Healthy Beginnings
Babies, 12 to 24 Months

Drink Recommendations

Water
Water should be the main source of hydration for kids 12 months and older.  The exact amount of water your child needs might change from day to day based on how active they are, the weather, or the amount of fluids they get from other beverages like breastmilk and whole milk, but 1-4 cups (8-32 fl oz) of plain water per day is recommended.  Water can be sipped on throughout the day and served during meal or snack times.

Breast Milk and Whole Milk

• Breast Milk - is an important source of energy and nutrients in children aged 6 - 23 months. It can provide 1/2 or more of a child’s energy needs between the ages 6 –12 months and 1/3 of energy needs between the ages 12 - 24 months. For optimal child and maternal health, experts recommend exclusive breastfeeding for the first six months, followed by continued breastfeeding alongside complimentary food for up to two years and beyond.
• Whole Milk  - Serve plain, pasteurized whole milk (with no added sugars/flavors) during meals or snacks, 2-3 cups (16-24 fl oz) whole milk per day (less if your baby is getting adequate fluids through breastfeeding).  If your child eats a lot of yogurt and cheese they will need less fluid milk.

Fruit Juice
Limit juice to ½ cup (4 fl oz) per day.  It’s best for children to get their daily servings of fruit from fresh, canned, or frozen forms of fruit. When this isn’t possible, a little bit of 100% juice at meal or snack times is okay. Adding water to 100% juice can make a little go a long way.

Drinks to Avoid