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3.5: Beverages

  • Page ID
    139638
    • Todd LaMarr
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    Infants and Beverages

    For healthy infants with adequate intake of breast milk or infant formula, supplemental water is typically not needed in the first 6 months. Small amounts (up to 4 to 8 ounces per day) of plain, fluoridated drinking water can be given to infants with the introduction of complementary foods. Plain, fluoridated drinking water intake can slowly be increased after age 1 to meet hydration and fluoride needs. [1]

    Infants should not consume cow milk or fortified soy beverages before age 12 months to replace breast milk or infant formula. Cow milk does not have the correct amount of nutrients for infants, and its higher protein and mineral content are hard for an infant’s kidneys and digestive system to process. Plain cow milk (whole milk) or fortified unsweetened soy beverage can be offered beginning around 12 months of age to help meet calcium, potassium, vitamin D, and protein needs. Flavored milks for children aged 12 through 23 months should be avoided because they contain added sugars. [1]

    Plant-based milk alternatives include beverages made from plants, such as soy, oat, rice, coconut, and almond. These beverages should not be used in the first year of life to replace breast milk or infant formula. They may come in different flavors and some forms have added sugars. Unsweetened versions of these beverages may be accommodated in small amounts in the diet during the second year of life, but most have significantly less protein than cow milk and are not always fortified with calcium and vitamin D. Among plant-based milk alternatives, only fortified soy beverage is currently considered a dairy equivalent. Thus, consuming other plant-based beverages does not contribute to meeting dairy recommendations. [1]

    Before twelve months, 100% fruit or vegetable juices should not be given to infants. In the second year of life, fruit juice is not necessary, and most fruit intake should come from eating whole fruit. If 100% fruit juice is provided, up to 4 ounces per day can fit in a healthy dietary pattern. Juices that contain added sugars should be avoided. [1]

    Sugar-sweetened beverages (e.g., regular soda, juice drinks (not 100% fruit juice), sports drinks, and flavored water with sugar) should not be given to children younger than age 2. Drinks labeled as fruit drinks or fruit-flavored drinks are not the same as 100% fruit juice and contain added sugars. These beverages displace nutrient-dense beverages and foods in the diet of young children. Infants and toddlers do not have room in their diets for the additional calories from added sugars found in these beverages. In addition, sugar-sweetened beverage intake in infancy and early childhood may predispose children to consume more of these beverages later in life. [1]

    Concerns exist about potential negative health effects of caffeine for young children, and no safe limits of caffeine have been established for this age group. Caffeine is a stimulant that can occur naturally in foods and beverages or as an additive. Major sources of caffeine for Americans include beverages such as soft drinks, tea, coffee, and sports drinks. Beverages containing caffeine should be avoided for infants and toddlers. [1]


    [1]Dietary Guidelines for Americans, 2020-2025” by U.S. Department of Agriculture and U.S. Department of Health and Human Services is in the public domain.


    This page titled 3.5: Beverages is shared under a mixed 4.0 license and was authored, remixed, and/or curated by Todd LaMarr.