working in partnership This leaflet has information on the types of drinks to give to children up to five years. Breast fed babies do not need any additional drinks before 6 months. Formula fed babies may need some extra water in hot weather. Water needs to be boiled and cooled for babies below 6 months.
Drinks should be given in an open cup or free-flowing beaker. Do not use a
cup with a valve, such as 'non-spill' beakers, or a bottle, since these encourage frequent sucking and can contribute to tooth damage.
Breast milk is still the best milk after introducing solids and there are many benefits of continuing breastfeeding for 2 years and beyond. Breastfed children will have less need to have other drinks.
; Encourage your child to drink water if she or he is thirsty. Water quenches
thirst, does not spoil children's appetites, and does not damage teeth. In Britain, tap water from the first tap on the mains supply (usually the cold tap in the kitchen) is fine and better than bottled waters, which may have a high mineral content and therefore are unhealthy for your baby
; Encourage milk as a drink in a cup, if not breastfeeding. Full-fat cow's
milk is suitable as a main drink for most children from 12 months of age. Semi-skimmed milk can be introduced after the age of 2 years, provided that the child is a good eater. If a child fills up on milk, she or he will eat less food, which can mean that they do not get enough iron. By 1 year children should not have more than 500-600ml (around 1 pint) of milk as a drink or in food. Breast milk and other milk is the main source of calcium and is a good source of protein, vitamins and minerals for young children. Skimmed milk is not suitable as the main drink for a child under 5 years of age
Drinks for children up to 5 • June 2008
; Fruit juice, if given, can be a useful source of vitamin C. Children should be encouraged to have a piece of fruit, or glass of diluted fruit juice, with their main meal or with breakfast as this helps the body to absorb iron. To dilute the juice, use one part fruit juice to at least 10 parts of water. It is better not to provide fruit juice in between snacks or in a bottle as it may cause tooth decay
; Try not to let your child have any fizzy drinks, squashes, juice drinks, flavoured milk or flavoured water, even the diet or low sugar varieties. The sugar and acid in these drinks can cause tooth decay and it is not known whether artificial sweeteners are safe for small children. These drinks do not provide many nutrients and children who frequently drink them may not eat well at mealtimes
; Baby and herbal drinks may contain sugar and are not recommended
; Tea and coffee are not suitable for children under 5. They reduce iron absorption from food when taken with meals. A lack of iron may lead to health problems. Children's behaviour may also change when they have drinks containing caffeine
Drinks for children up to 5 • June 2008
Types of milk to give to children up to 5 as a main drink Breast milk is the ideal food and Add the powder to the water. All drink for babies up to 6 months. formulas in Britain now use 1 Breast milk is the best milk after scoop to 1 oz (30ml) water. introducing solids and there are Never use more than this or you many benefits of continuing breast will make your baby ill. Do not add feeding for 2 years and beyond. anything else to the feed. Screw the cap on tightly and shake well Infant formula is cow's milk until all the powder has dissolved. modified for babies. If not Check the temperature of the feed breastfeeding, you can use it for by dripping a little on the inside of babies up to 12 months. To make your wrist to check it is at body up a bottle, boil some fresh tap temperature before giving it. Make water and let it cool for only a few up only one feed at a time. (For minutes (it should still be more more information visit: than 70oC). Measure the exact www.dh.gov.uk/en/Publicationsan amount of powder using the dstatistics/Publications/Publication scoop provided in the tin (level sPolicyAndGuidance/DH_4123619 scoop). Follow-on infant formula is modified cow's milk and is only suitable for babies from 6-12 months of age.
Soya infant formula is not
recommended as a substitute for formula milk, unless you are advised to use it by a health professional. These formulas contain sugar, which is harmful to teeth.
Drinks for children up to 5 • June 2008
Full-fat cow's milk is not suitable Soya drinks are not suitable for for children under 12 months as a babies. If children over 1 are given main drink but can be used in food soya drinks, make sure they are preparation after 6 months. fortified with calcium. Drinks should be given in cups, rather Semi-skimmed cow's milk is not than bottles, because of the sugar suitable for children under 2 years content. as a drink, but can be introduced gradually after the age of 2, Cow’s milk substitutes, such as provided that the child is eating oat milk, rice milk or almond and growing well. milk are not suitable for children under 5. These drinks are low in Skimmed cow’s milk, including protein and may have added sugar. dried skimmed milk, should not be The drink will also be low in given to children under 5 years. calcium if not fortified. Seek specialist advice from your GP, Evaporated milk is not suitable health visitor or dietitian. for babies. Skimmed milk varieties should not be given to children N.B. All cow's or goat's milk given under 5 years. to children should be pasteurised or long-life (UHT) to prevent any Condensed milk should not be risk of infection, such as TB. used for babies or children.
Goat’s milk is not suitable for
babies unless recommended by a paediatrician.
Drinks for children up to 5 • June 2008
Drinks for children up to 5 • June 2008 Cambridge Education @Islington
Reference: Caroline Walker Trust: Eating well for under 5s in child care. Nutritional and practical guidelines. 2nd Edition (www.cwt.org.uk) Photographs in this leaflet were taken at Rosedale Early Years Centre by Tessa Hallman and at Kate Greenaway Nursery School and Children's Centre by Lottie Davies.
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