What Is the Best Drink for Kids in the World?

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, sugary drinks are the single largest source of calories for teens aged 14–18, making healthy beverage choices critical for children's well-being. So, what is the best drink for kids in the world? The answer, endorsed by leading pediatric and nutrition organizations, is simple: water and plain milk.

Quick Summary

Pediatric health experts overwhelmingly agree that plain water and unflavored milk are the healthiest choices for children's hydration and development. Other beverages, like sugary juices, sodas, and flavored milks, should be avoided to prevent weight gain and tooth decay.

Key Points

• Water is the #1 choice: It's calorie-free, sugar-free, and essential for all bodily functions and hydration.

• Milk is crucial for nutrients: It provides calcium, vitamin D, and protein, vital for bone growth and development.

• Avoid sugary drinks: Sodas, flavored milks, and excessive juice can lead to tooth decay and weight gain.

• Check recommendations by age: Babies under 6 months need only breast milk or formula. Whole milk is best for toddlers (12-24 months), while low-fat milk is for older kids.

• Get creative with water: Infuse water with fruit or use fun cups to encourage consumption.

• Limit fruit juice intake: If offered at all, limit 100% fruit juice to a small, diluted portion daily for children over one year.

The Uncontested Champions: Water and Milk

When it comes to children's beverages, the overwhelming consensus from the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), the National Health Service (NHS), and other global health bodies is clear: water and plain milk are the undisputed best options. These two staples provide the essential hydration and nutrients that growing bodies need, without the damaging effects of added sugars and artificial ingredients found in many other drinks.

Water is fundamental for every bodily function, from regulating temperature to aiding digestion. It's calorie-free, tooth-friendly, and completely natural. Establishing water as the primary beverage choice early in life helps set a pattern for healthy habits that can last a lifetime. Pediatricians recommend offering small amounts of water to infants from around 6 months old when they begin solid foods, and encouraging regular water intake for all older children.

Plain milk, on the other hand, is a powerhouse of nutrition vital for growth and development. It's rich in calcium and vitamin D, which are crucial for building strong bones and teeth. The protein in milk supports muscle growth and helps kids feel full, which can aid in maintaining a healthy weight. Recommended milk types vary by age: whole milk for toddlers (aged 12–24 months) and lower-fat milk (like skim or 1%) for children over two years. For children with milk intolerance or allergies, soy milk is often a nutritionally comparable alternative, though consultation with a healthcare provider is recommended for selecting the best option.

Beverage Recommendations by Age Group

Infants (0-6 months)

During this stage, infants require breast milk or infant formula exclusively for all their nutritional needs. Water is not necessary and should not be offered, as it can interfere with their feeding and nutrient absorption.

Infants (6-12 months)

As solid foods are introduced, you can also begin offering a few sips of plain drinking water with meals. This helps them get used to the taste and learn to drink from a cup. Formula or breast milk remains their primary drink, and juice should be avoided.

Toddlers (12-24 months)

At one year, toddlers can transition to whole milk and continue to drink water. Whole milk provides the necessary fats for brain development during this crucial growth period. A small amount of 100% fruit juice is acceptable but should be strictly limited to no more than 4 ounces per day and is best served diluted with water.

Preschoolers and Older Children (2-5 years)

For this age group, low-fat (1%) or non-fat (skim) milk is recommended, along with plenty of water. The daily limit for 100% fruit juice remains small (4-6 ounces) to prevent excess sugar intake. The focus should be on encouraging water and plain milk as the primary beverages.

Creative Ways to Encourage Water Consumption

Many kids find plain water boring, but it doesn't have to be. Here are some simple tricks to make staying hydrated more exciting:

• Infused Water: Add slices of fresh fruit like oranges, strawberries, or cucumber to a pitcher of water. You can also try fresh mint leaves or a cinnamon stick for a different flavor.
• Fun Ice Cubes: Freeze water with small pieces of fruit or berries inside. These can be a fun surprise in a glass of water.
• Kid-Friendly Bottles: Purchase a special, colorful water bottle or one with a fun design that they can carry everywhere.
• Make it a Game: Use a water intake chart with stickers to track how much water your child drinks throughout the day.
• Lead by Example: Children often mimic their parents. If they see you regularly drinking water, they are more likely to do the same.

