As our baby grows and we begin complementary feeding, the question naturally arises for most parents with young children: 

“Okay, but what can I give my baby to drink?”

 

While the little one is breastfeeding or receiving formula, the answer to the question is extremely simple: nothing. 

Breast milk and formula contain the amount of liquid necessary and sufficient for the little ones. 

However, as the time for complementary feeding approaches, we can start introducing our baby to liquids. However, it is important what we offer!

 

Why is it important what our baby drinks? 

The habits our child develops in the early years can affect their entire life. For example, what they drink in the first 5 years of life can influence their health later on; from tooth decay to diabetes. Consuming too many sweet drinks can shift taste preferences so that the child will prefer such drinks later on. 

Unfortunately, the situation regarding healthy fluid intake for children is not very promising in our country: for example, many children receive cow's milk even before their first year (when the digestive system is not yet ready to digest dairy products), and many 2-5 year-olds drink sugary drinks daily. 
 

But what can we give to drink to babies who are already consuming solid food? 

As mentioned, during the first 6 months, we do not need to worry about fluid intake, but from the start of complementary feeding, we can offer some water alongside meals. Between 6-12 months, it is not a problem if our child is not particularly interested in drinking, as the daily amount of formula or breast milk still provides sufficient liquid alongside solid foods.

 

 

From the age of 1, we can gradually introduce other alternatives alongside water: 

 

1, Cow's Milk

It is important to prioritize plain, sugar-free milk in the early years! It is packed with nutrients essential for proper growth and development: protein, calcium, magnesium, and phosphorus. Additionally, many milks are fortified with vitamin D, which is also an important vitamin for bone development. 

Although it is trendy, do not give reduced-fat milk to little ones, as they need a significant amount of fat for proper brain development and general growth.

 

2, 100% Fruit Juices

Although fruit juices contain vitamins essential for the body (such as vitamin C), unfortunately, most children drink far more of these types of drinks than necessary due to their sweet taste and parental inconsistency. 

Fruit juices have a very high sugar content (even though most of it is natural sugar), which adds extra calories for children, causing serious health problems in the long run. 

Moreover, little ones' stomachs can easily fill up with the sweet liquid, potentially causing pickiness and loss of appetite. 

Babies should obtain the necessary and appropriate vitamins from the fruit itself - not from their juice - so it is important that they do not receive fruit juice before their first year, and even later, we should strictly limit the dosage! 

 

3, Plant-Based Drinks

While plant-based versions can be a great alternative to animal-derived milks when preparing meals, it is important to remember that these plant drinks are only called milks in common parlance - their composition and nutrients differ greatly from their animal-derived counterparts! 

Therefore, plant drinks should not be used as milk substitutes in our child's diet!

However, since these products are often also fortified with vitamins and calcium, sugar-free versions can be safely added to the diet of children over 2 years old: sugar-free plant drinks can be used to make porridge, smoothies, or even cream soups. 

And if we want to introduce plant “milks” to our child under 2 years old - say due to lactose intolerance - we should definitely consult our pediatrician or dietitian! 

 

Which drinks should we definitely avoid? 

As mentioned above, unfortunately, many children still meet their daily fluid needs from poor sources. What exactly do I mean? The following - sweet - trio: 

 

1, Sugary Soft Drinks, Syrups

Whether it's the well-known “canteen” tea or drinks with less than 100% fruit content, these are drinks that hide a lot of empty calories for children. It is worth keeping them as far away as possible for as long as possible! 

 

2, Carbonated Soft Drinks

It is also worth introducing them to our children at a much later age, as carbonation can be attributed to numerous harmful effects. 

 

3, Caffeinated Teas and Others

Due to the harmful stimulating effects of caffeine, such drinks are strictly off-limits in childhood - along with their alcoholic counterparts.

 

Creativity is Key!

It is worth being creative in the kitchen when it comes to fluid replacement: we can make “flavored” waters with frozen fruit, smoothies, and other shakes from cow's milk or various plant alternatives, and of course, we don't have to give up a nice cup of tea on colder days - with less sugar and strictly without caffeine!

The golden rule - as in many cases - is the same: set a good example for our child, regularly consume healthier thirst quenchers ourselves to protect both our own and our child's health. 

 

To our health!