Aboriginal - healthy drinks for children aged 1-4 years
Aboriginal; breastmilk; water; milk; full cream; powdered; cow's; fruit;
Contents
Breastfeeding is good for your baby up to 2 years of age or older but from around 6 months you need to give them solids too.
Healthy drinks are just as important as healthy food.
Water
- Water is the best drink for children.
- Water has no sugar and won't rot their teeth.
Tips for getting your child to drink water:
- Keep cold water in the fridge, especially in hot weather.
- Get children to take water bottles with them when they are away from home.
- Children will copy what you do, so if you drink plenty of water, so will your children!
Milk
Milk is good for strong bones and teeth.
- Children need no more than 2 cups of milk a day (500 ml).
- From around the age of 1, children can drink fresh cow's milk, made-up powdered milk or long life (UHT) milk.
- Full cream milk helps to protect teeth from tooth decay.
- Full cream milk is best, but flavoured milk is ok too.
- After 2 years of age use reduced fat milk.
Breastmilk is good for children up to 2 years old or older.
Drinks that are not good for your child
Fizzy soft drinks
- Cordial
- Fruit juice drinks
- 100% fruit juice
- Tea/coffee
- Energy drinks
- Sports drinks
These drinks could cause tooth rot.
Your child doesn't need follow on formula after they turn 1 year old. Spend the money on healthy food and drinks instead.
Looking after your child's teeth
- Healthy teeth will help your child learn to chew and talk properly.
- Clean your child's teeth 2 times a day – use a small soft toothbrush and brush very lightly or use a soft cloth to wipe your child's teeth and gums. (Use a small amount of toothpaste after your child is 18 months old.)
- Encourage everyone in your family to clean their teeth to help protect against tooth rot.
Tips for drinks
- Teach your child to drink from a cup, it is much better.
- Give your child milk or cold water after meals.
- Never give children alcohol!
The information in this topic is attributed to ©State of Queensland (Queensland Health)
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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.