Added sugars should be avoided in children less than 2 years of age. Children aged also should avoid flavored milk to minimize added sugars intake and avoid developing a preference for sweet tastes. An early preference for flavored milk may make it more difficult to get them to accept regular milk. Plant-based 'milk.
But keep in mind, most plant-based milks are not nutritionally-equivalent to cow's milk and may be lacking in important nutrients such as protein , vitamin D, and calcium. Other than soy milk , plant-based milks are not recommended for children to drink in place of dairy milk. Soy milk is nutritionally equivalent to cow's milk and is an acceptable alternative. Stevia- or artificially-sweetened drinks.
The health risks of stevia or artificial sweeteners to children are not well understood. For this reason, it is best to avoid sweetened drinks, even if they are calorie-free. When children have a strong preference for sweet drinks, it can lead them to dislike or refuse plain water. Toddler milk. Toddler milks, often marketed by formula companies as "transitional" to wean from breast milk or formula, are unnecessary and potentially harmful to young children.
These products contain added sugars and may fill a baby's stomach up so he or she is not hungry for healthier foods. Sugary drinks. Sugary drinks like sodas, sports drinks, fruit drinks, lemonade, sweetened water, and other drinks containing added sugars are harmful to a child's health. They increase the risk of excess weight gain, dental cavities , heart disease , diabetes , and fatty liver disease.
Caffeinated drinks. Caffeine in young children increases the risk of poor sleep, irritability, nervousness, headaches, and difficulty concentrating. Between the ages of 2 and 5, tots should drink about 2 to 2. If you prefer an animal-free option for your child, soy is considered an acceptable substitute. Keep in mind, though, that your toddler can be getting too much of a good thing. Toddlers who drink a lot of milk may be filling up on liquids and not eating enough solid foods — and that can cause them to miss out on important nutrients such as iron.
Not getting enough iron can cause learning and behavioral problems, and can also lead to iron-deficiency anemia a lack of red blood cells. Starting at age 1, children should drink about 1 to 4 cups — or 8 to 32 oz — of water each day.
After their second birthday, toddlers should drink 1 to 5 cups 40 oz of water. Plain old H20 is your best bet when your tot is thirsty, especially if he needs something to drink in between meals. Plus, toddlers who sip on too much juice throughout the day might be taking in too many calories and not enough nutrients — a habit that can cause poor nutrition.
Even better: Encourage your toddler to eat whole fruit, which is full of fiber and other healthy nutrients. Do you struggle to get your tot to drink enough throughout the day? The best way to get a toddler to drink water and milk is by taking a swig of it yourself. Children learn by watching their parents and caregivers, so try toting around a water bottle to drink from throughout the day.
When a range of amounts is given, the higher amount applies to kids who are older, bigger, or more active and need more calories:. Milks is an important part of a toddler's diet. It provides calcium and vitamin D to help build strong bones. Toddlers should have milligrams of calcium and IU International Units of vitamin D which aids in calcium absorption a day.
This calcium need is met if kids get the recommended two servings of dairy foods every day. But those servings provide less than half of the necessary vitamin D, so doctors often recommend vitamin D supplements. Your doctor will let you know if your toddler needs a supplement.
In general, kids ages 12 to 24 months old should drink whole milk to help provide the dietary fats they need for normal growth and brain development. Your doctor can help you decide which kind of milk to serve your toddler.
Some kids may reject cow's milk at first because it doesn't taste like the familiar breast milk or formula. If your child is at least 12 months old and having this difficulty, mix whole milk with some formula or breast milk. Typically, your child can join the big leagues and move to low fat or nonfat milk when they reach their 2nd birthday. However, some children with a lower weight or other medical issues may be advised to stay on whole milk longer.
Plenty of children have grown up without drinking it. For extra fat , nuts and nut butters, plant-based oils, and avocados make yummy choices. And fish, meats, eggs, and tofu all offer plenty of protein for dairy-free kids. Fortified soy milk may be an exception, but always clear this with your pediatrician before diving in. Sitting down with a dietitian can make a world of difference.
When it comes to carbs, focus on the complex varieties that will fill your child up and prevent constipation. Sources of these beneficial carbs include:. Plant oils, seeds, nuts, and nut butters and, to a lesser extent, cheese and yogurt are all healthy fat sources. When you think healthy toddler meals, you may think it's time consuming and labor intensive to feed your kid right.
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