In 2019, a group of healthcare partners (the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry, the American Academy of Pediatrics, and several major health organizations) released evidence-based recommendations for young children ages 0-5. These recommendations can help parents make the best decisions about healthy drinks for their children.
What we eat and drink has a big impact on our oral health and overall health. One important way to keep your mouth healthy is by choosing healthy drinks. Choosing healthy drinks is just as important as choosing healthy foods, but sometimes we overlook it.
The American Academy of Pediatrics says, “All children 5 and under should avoid drinks with added sugar.” These drinks are also known as sugar-sweetened beverages. When we think of drinks with added sugar, we often think about soda. But many other types of drinks have added sugar, like flavored milk, sports drinks, and fruit-flavored drinks. Drinking these sugar-sweetened beverages in early childhood is linked to a less healthy diet, weight gain and obesity, and dental cavities.
Here are some ways to help young children cut back on Sugary Sweetened Beverages:
- Start with plain water before introducing sweetened drinks. This helps kids develop the habit of drinking water.
- You can add pieces of fresh fruit to plain water to help your child enjoy it. Let your child pick their favorite fruit to add.
- You can have a special cup with a silly straw that your child likes. This cup is reserved for plain water only. This can be a big motivator for young kids.
- “Fizzy” water can be a fun alternative to sugar-sweetened beverages. Carbonated drinks that typically do not have added sugar are seltzer water or sparkling water.
- Kids watch you! Parents and older children modeling the healthy behavior of drinking water can have a big impact on young children’s habits.
Remember, plain water is the best option to quench kids’ thirst from ages one through five.
For the full recommendations go to HealthDrinksHealthKids.org or visit The Utah Department of Health and Human Services Oral Health Program at https://ruralhealth.utah.gov/oral-health-program/