HomeMy WebLinkAboutIAT - I Am ThirstyOffer water between meals.
Be a role model—if your child sees you
drinking water, they will be more likely to
try it too.
Make drinking water fun by offering it in a
special cup.
Serve it cold.
Bring along water in a cup or water
bottle.
TIP: Drink milk at mealtimes. Offering milk during meals
will ensure your child gets enough calcium.
We know it is important for kids to eat healthy foods. Remember, beverages you offer
provide calories and important nutrition, too! Help your child get in the habit of drinking
healthy beverages with these tips.
Encourage Water
Monitor Milk Intake– Recommended amounts per day:
• 12-23 months old ~1 & 2/3 –2 cups (13 –16 ounces) – Whole milk
• 2-3 years old~ 2 cups (16 ounces) - low fat or non fat milk
• 4-5 years old~ 2– 2 &1/2 cups (16– 20 ounces) - Low fat or non fat milk.
More than these amounts can fill up a small tummy and your child may not be
hungry for meals.
Kids over 2 years need less saturated fats than a 1 year old, switching to lower
fat milks can help cut done on some of the saturated fats they eat.
Limit Sugary Drinks
Avoid beverages with lots of sugar like soda, fruit drinks, flavored drink mixes and
sweet tea. Sugary beverages have a lot of calories, do not quench thirst, and can
harm your child’s teeth. Even artificial sweeteners and diet drinks are hard on
teeth.
Skip the sport drinks. Sport drinks have lots of sugar, and are expensive and
unnecessary.
Adapted with permission from materials provided by
Minnesota WIC. Idaho WIC Program, Form WIC 360.
04/2025
This institution is an equal opportunity provider. Read the full statement concerning your civil rights at
www.fns.usda.gov/civil-rights/usda-nondiscrimination-statement-other-fns-programs.
Limit Juice
Serve Refreshing Treats
Offer only 100% juice. Limit juice to
about ½ cup (4 ounces) a day. Kids love
juice because it is sweet, but too much
juice can add extra calories. Juice has
natural sugars that can cause tooth
decay.
Consider watering down juice: ½ juice
and ½ water.
Frozen fruit can be a great way for kids to stay hydrated and get a healthy snack.
In the summer, try making your own popsicles with fresh fruit or juice for a cool
treat.
TIP Kids just need water when they are active and playing!
To learn more about WIC and locate a clinic near you, please visit signupwic.com.