coffee
Coffee is not for young children. Caffeinated drinks should be avoided under 24 months and there is no established safe caffeine level for a small child. Caffeine disrupts sleep, and broken sleep is the last thing a toddler's day needs.
How to serve
Not recommended, including decaf (it still contains some caffeine) and coffee-flavoured foods.
Water and unflavoured milk are the only drinks a child under 5 needs alongside meals.
Nutrition
No nutritional value for a child. Coffee and tea also contain tannins that reduce iron absorption from food - a real concern in the weaning years.
Good to know
Avoid caffeinated drinks under 24 months. Caffeine causes poor sleep, irritability and a racing heart in small children, and the tannins in coffee reduce how much iron they absorb from their meals. Hot drinks are also a scald risk.
Tip
Watch out for hidden caffeine in chocolate, cola, iced tea, energy drinks and coffee-flavoured yogurt or ice cream.
