THE ISSUES WITH SUGARY DRINKS

It can sometimes seem like sugary drinks are so common they are almost normal, but how do they actually affect your child?

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While sugary drinks are widely available and often normalized, it's good to remember that kids do not need sweet drinks to have a healthy diet. Drinking sweetened drinks lowers the quality of a child's diet and increases the chances of being overweight and developing oral health issues. It also forms a strong, unhealthy habit that can often last a lifetime.

For reference, sugary drinks include fizzy drinks, sweetened soft drinks, fruit juices, flavoured water, sports drinks, and cordials. Healthcare professionals do not recommend any of them for children or teenagers.

LET'S TALK ABOUT FRUIT JUICE

You may be wondering how fruit or vegetable juices could be unhealthy for a child. Fruits and vegetables contain naturally-occurring sugars.

However, these sugars become very concentrated when made into juice. Fruit or vegetable juice is unnecessary for a child to have a healthy, balanced diet. It's better to persuade kids to eat the whole fruit or vegetable and drink plain water or milk to stay hydrated.

THE BEST DRINK FOR HYDRATION

12 months and under

Breast milk is the best drink for babies under a year. Infant formula is also an option at this age. One of these two should be your child's main drink.

1-2 years

When your little one is over a year and has reduced breastfeeding or formula, full-fat cow's milk and water are the best drinks for hydration and nourishment.

2 years and beyond

Reduced-fat milk is an option for kids over two. However, water is a better option where possible. Drinking water is a great habit to get your kids into, so encourage them to drink a glass throughout the day, consistently.