Nutrition

4 Major Organizations Issue Healthy Beverage Recommendations for Kids

The Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics (AND), American Heart Association (AHA), American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), and American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry (AAPD) have issued comprehensive recommendations for healthy beverages in children from birth to age 5 years.

“From the time children are born through those first few years, beverages are a significant source of calories and nutrients and can have a big impact on health long into the future,” said Richard Besser, MD, President and CEO of the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation, which funded this collaborative effort.1 “Families deserve clear and consistent guidance on what their young children should drink and what they should avoid. These recommendations from our country’s leading medical and nutrition organizations will help families raise healthy children.”1

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Formed under the leadership of Healthy Eating Research (HER), the new recommendations include:

  • All children aged 5 years and under should not drink flavored milks, toddler formulas, plant-based/non-dairy milks, caffeinated beverages, and sugar- and low-calorie sweetened beverages. According to the 5 organizations, these beverages can contain large amounts of added sugars and do not provide any unique nutritional value.
  • Children aged 0 to 6 months need only breast milk or infant formula in order to get enough fluids and proper nutrition.
  • Children aged 6 to 12 months can be offered just a few sips of drinking water at mealtimes once solid foods are introduced, in addition to breast milk or infant formula. This can help familiarize babies with the taste of water. Children under age 1 year should not be offered juice, as even 100% fruit provides no nutritional benefit compared with whole fruit.
  • Children aged 12 to 24 months can begin drinking whole milk, which provides many essential nutrients, along with plain drinking water for hydration. At this age, children can be offered a small amount of juice, but parents should ensure it is 100% fruit juice to avoid added sugar. Serving small pieces of real fruit is an even healthier option for this age group.
  • Children aged 2 to 5 years should regularly drink milk and water. At this age, children should be offered milks with less fat than whole milk, such as skim (non-fat) or low-fat (1%) milk. Parents who opt to serve their children 100% fruit juice should ensure they only offer a small amount and can add water to “make a little go a long way.”


The recommendations were developed following an extensive review of scientific literature conducted by HER. Preliminary and final recommendations were reviewed by an expert panel of representatives from AHA, AAP, AND, and AAPD, as well as a scientific advisory committee.

“Nearly 40,000 people in the U.S. die each year from heart problems due to overconsumption of sugary drinks. This is unhealthy and unacceptable, and the seismic shift in our culture needed to change this status quo must start with our kids,” said AHA CEO Nancy Brown in a press release.1 “The American Heart Association is proud to endorse these guidelines and stand with parents, caregivers, medical professionals, restaurant owners and policymakers who can help ensure a healthier future for our kids.”1

The organizations note that while these recommendations apply to most children, every child is different and may have unique nutritional needs. It is important for parents to consult with their children’s providers regarding their children’s needs.

To view the full recommendations and accompanying technical report, click here.

—Christina Vogt

Reference:
1. Leading health organizations support first-ever consensus recommendations to encourage young children’s consumption of healthy drinks [press release]. Princeton, NJ. American Heart Association. September 18, 2019. Accessed September 18, 2019.