8 TIPS FOR "SMART SIPPIN"

Smart Beverage Choices for Your Child

ATLANTA (November 20, 1997) -- There is a lot of information about what children need to eat to stay healthy, but what should children be drinking? Parents often overlook the important role beverages play in a healthy diet.

Marianne Neifert, M.D., known as "Dr. Mom," a board certified pediatrician and clinical professor of pediatrics at the University of Colorado School of Medicine, and mother of five, offers these 8 tips for smart beverage choices.

1. Start your baby off right by breast feeding throughout the first year as a major source of nutrition. If breast feeding is not available, use iron-fortified infant formula.
   
   
2. One of the best first juices to feed your child is apple juice fortified with vitamin C. It's easily accepted and pleasing and unlikely to cause allergic reactions.
   
   
3. When your baby is about 6-8 months old, start offering apple juice from a cup. Babies love the sweet taste of apple juice, and this may help motivate them to use a cup and accept new tastes and foods.
   
   
4. After your baby's first birthday, he or she may be ready to start drinking whole milk.
   
   
5. Children need about 8-12 cups of water (fluids) each day. Remember that nutrient-packed beverages like milk and 100% fruit juice, and the water in foods, all count toward the daily water total.
   
   
6. The recommended time to start feeding your children low-fat milk and low-fat dairy foods is after their second birthday.
   
   
7. Remember that a 3/4 cup serving of 100% fruit juice like apple juice counts as a daily serving from the Food Guide Pyramid's Fruit Group.
   
   
8. Be a good role model for your child. When you're thirsty, reach for a glass of water, milk, or 100% fruit juice.

If parent or caregivers have questions about what or how much a child needs to drink, they should always check with their pediatrician, family physician or other health professional.

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