Together with Tatiana Anatolievna Evdokimova,the senior lecturer of the Department of Dietetics and Nutritionology of the State Educational Institution of Higher Education of the Republic of Moldova and the expert of HiPP, we decided to find out which drinks will suit the child and will benefit him, and which ones should not be given up to a certain age or better completely excluded from the children's diet.
Photo: Getty Images
Drinks for children up to one year
Up to 6 months, babies who are on the breastfeeding, do not need additional drinks. Even in summer, they have enough milk, which they receive during feeding. On the hottest days, you can only add one or two tablespoons of water if the child sweats a lot or has a dry mouth. With artificial or mixed feeding, the baby needs to receive a little water, but not more than 100-150 ml per day.Pure water should be the first additional drink that the baby gets to know after breast milk As early as 6-7 months, when they usually begin to introduce into the children's diet complementary foods, you can give the baby a few tablespoons of liquid. This is especially helpful on hot days to stay hydrated. Of course, children should not be given tap water, as well as "adult" bottled mineral water, even non-carbonated. For the little ones there is a special water marked "for children", which will be as safe as possible. To save yourself from the heat, not only cool drinks are suitable, but also warm tea, thanks to which the body triggers the mechanisms to lower the body temperature. However, children under one year old cannot still drink the tea that adults consume, because of the content of caffeine, tannins and tannins in it. For babies, there are special drinks made from herbs and fruits, which are selected depending on the age and needs of the child. In the first months of life, tea can become not only a salvation from the heat, but also a safe way to improve the condition of the baby. For example, fennel tea eliminates colic and normalizes the digestive system, while chamomile tea is useful for fighting colds and gastrointestinal problems. Linden and lemon balm have a calming effect, and rose hips can act as an antipyretic. Be sure to check the age recommendations on the packaging, because some types of teas can be given after 1 month, and others only after six months. If the child is 6-7 months old and he receives the first complementary foods, natural juices are already acceptable in the diet. For babies, special baby drinks are suitable, and at first it is better to choose those made from only one type of fruit or vegetables. Previously, juices were given at the initial stage of complementary foods, but today it is recommended to introduce them after the child has become acquainted with the first few foods and has responded well to them. It is worth starting with juice from green apples, since an allergy to it is unlikely, and then try juice from pears or plums
Photo: Getty Images
Drinks for children from 1 year to 3 years
If the child is already one year old, then for salvationfrom the heat, you can offer him compote, but it should not contain sugar. For children, a drink made from fruits with low allergenic properties, such as apples or pears, is suitable. If the baby reacts well to him, then it will be possible to give a compote from plums or berries, for example, cherries. One of the safest options will also be dried fruit compote, which has a positive effect on the child's immunity after 1-1.5 years. At 3 years old, you can already add fruit drink made from cranberries, blackberries, lingonberries, raspberries, blueberries or currants to the baby's menu. A drink rich in vitamins should be prepared on your own and choose only one variety of berries, and fruit drinks from the store should be given at a later age, closer to 4 years. Also for a child of this age, or yogurt. Many mothers give kefir even during the introduction of complementary foods, but after a year this product will be safer. During this period, you can also introduce into the children's diet cow or goat milk, which at an earlier stage are undesirable, since they contain too much protein and have high allergenic properties.
Drinks for children from 4 to 6 years
At 4 years old, the child is already familiar with the majoritydrinks, and he has his own preferences. At this stage, parents can already share with the baby "adult" tea, juice or mineral water. You can also expand the little gourmet's menu with original drinks, such as coconut milk or a milkshake, which, however, should not be overused. In summer, children play a lot, run and have fun, so they definitely need extra liquid, and the most useful is pure water without gas.Also an excellent option would be a self-prepared iced tea with a slice of lemon or a cocktail of fruits or berries whipped in a blender - a storehouse of vitamins for a growing body. At this age, many babies try soda, but it is better to wean the child from this drink even in childhood, since the nutritional supplements that are part of it can harm the child's health.
Drinks for children over 6 years old
A child who is preparing for a new stage of hislife or already going to school, you need a good health and a lot of energy. To maintain vivacity, he needs a sufficient amount of liquid, so accustom the younger members of the family as often as possible to drink water during the day.
Photo:Getty Images Milk, kefir and pomegranate juice are also considered the healthiest drinks for schoolchildren.Even in the hottest weather, try to avoid soda, and also, despite the fact that the child is already old enough, do not rush to introduce him to kvass, although it is so pleasant to drink in the stuffy atmosphere. Another unwanted drink for children is coffee. Even if you really love its amazing aroma in the morning and are happy to save yourself from the heat with the help of an ice frappe, do not teach it to a child who will still have time to get to know the coffee culture in adulthood. Also interesting:
