Healthy Drink Options

There’s no shortage of beverage options for kids these days, but it can be tough to know which ones are actually healthy. That’s why some of the nation’s leading experts on children’s health came together to develop recommendations for choosing the best drinks for kids.

Whether it is milk, juice, water, or other drinks, these new recommendations clear up the confusion and help parents and caregivers set their kids on the path for healthy growth and development.

0-6 months: Babies need only breast milk or infant formula.

6-12 months: In addition to breast milk or infant formula, offer a small amount of drinking water once solid foods are introduced. It’s best for children under 1 not to drink juice. Even 100% fruit juice offers no nutritional benefits over whole fruit.

12-24 months: It’s time to add whole milk, which has many essential nutrients, along with plain drinking water for hydration. A small amount of 100% fruit juice is ok.

2-5 years: Milk and water are the go-to beverages. Look for milk with less fat than whole milk, like skim (non-fat) or low-fat (1%).