Nutritional Drinks for Toddlers

Toddlers are often picky when it comes to food and drinks, and many parents worry that their child is not getting appropriate nutrition. There are some powdered nutritional drinks on the market that are designed for toddlers, but do not forget about milk, water, juice, and smoothies, which are also nutritious drink options for children. Ask your pediatrician about your child's specific needs.

  1. Nutritional Drinks

    • Nutritional supplement drinks designed for children contain vitamins, minerals, protein, fiber, and antioxidants, and most do not include artificial sweeteners or coloring. Some of these nutritional drinks are organic. In flavors like chocolate and vanilla, the drinks are often used for toddlers who refuse to eat a variety of nutritious foods. Whole foods are always the healthiest choice, so using nutritional supplement drinks as snacks, rather than meals, is a good option. Be sure to check with your pediatrician before offering these drinks or other nutritional supplements to your children, as most nutritional supplements are not regulated by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.

    MIlk

    • Milk is an important and nutritious drink to incorporate into a toddler's diet. Milk is a source of calcium and vitamin D, both of which help build strong bones. Children aged 12 to 24 months should usually drink whole milk to help provide necessary fats for growth and brain development. If there is a concern about obesity or a family history of high cholesterol or heart disease, then you can offer the child 2 percent milk. After age 2 children can begin drinking low fat or nonfat milk. Keep in mind that flavored milks do not add extra nutrition: they only add extra sugar, fat, and calories.

    Water

    • Water is a healthy drink for everyone, and toddlers are no exception. Water contains no sugar, calories, fat, or additives. Water is especially important for hydration on hot days, or when toddlers are participating in a lot of physical activity. If your child will not drink plain old water, try adding a little bit of 100-percent juice for flavor.

    Juice

    • Juice is a favorite among toddlers, but it often contains a lot of sugar and calories. Juice, however, can also provide vitamins and minerals that toddlers will not get enough of otherwise. Toddlers should only drink 100-percent juice, and it is healthiest to limit the amount to about 6 oz. per day. To stretch juice further, try diluting the juice with water.

    Smoothies

    • Smoothies are another good idea for a nutritious in-between-meal snack. In a blender, mix together milk or yogurt, crushed ice, and your child's favorite fruits. Apples, bananas, strawberries, raspberries, pineapple, and peaches are all good options. Smoothies are also a way to add spinach to your toddlers diet. Spinach is packed with vitamins and minerals, and fruit disguises its taste.

    2. Previous:

    Next:

    • Super Foods for Toddlers
      While there are several varying definitions for the term "super food," it does have a few defining qualities: it must be rich in vitamins and minerals, fiber and antioxidants, with a healthy balance of carbohydrates, proteins and fats. In a
    • How to Wean an 18 Month Old
      The American Academy of Pediatrics encourages mothers to breastfeed for at least the first year of a babys life; however, many mothers continue to nurse well into the toddler years. At 18 months of age, children are usually able to walk and eat a var
    • How to Get a Toddler to Drink Milk From a Sippy Cup Rather Than a Bottle
      A bottle provides more than just hydration and nutrition to a toddler--for him it is a source of security and comfort. Its an important process, because drinking milk out of a bottle, especially at bedtime, can cause severe tooth decay. Convincing a