remember that breast milk is the best option for newborns. Although formulas can be used if you face challenges, working with a lactation consultant can help you understand your options.

Some women can nurse exclusively until solid foods are introduced, while other new moms may find latching more difficult. However, nursing isn't the only option for delivering breast milk to your baby. Using a breast pump can help strengthen your milk supply and extract breast milk to bottle feed your baby, even if you have trouble with latching.

To learn more, consult your lactation consultant or browse the insurance-covered breast pump from Byram Healthcare. Contact one of our specialists today to find lactation support or get started with your order.