What to Avoid: The Problem with Sugary Drinks

Unfortunately, many popular kids' drinks are filled with added sugars, artificial sweeteners, and empty calories. Pediatric organizations strongly advise against these options for young children, as they contribute to several health problems:

• Sugary Soft Drinks: Soda, cordials, and fruit drinks are loaded with sugar and acid, leading to weight gain and significant tooth decay.
• Flavored Milk: Chocolate or strawberry milk contains added sugars that contribute to the same problems as soda and can train a child's palate to prefer sweet tastes.
• Fruit Juice (Excessive): Even 100% fruit juice is very concentrated in natural sugars and lacks the fiber of whole fruit. Overconsumption can lead to weight gain, tooth decay, and may reduce appetite for healthier foods.
• Caffeinated Drinks: Energy drinks, tea, and coffee should be avoided, as caffeine can cause restlessness, sleep problems, and is unsuitable for young children.
• Toddler Formulas & Plant-Based Milks (not nutritionally equivalent): Many of these products offer no unique nutritional value and can be sources of added sugar. Unless a child has a specific dietary need, plain cow's milk is preferable.

Feature	Healthy Drinks (Water & Milk)	Unhealthy Drinks (Soda, Juice, Flavored Milk)
Nutritional Value	High in essential nutrients like calcium, protein, and vitamins (Milk). Zero calories (Water).	High in added sugars and empty calories. Some juice provides vitamins but lacks fiber.
Dental Health	Promotes healthy teeth (Water with fluoride) and provides calcium for strong enamel (Milk).	High sugar and acidity significantly increase the risk of tooth decay and erosion.
Weight Management	Aids in hydration and provides satiety (Milk), helping to maintain a healthy weight.	High in calories and sugar, linked to childhood obesity.
Cost	Generally more economical, especially tap water.	Often more expensive, adding a financial burden.
Taste Preference	Encourages development of a preference for neutral or healthy tastes.	Can train the palate to prefer overly sweet flavors, making it harder to appreciate healthy foods and drinks.

Conclusion: Simple Choices for Lifelong Health

While the market is flooded with beverages marketed to children, the answer to what is the best drink for kids in the world is remarkably straightforward: water and plain milk. These two beverages provide the necessary hydration and critical nutrients for healthy development without the pitfalls of added sugars and artificial ingredients. By prioritizing water and milk from an early age and limiting unhealthy alternatives, parents can help instill healthy habits that will benefit their children's health for a lifetime. Making water fun and accessible, along with serving plain milk appropriate for their age, are key steps in setting children on a path to wellness. For more detailed guidelines on pediatric nutrition, you can visit authoritative sources like the American Academy of Pediatrics.

Creative Smoothies: A Healthy Compromise

For a fun, nutritious alternative, consider homemade smoothies. By using a base of plain yogurt or milk, along with whole fruits and a handful of spinach, you can create a delicious and nutrient-dense drink that provides fiber and vitamins without the processed sugar. This can be a great way to help children enjoy more fruits and vegetables.

Visit HealthyChildren.org for detailed beverage guidelines based on age

Frequently Asked Questions

When can I start giving my baby water?

You can offer small amounts of plain water from a cup once your baby is around 6 months old and has started eating solid foods. It's more about familiarizing them with the taste and cup-drinking than for hydration.

How much milk should my toddler drink per day?

For toddlers aged 12-24 months, the recommendation is about 16 ounces (2 cups) of whole milk per day. For children 2 and older, this increases to 16-24 ounces (2-3 cups) of low-fat or non-fat milk.

Is 100% fruit juice healthy for kids?

While it contains some vitamins, 100% fruit juice is concentrated with natural sugars and lacks the fiber of whole fruit. It should be given in very limited, diluted quantities for children over one and is best replaced with whole fruit.

What is wrong with giving my child flavored milk?

Flavored milks, like chocolate and strawberry, contain added sugars and should be avoided, especially in young children. They contribute to unhealthy weight gain, tooth decay, and can create a lasting preference for sweet tastes.

What about plant-based milk alternatives?

Most plant-based milks, with the exception of fortified soy milk, are not nutritionally equivalent to cow's milk and may lack protein, calcium, and vitamin D. Consult a pediatrician before substituting them for dairy milk, particularly for young children.

Do kids really need to avoid energy drinks?

Yes, absolutely. Energy drinks and other caffeinated beverages are unsafe for children and can cause sleep problems, restlessness, and other health issues.

How can I get my picky eater to drink more water?

Try infusing water with fruits like berries or citrus, using fun and colorful cups, or involving them in choosing a reusable water bottle they like.