Ideas for healthy kids drinks

We all know that sugary soft drinks are not good for our kids’ teeth, but what else can you give toddlers or preschoolers to drink other than milk or water?

We take a look at some alternatives that are still healthy for kids but don’t have such a high sugar content.

These options shouldn’t replace milk and water, but are a nourishing treat for when they're craving something different.
 

Ideas for healthy kids drinks

 

1. Coconut water

 

• Packed with nutrients and boasting a sweet taste, coconut water is great for your kids.

 

• It’s also a good source of calcium and vitamin C and can help prevent dehydration when they’re feeling unwell as it replenishes the natural salts that are lost when they’re sick or have diarrhoea.

 

• You can buy coconut water in most supermarkets and health stores.

 

2. Homemade hot chocolate

 

• While tea and coffee aren’t recommended for young children, you can treat your toddler or preschooler to a homemade hot chocolate once in a while.

 

• Heat up some milk and add in one or two cubes of good quality chocolate to give the milk a sweet flavour.

 

• It’s best to wait until your kids are over the age of two before giving them chocolate though, as it contains a small amount of caffeine.

 

3. Homemade strawberry milk

 

• Blend half a cup of strawberries and mix it into a cup of milk to give your kids milk a healthy fruity twist.

 

• You could use other berries when they're in season too such as blueberries and raspberries. Or buy frozen berries when they're out of season.

4. Smoothies

 

• While fruits do contain natural sugars, they aren’t anywhere near as bad for kids as the sugars found in fruit juice and squash.

 

• Blend up some bananas, berries, yoghurt or milk as a treat bursting with goodness.

 

• You can even mix vegetables with fruit to make a delicious but healthy drink.

5. Unsweetened fruit juice

 

• If you do decide to give your kids fruit juice, make sure it’s pure unsweetened fruit juice and then dilute it with water so it’s not as sugary.

 

• Ideally, give them fruit juice in an open-lidded beaker or cup, rather than a bottle or a cup with a valve that encourages sucking. In an open flowing cup the juice is swallowed more quickly and it doesn't stay in contact with your kids teeth for as long.

 

• Even unsweetened fruit juices contain natural sugars, and ‘no added sugar’ flavoured drinks are acidic and can cause tooth decay if they’re in contact with your kids teeth for long periods of time.’

6. Vegetable juice

 

• Vegetable juice is another way to get lots of goodness into your kids and gives them a chance to drink something healthy other than milk or water.

 

• You can blend the vegetables at home and perhaps add some fruits for a more child-friendly flavour.

 

• Carrots and oranges work well together as do mangos, pineapple and kale.

7. Water with lemon

 

• Squeezing a few drops of lemon juice or popping some cucumber slices into your kids water is a great way to give it some flavour.

 

• Lemon is also great for digestion and a good source of hydration, making it perfect for hot summer days or when your kids are exhausted.

 

More food & feeding time articles to enjoy

• Introducing cups
• Early eating habits
• Healthy snack ideas for kids on the go

^{Source: Motherandbaby Image source: Mykidslickthebowl}