So far we have discussed quick, easy but healthy choices for breakfast, snacks and dinner. I have also shared my personal experience of a sick child on the brat diet. One thing that I would like to discuss is what to give toddlers to drink. EarthBest.com says that “A healthy, 22 pound one-year old needs 4 ½ cups of fluid every day.” But what should you offer? Water? Juice? Milk? There are many choices for beverages that are geared towards children but what makes them the right choice?
Lets first discuss water. Water has no calories, no preservatives, and no additives. Nothing it is just plain old h2o. The body is made up of mostly water. Water carries oxygen and nutrients into the cells of your body, it helps to control the body temperature, and keeps the metabolism functioning appropriately. Children need to consume at least eight ounces of water a day. Summer time is especially when you want to be sure that your child has enough water to drink. It is important to remember to periodically offer a toddler something to drink throughout the day especially when they are busy playing. If a toddler sees the parent walking around with water then they will want to follow in their footsteps.
Juice seems to be the go to drink for toddlers. There are many different types of juice on the market. Toddlers should only consume four to six ounces of fruit juice a day. The best juice to buy is 100% fruit juice not fruit drink. Fruit drinks have added sugar and preservatives. One serving of 100% juice can be substituted for but not equal to one serving of fruit. It is best to dilute the juice 50% with water to limit the amount of calories being ingested. In the warm summer months, homemade Popsicles can be made with any 100% fruit juice. It is a wonderful snack and a great way to be sure they are staying hydrated when playing hard.
There are many benefits to milk. It has calcium and vitamin D needed for strong bones. Whole milk contains dietary fats needed for normal growth and brain development. Toddlers should consume at least sixteen ounces of milk a day. There is not a rule as to whether or not milk should be served warmed or cold. Here is a short video explaining some of the things that I have gone over thus far.
http://video.about.com/babyparenting/About-Parenting-Milk-And-Juice.htm
A toddler can drink too much though and that will result in a full tummy. This can lead to a poor appetite come mealtime. This results in not consuming the other healthy foods that are needed for proper growth and development. Toddlers are very active and continuously exploring the world around them. By providing a healthy drink option, they can discover their world hydrated.
Work Cited:
About.com, Fruit Juice
www.pediatrics.about.com/cs/nutrition/a/fruit_juice.htm
Cited: 2011 Retrieved: April 1, 2011
Earth’s Best, The importance of water
www.earsthbest.com/resources/artickes/kids/importance-water
Cited: 2010 Retrieved: April 1, 2011
Feeding Tips for 12-24 Months
www.doh/state.fl.us/chdherando/wedpage/wic-nutrition/12-24/html
Retrieved: April 1, 2011
Kids Health
www.kidshealth.org/parent/nutrition_center/healthy_eating/toddler_food.html
Cited: October 2008 Retrieved: April 1, 2011
Nutritional Guide for Preschooler
www.babycenter.com/404_how-can-I-get-my-child-to-drink-more-water_69548.bc
Retrieved: April 1, 2011
Video: Milk and Juice
www.video.about.com/babyparenting/about_parent_milk_and_juice.htm
Cited: April 1, 2011
Christina,
ReplyDeleteGood blog. I like the information you provided and the importance of giving different fluids and not focusing on milk, I think a lot of parents really don't think about how filling milk is.
Don Findley
Christina,
ReplyDeleteI love how you compared all the popular drinks of toddlers. It is nice to see exactly how much you should give your child of a certain drink. I also liked how you added the video. Great job!
Melissa Stickney
Thank you both for your great comments. This blog was harder for me than the others because of the information. The information that I had found needed thoroughly picked throughEveryone will always put their two cents in about what you feed you kid but not about what you give your child to drink.
ReplyDeleteThanks again
Christina Chinchock
Christina,
ReplyDeleteThose were good tips and I'm going to follow the recommendations. My daughter is a good eater one day and then seems picky the next. I will watch what she drinks more closely.
Meghan Scaringi
Christina,
ReplyDeleteNice job with this blog post. I agree with the other comments that the information provided was very helpful. I am sure that all parents of toddlers will find this blog informative.
Tina Dull
Christina,
ReplyDeleteGood job giving this information. I myself am just starting to make sure I drink enough water in a day, so if parents can get their little ones on the right track, that's great.
Samantha
Christina,
ReplyDeleteThanks for sharing such information. As a mother it's always nice to read helpful info about children. Thanks.
Alison