Drinks for children - easy read
water; milk; drink; breastmilk; boil;
Contents
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Breastmilk, water and milk are the best drinks for children. |
Breastmilk
Breastmilk is the best and most natural food for babies.
- Breastmilk is all the food and drink a baby needs for the first 6 months.
- If your baby is not having breastmilk use infant formula.
- Breastmilk or formula is your baby's most important drink until 12 months of age.
- For infant formula, boil and cool water until babies are 6 months old. Have a look at the topic 'Bottle feeding - making up formula' for more information.
Tap water
Plain tap water is a good drink for babies over 6 months of age.
- Tap water is best for teeth.
- Give your baby tap water from a cup after 6 months of age.
- Sit your baby up to drink from a cup.
- Set a good example and let your children see you drinking tap water.
Cows milk
Plain milk is a good drink for children over 1 year of age.
Your child needs no more than 600mls of milk a day.
| Age |
Type of cows milk |
| 1-2 years |
Full cream |
| 2-5 years |
Reduced fat |
| 5+ |
Skim or reduced fat |
 |
Other drinks
- Mix fruit juice with water. Limit to one small glass each day with a meal.
- Only give cordial and soft drinks on special occasions, like parties and birthdays.
- Don't give your child tea, coffee, sports drinks, energy drinks or alcohol.
- Set a good example by drinking water.
- Have water and cups on hand so children can help themselves to water.
Where to get help in South Australia
- Visit your Child and Family Health nurse - call 1300 733 606.
- Call the Parent Helpline on 1300 364 100.
Non-English speaking:
For information in languages other than English, call the Interpreting and Translating Centre and ask them to call The Department of Health. This service is available at no cost to you, contact (08) 8226 1990.
The content of this topic was produced by the
Centre for Health Promotion, Children, Youth and Women's Health Service, South Australia
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The information on this site should not be used as an alternative to professional care. If you have a particular problem, see a doctor, or ring the Parent Helpline on 1300 364 100 (local call cost from anywhere in South Australia).
This topic may use 'he' and 'she' in turn - please change to suit your
child's sex.