Read A short walk down the supermarket aisle shows how popular sugary drinks are, and there's no point denying that many children like them. But there is a point in limiting their intake and encouraging and offering healthier alternatives.

Encouraging healthy drinks – water and milk

Drinking water is the best way to quench thirst without providing additional sugar and kilojoules. Children should be encouraged to drink plenty of water each day. To make this easier, keep chilled water in the fridge and provide a jug of water with a slice of lemon or lime in it with dinner.

Reduced-fat milk (except for children under age 2) is a good source of protein as well as nutrients such as calcium and vitamin B12, important for strong teeth and bones. Reduced-fat milk contains the same level of nutrients as whole milk, but less saturated fat. Plain reduced fat milk is preferable, but flavoured reduced fat milks are also acceptable. Milk drinks with fruit added, such as smoothies, are a good healthy option.

Reducing sugary drinks

Cordial, fruit juices, flavored mineral waters, sports drinks and soft drinks are usually high in some form of sugar. They contain few nutrients and may lead to tooth decay, excess energy (kilojoules) intake and weight gain. Even fruit juice, which has some nutritional value, still contains sugar and should be limited to small amounts.

Tips for parents

• Only buy soft drinks and other sugary drinks occasionally
• Dilute cordial drinks more than usual
• Use small glasses for sugary drinks
• Carry a bottle of water with you at all times for when children become thirsty
• Offer fruit, not fruit juice.

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