What kids should drink, by age
| Age | Water a day | Plain milk a day | 100% juice a day |
|---|---|---|---|
| 0 to 6 mo | None | Breast milk or formula only | None |
| 6 to 12 mo | ½ to 1 cup | Breast milk or formula | None |
| 1 year | 1 to 4 cups | 2 to 3 cups whole | ½ cup max |
| 2 to 3 years | 1 to 4 cups | Up to 2 cups skim or 1% | ½ cup max |
| 4 to 5 years | 1½ to 5 cups | Up to 2½ cups skim or 1% | ½ to ¾ cup max |
| 4 to 8 years | About 5 cups of drinks in all, mostly water | ||
| 9 to 13 years | About 7 cups (girls) to 8 cups (boys), mostly water | ||
| 14 to 18 years | About 8 cups (girls) to 11 cups (boys), mostly water | ||
Skip for young kids: soda, fruit drinks, sports drinks, energy drinks, caffeine, flavored milk, toddler milk, and drinks with low-calorie sweeteners (under age 5).
Need more: hot days, sports, fever, vomiting or diarrhea. Call your pediatrician if your child seems dehydrated.
1 cup = 8 oz. Ages 0 to 5: 2019 consensus of the AAP, Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, American Heart Association and American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry. Ages 4 and up: National Academies daily intake for drinks. healthyhydrationforkids.com