Role of Beverages in Your Child's Diet

All beverages provide hydration, which is important for children and adults alike. Beverages like milk, soy beverages and fruit juice also provide energy and other nutrients that growing children need, while options like water and low-calorie juice drinks help children stay hydrated with virtually no calories.

Hydration

According to the Institute of Medicine, 4- to 8-year old children need about 7.5 cups of fluid per day, while 9- to 13-year old children and 14- to 18-year-old females need about 10 cups. Males 14 to 18 years of age need about 14 cups.

Like adults, most children meet about 80 percent of their fluid needs with beverages and about 20 percent with food. All beverages, including water, milk, juice, and other fluids, can help meet a child's hydration needs.

How much individual children need to drink each day can vary considerably, depending on their activity level and the physical temperature. However most children will meet their hydration needs by letting thirst be their guide, though scheduling regular beverage breaks for children playing outdoors, particularly in the heat, is important. Learn more.

Nutrition

Beverages can be part of a well-balanced diet and play an important role in helping your child get the nutrients they need.

Beverages like milk, some soy beverages and some fortified juices provide a convenient way for children to get nutrients like bone-building calcium and vitamin D. Having several beverage options for these nutrients, which tend to be lacking in many children's diets, helps give picky eaters choice and parents peace of mind.

Many fruit juices also provide vitamin C, an antioxidant nutrient found primarily in fruits and vegetables that helps keep gums healthy and boosts iron absorption.

Some water sources contain fluoride, a mineral that can help maintain strong teeth. Learn more about the role of beverages and your child's teeth.