Top 10 Healthy Drinks Every Parent Should Give Their Kids

What children consume daily, be it food or drinks, is just as important. A lot of children enjoy sodas, soft drinks, or carton-packed juices, but they are unhealthy for a lot of reasons. They contain a high amount of sugar, artificial colors, and other chemicals.

Therefore, parents should focus on providing their children with healthy, natural, and nutrient-rich drinks. Healthy drinks will keep children feeling refreshed, active, and healthy. Good drinks can aid development and learning while also building strong immunity.

In this blog, let’s review the top 10 healthy drinks to give to kids. All of these drinks are easy to make at home, are delicious, and are child-friendly.

1. Milk

Milk is a great drink for children. It contains calcium and protein. For growing kids, milk is important for developing bones and teeth. Giving them a glass of milk daily will keep them strong.

You can use plain milk, or you can add natural flavors like turmeric, cardamom, or cocoa. Consumption of milk also promotes good sleep amongst children. 

2. Coconut Water

Coconut water is light, fresh, and full of minerals. It keeps the body cool in summer and gives instant energy.

It also helps with digestion and prevents dehydration. Parents can easily give it to kids after playtime or on hot days.

3. Fresh Fruit Juices

Juices made at home are among the most nutritious drinks for children. Orange juice gives Vitamin C, apple juice is easy to digest, and pomegranate juice makes blood healthier.

But remember, fresh juice is always better than packed juice. Do not add sugar. A small glass a day is enough for kids.

4. Lemon Water (Nimbu Pani)

In the summer months, lemon water is arguably the best drink for children. It cools the body while providing vitamin C. A little honey or some rock salt can make it even tastier. 

It is great to keep kids active, avoid heat strokes, and aid digestion. It is a simple, quick, and very healthy option.

5. Smoothies

Smoothies are filled with several advantages. Banana, mango, strawberry, or apple are some of the favourite smoothies amongst children.

Smoothies are packed with vitamins, minerals and fiber. Children love the taste, and parents are pleased because they’re healthy. 

6. Buttermilk (Chaas) 

Buttermilk is made from yogurt and water. It is very cooling for the body and helps in digestion.

It is one of the best homemade drinks for kids in hot weather. Add cumin powder, salt, or mint to make it tastier. It is also very light, so children can drink it often.

7. Herbal Drinks 

Some mild herbal drinks are very good for kids. Tulsi water, ginger-honey water, or chamomile tea can be given in small amounts. They help with cough, cold, and digestion.

These are great immunity-boosting drinks for kids. But parents should not give strong tea or coffee. Keep it light and natural.

8. Vegetable Juices

Many kids do not like eating vegetables. A smart way is to give them vegetable juice. Carrot juice is good for the eyes. Beetroot juice helps make the blood healthy. Cucumber juice keeps the body cool.

Adding a little lemon, apple, or honey could make the juice delicious. This way, you can make your children eat all the essential vegetables required for their growth.

9. Soups

Soups are not only food but also healthy drinks. Tomato soup, vegetable soup, or chicken soup are all good for children.

They are full of vitamins and easy to digest. Soups are also very good when kids are sick. Warm soups comfort children and give them energy.

10. Dry Fruit Milkshake 

Dry fruits like almonds, cashews, and walnuts are full of energy. When mixed with milk, they become a very healthy drink.

It is one of the best energy drinks for kids. It improves memory, builds strength, and keeps children active. Parents can serve it as breakfast or an evening drink.

Tips for Parents: Choosing the Right Drinks

Here are some simple kids’ health tips for daily drinks:

• Always prefer homemade drinks for kids.
• Avoid sodas, cold drinks, and packaged juices.
• Give natural sweeteners like honey or dates instead of sugar.
• Offer small portions instead of large glasses.
• Make sure kids drink enough plain water daily.

Why Healthy Drinks Matter for Kids?

Healthy drinks are flavourful and help children grow strong. They build sturdy bones, aid in brain activities, and create an atmosphere for immunity. Drinks like milk, smoothies, or coconut water provide children with the energy that comes from nature for school and playing.

Sugary drinks and sodas are harmful. They might attack the kids’ teeth, weight may spell disaster, and kids may find inactivity more fun. For their good, parents should make sure to choose safe drinks, have good health factors, and are fun for children.

Best Summer Drinks for Children

The summer in India can be very hot. Kids tire very easily, and they lose much more water than us. For children, the best summer drinks would be coconut water, water with lemon, buttermilk, and fresh fruit juices. 

These drinks keep dehydration away from children, keeping them fresh and energized. Much safer than the colas and artificial juices, indeed, as they are highly natural.

Homemade vs. Store-Bought

Natural homemade drinks are good for the children and free from preservatives. Parents can prepare these drinks using fresh, natural ingredients. Packaged drinks are almost always overloaded with sugars, colors, and flavors. Maybe they will taste great, but they don’t really help the growth of children. Hence, homemade drinks remain the best choice for a beverage.

Boosting Immunity with Drinks

The robust system of immunity protects children from coughs, colds, and infections for the children. Turmeric milk, water with tulsi, lemon-honey water, and fresh fruit juices are very good immunity-building drinks for the children. 

Easy to incorporate into their daily diet, these would keep the little ones very active and less sick from time to time with regular consumption.

Conclusion

Every parent wants their baby to grow strong and healthy. Drinks contribute to this. Fizzy drinks are just no good for kids, and unless you want to shoot yourself in the foot, keep away from packaged juices, too. Give the kids diluted homemade juices that are safe and healthy.

These drinks energize children and, while playing around, better develop their immunity. 

So, whenever the kids pull out the phrase “I want some cola,” make sure that you have these homemade healthy drinks ready at hand. Smallest step, biggest impact!

Read Also : 20 Healthy and Easy Breakfast Recipes for 1-Year-Old Toddlers