What is the best hydration drink for kids?
According to new health recommendations, the best drinks for kids and teens are plain water and plain pasteurized milk, with limited amounts of 100% fruit and vegetable juice. And if they do enjoy a sweet drink occasionally, have them rinse with water or brush their teeth afterward to wash away harmful sugars. Soft drinks or other sweetened drinks such as fruit, energy, or soda are not recommended for your child’s health. They do not provide any nutrition to your child as they contain empty calories. Instead, it leads to various health concerns.Energy drinks are not recommended for children and teens because of the amount of caffeine, sugars and other ingredients (like herbs and amino acids) they contain. Caffeine is a drug naturally found in the leaves and seeds of many plants. It’s also artificially made and added to certain foods.Sugar-sweetened beverages are not recommended as part of a healthy diet for children and adolescents. Examples include sports drinks, soft drinks/sodas, energy drinks, fruit drinks, fruit-flavored drinks, fruitades, aguas frescas, sweetened waters, horchata, and sweetened coffee and tea drinks.Some parents may give their children a bottle of sports or energy drink as a healthier alternative to soda. But sports drinks should only be given to children who actually play sports. And energy drinks are almost never okay to give a child.
What do 7 year olds drink?
Choosing healthy beverages for children is just as important as choosing healthy foods, and the recommended beverages for most children and adolescents are plain water and unsweetened milk, said Amy Reed, MS, RD, CSP, LD, spokesperson for the Academy. Water is essential for life and recommended as the first-choice beverage option for all children and adolescents. Plain, unsweetened, unflavored, fluoridated water is recommended. Water is a healthy, low-cost, and zero-calorie beverage option.For most people, water is ideal for hydration. The lack of sugar and other additives makes it one of your best options. Other drinks can also help you stay hydrated. Some examples of hydrating drinks include coconut water, smoothies, and broth.
What is the healthiest drink for kids besides water?
DURHAM, N. C. January 29, 2025 — Experts from leading health and nutrition organizations recommend kids and teens drink plain water, plain pasteurized milk, and limited amounts of 100% fruit and vegetable juice for optimal nutrition and hydration. According to the new guidelines, plain water and pasteurized milk are best for children and adolescents. And certain beverages should be avoided altogether — those with added sugar, artificial sweeteners, and caffeine.All of a child’s hydration needs can be met by drinking water. Unsweetened (plain) pasteurized milk is also recommended for kids ages 5-18. If a child drinks milk, they can drink less water to meet their hydration needs.Choosing healthy beverages for children is just as important as choosing healthy foods, and the recommended beverages for most children and adolescents are plain water and unsweetened milk, said Amy Reed, MS, RD, CSP, LD, spokesperson for the Academy.
Can kids drink coconut water?
Coconut water provides many essential nutrients for children, including: fiber, calcium, potassium, sodium, vitamin C, protein. Coconut water also provides a healthy amount of carbs. Each serving is only 46 calories! So you can rest assured that your little one is not getting more calories than necessary. Many beverages, such as milk and coconut water, are naturally good sources of electrolytes that you can drink every day. Sports drinks are also high in electrolytes, but they also tend to be high in sugar, which isn’t good for you.Best Natural Sources of Electrolytes for Kids Coconut Water – Contains natural potassium, sodium, & magnesium (low sugar option) Oranges & Citrus Fruits – High in potassium & vitamin C. Leafy Greens (Spinach, Kale) – Rich in magnesium & calcium. Milk & Yogurt – Contain calcium, potassium, & sodium.