Confused about what to tell parents when they ask, “Is oat milk okay?” or “How much juice is too much?” You’re not alone—it's confusing.

In this episode, I’m joined by Megan Lott, MPH, RDN, Deputy Director of Healthy Eating Research. Megan walks us through the first-ever unified beverage guidelines for kids—developed by leading organizations like the AAP, AND, and AHA.

We cover what to encourage, what to limit, and what to avoid based on the latest research.

What to Drink:

• Daily water intake by age (and why thirst isn’t a reliable guide)
• When and how much milk is recommended—and which plant-based alternatives come close

What to Limit:

• Portion limits for 100% juice and flavored milk
• Why sports drinks aren’t necessary for most kids
• How to help families cut back without resistance

What to Avoid:

• The surprising oral health danger of seltzers
• The latest on non-nutritive sweeteners
• The impact of caffeine on sleep, blood pressure, and mental health in kids

Whether you're in pediatrics, family med, or are a parent, this conversation will give you clear guidance on what to drink!

Resources:

Beverage Recommendations Provider Toolkit

Ages 5-18 Beverage Recommendations

Episode 71 | Sports Nutrition Hot Topics: Sugar, Sports Drinks and Fueling for Performance

Episode 65 | Does Coffee Stunt Growth?

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Disclaimer: This podcast is a collection of ideas, strategies, and opinions of the author(s). Its goal is to provide useful information on each of the topics shared within. It is not intended to provide medical, health, or professional consultation or to diagnosis-specific weight or feeding challenges. The author(s) advises the reader to always consult with appropriate health, medical, and professional consultants for support for individual children and family situations. The author(s) do not take responsibility for the personal or other risks, loss, or liability incurred as a direct or indirect consequence of the application or use of information provided. All opinions stated in this podcast are my own and do not reflect the opinions of my employer.