What should 1 year old drink?

As a parent, it can be daunting to figure out what your little one should be drinking when they hit the big ONE. With so many options available and conflicting opinions from ‘parenting experts’, it’s no wonder that parents are left feeling bewildered. Well, fear not! We’ve researched everything you need to know about what your one-year-old ought to drink for good health.

Water

H2O is vital for life, but does Junior have any time for dull old water when there is plain milk on hand? Firstly, tap water in most countries has added fluoride – fantastic – this helps strengthen those tiny choppers. Secondly (and here we go!), water flushes toxins out of the body (allegedly), helps regulate temperature (naturally) and keeps bowel movements regular (shockingly true).

However, at meal times or moments between meals (gasp but every baby needs 6 million snacks a day), give them some tepid H2O with nothing else included; Not electrolytes, not vitamins…JUST WATER! If you offer liquids other than water all day/everyday during meals or between-meals-snacks this will lead to early obesity which quickly turns into chubby adolescence and then culminates in me 20 years later crying over Ben & Jerry’s as I type articles like these.

Bottled Vs Tap

Bottled H2O consumption could become habitual especially if buying fizzed up rainbow-labelled extravagances such as EVIAN with bubbles- ahem just H20. This could prove an expensive habit compared with simply filling up bottles/flasks from home taps where it remains reassuringly cheap- so opt for budget-friendly solutions unless pocket weights are of zero concern!

How much should my child drink?

In addition to human nature ensuring all babies create significant washing irrigation after each love feast regardless of liquid aplenty, a 1 year old needs around five cups of fluids per day to stay well hydrated (still doesn’t stop the accidents though – yay!). Include drinks with their snacks and meals. If they’re drinking enough H2O (as is recommended), you may notice that those pesky nappies are lighter in colour.

Breastmilk

Ah, beautiful breastmilk; we could write sonnets about its various benefits. The American Academy of Pediatrics advises that infants ought to be solely fed (Say it after us: ex – clu – siveeeellllyyy) breast milk for six months before introducing solids (Unless advised otherwise by your physician). After six months have passed, you can continue nursing while gradually introducing complementary solid foods until either party decides it’s time to call it quits on this particular type of bonding.

Pumping Vs Nursing

Both approaches will work- mostly importantly is establishing which approach works best for NOT JUST YOUR BABY BUT ALSO YOU (!!!) E.g., Are the sensations enjoyable? Is pumping feasible given your schedule/routine? Will mum quickly become a lone dairy cow during twice-daily meetings (oops)? Whether you choose one over another or both depends on personal preference and individual circumstances.

Vitamin D-rich Milk Enriched/ Fortified Formula

It’s essential not just to monitor total fluid intake but what types are being consumed especially regarding mild consumption. For example, whole cow’s milk offers little nutritional value for children under two years old because there isn’t an ample amount of iron available in the body necessary when consuming fresh mammalian udder juice from any species when anxious parents aren’t keen on noticing signs such as paleness or fatigue (hint hint).

Vitamin D-fortified toddler-specific formula or milk is incredibly beneficial dietary requisites required especially if low exposure holidays tend to overwrite daily outdoor exposure requirements. Also, if breastfeeding or using a plant-based milk it is advised to check vitamin levels with your health caregiver.

Foods that Hydrate

Alongside fluids and infant-friendly H2O like cool boiled water, other drinks might include diluted broth or homemade fruit juices served occasionally in small increments during snacks only on non-sugar holidays (kidding- but perhaps 1 time per-week of free-flowing’ sugarless bliss each month may have healthy dividends!).

Juices

Diluted and low-ish calorie once-a-day options made by hand with love from the freshest fruits can be great snack solutions (yuuuuum) including: apples; strawberries; raspberries; lemons (and hey even subtle spice hydrators like ginger!) However, you know when someone tells you not to wear white because it shows stains? That’s sort of what juice does – stain teeth! So use paper straws where possible (unless environmental concerns come into play).

Broth

Low salt vegetable broth enjoyed intermittently throughout sprinkling recipes provide an excellent finish for everything ranging from rice bowls/ pasta plates/ crispy veggies give little ones a hydration boost while spicing up meal times too!

Caffeinated Drinks

Let’s get this straight…or should we say ‘firmly put that espresso shot down’. Children should avoid consuming anything caffeinated until they’re older – MUCH older than age!!!!!!!! This includes obviously coffee (???), tea (!! since when do kids drink chai?), most fizzy drinks/soda beverages (darn there goes the pop option) as well as some cold remedies/decongestants anyways veering away from any symptom relief medication seems wise.

All these super-fun kid-approved caffeine heavy-hitters products contain stimulants which put pressure on already immature heart rhythms potentially unhealthy vulnerable or sick children.

Mandatory Tidbits to Bear in Mind…Or Else

So to sum it up…

-5 cups of fluid per day are sufficient, and that includes from solid foods.
-Water is your best drink for babies over one year old.
-Breast milk or potentially formula-milk enriched with vitamins D no less continues an ideal beverage source.
-Fruit juices diluted in moderation can create a refreshing little stimulant but going overboard can mean staining teeth/ excessive sugars so be mindful while enjoying them intermittently! And… No caffeine whatsoever (!)

Hopefully, this article has helped provide you with much-needed clarity (or maybe confusion?) on what fluids should make their way into your 1-year-old’s diet. Nonetheless, kids definitely require plenty of hydration (‘a lot’ translation) – whether those liquids come from fruit juices (as long as they’re sugarless) or water straight outta the tap (no fizzy extravagances). As always though (and here comes the ‘enjoyment-crash’ after gleeful bonding talk), consult with pediatricians first re individualized needs/circumstances before trying anything new – sighs break out across all living rooms.

The Final Truth

As we sign off on this baby-beverage breakdown (where is the champagne?), remember every munchkin thrives differently-therefore making lots and lots of different kid-friendly sniffed /prodded/mouth-tasted beverages part of personality development may just work https://www.parents.com/recipes/nutrition/easy-homemade-infused-water-ideas-for-kids/. Therefore experimenting / adapting both food/drinks always stay relevantly avoided problematic areas – balanced sustainable health thriving provided by loving safe experiences!