Caffein and Your Child
Caffeine is a drug because it has an effect on the body. It acts as a stimulant – that means the brain and nervous system speed up. Since caffeine is a stimulant and can interfere with their kids getting to sleep, few parents would knowingly want their kids to get a lot of caffeine in their diet. Unfortunately, many do, including younger children who drink sweet tea and caffeinated soda. Kids can also get caffeine from certain medications, coffee ice cream, and chocolate.
Keep in mind that water and milk are the healthiest drinks for your child, in addition to limited amounts of 100% fruit juice. However, if you are going to give your child soda, at least consider choosing caffeine-free drinks, such as A&W Root Beer, Sprite, 7-Up and Seagram’s Ginger Ale.
Most parents wouldn’t dream of giving their kids a mug of coffee, but might routinely serve soft drinks containing caffeine. Foods and drinks with caffeine are everywhere, but it’s wise to keep caffeine consumption to a minimum, especially in younger kids.
The United States hasn’t developed guidelines for caffeine intake and kids, but Canadian guidelines recommend that preschoolers get no more than 45 milligrams of caffeine a day. That’s equivalent to the average amount of caffeine found in a 12-ounce (355-milliliter) can of soda or four 1.5-ounce (43-gram) milk chocolate bars.
Having a lot of caffeine every day can lead to sleeping problems, stomach problems, feeling worried or depressed.
Some people get addicted to coffee and they can have withdrawal symptoms like headaches and feeling sick if they stop having caffeine. These symptoms last only a few days.
In both kids and adults, too much caffeine can cause:
• jitteriness and nervousness
• upset stomach
• headaches
• difficulty concentrating
• difficulty sleeping
• increased heart rate
• increased blood pressure
Many teens, in addition to drinking regular caffeinated sodas, are now also drinking coffee, caffeinated waters, juices, and are even chewing caffeinated gum.Are your teens getting any caffeine in their diet? In addition to causing the symptoms above, teens who consume a lot of drinks with caffeine in them usually aren’t drinking enough milk or other drinks with calcium, an important mineral for their growing bodies.
Can you keep kids caffeine-free? Absolutely! The best way to cut caffeine (and added sugar) is to eliminate soda. Instead, offer water, milk, flavored seltzer, and 100% fruit juice. For added convenience, serve water in squeeze bottles that kids can carry around. You can still serve the occasional soda or tea — just make it noncaffeinated. And watch for hidden caffeine by checking the ingredient list on foods and beverages.