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By Kelly Young
Edited by David G. Fairchild, MD, MPH
The Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry, the American Academy of Pediatrics, and the American Heart Association have released guidance on healthy beverage choices for young children. Among the consensus recommendations:
Children aged 5 years and under should avoid flavored milks, toddler formulas, plant-based/non-dairy milks (unless they're lactose intolerant or allergic to dairy), caffeinated drinks, and sugar-sweetened or low-calorie sweetened beverages.
Infants aged 0 to 6 months should only be given breast milk or infant formula.
Infants aged 6 to 12 months should also be offered sips of water when solid foods are introduced.
Children aged 12 to 24 months should drink whole milk. The groups say that a small amount of 100% fruit juice is acceptable, but real fruit is better.
Children aged 2 to 5 years should continue drinking milk, but they can switch to skim or 1%. Water is also recommended. If caregivers offer a small amount of juice, they can dilute it with water.
Comment
LINK(S):
Healthy Drinks Healthy Kids website (Free)
AHA news release (Free)
Background: NEJM Journal Watch Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine coverage of AAP recommending policies to reduce consumption of sugar-sweetened drinks (Your NEJM Journal Watch registration required)