Not only food, providing nutrition-rich drinks to your little one is also important. Healthy drinks will support the growth and development of children. Come on, find out some types of healthy drinks for children.
Besides being useful for supporting children's growth and development, adequate fluid needs are also useful for preventing children from becoming dehydrated. The amount of water that needs to be consumed by children aged 1-3 years is 1.3 liters per day. As for children aged 4-8 years, the recommended amount of water intake is 1.7 liters per day.
Healthy Drink Choices for Kids
Water is the most important drink for children, especially children who are more than 6 months old. Water is useful for increasing endurance, maximizing brain work and increasing learning concentration.
In addition to water, there are several types of drinks that are also important for consumption by children, namely:
1. Milk
The benefits of milk for children are no longer in doubt. Choose milk that does not contain a lot of sugar, but has a variety of nutrients needed by children. Including vitamin D, protein, calcium, and phosphorus which can support the growth and development of children and strengthen their bones.
However, keep an eye on the amount you consume. Don't overdo it. For children aged 1-9 years, the recommended amount of milk consumption is about 2 glasses per day.
2. Fruit juice
Fruit juice contains many vitamins and nutrients that children need. However, limit the amount of juice consumed to prevent tooth decay in children. Juices that are safe for consumption by children are natural juices made from 100% fruit, without added sugar. Juices that contain a lot of sugar can increase a child's risk of obesity and type 2 diabetes.
For children aged 1-6 years, the consumption of juice is recommended no more than 1 glass per day. As for children aged 7 years, the limit for juice consumption is 2 glasses per day.
3. Coconut water
Although it contains sugar, coconut water is still better for children to consume. This is because coconut water contains many nutrients that your little one needs, such as sodium, potassium, magnesium, and calcium.
Coconut water can also be the right choice to replace fluids and electrolytes lost when a child has diarrhea or vomiting. In addition, coconut water can also be the right choice for your little one who is actively exercising, to prevent him from becoming dehydrated.
4. Herbal tea
Herbal teas are known to be beneficial for adults. However, there are several types of herbal teas that are also beneficial for children. One of them is tea chamomile, which can overcome nausea and indigestion in children.
Although some types of herbal teas are relatively safe for consumption by children, you should first consult with your doctor before giving your little one herbal tea.
Meeting the needs of body fluids in children can support growth and development, while preventing dehydration. In addition to providing good drinks for children, you need to limit your little one from consuming drinks that contain soda or caffeine, as well as drinks that are high in sugar.