Nursery World - On tap

Advice on giving children drinks at nursery and at home is offered by nutritionist Julia Wolman Drinks are an important part of children's diets. Liquids can prevent dehydration and other conditions such as constipation. Although there is no specific recommendation for how much a child should drink, six to eight drinks per day should be sufficient - or about about one drink with every main meal and one in between meals. More fluid may be needed in warmer weather or if the child is physically very active.

Drinks are an important part of children's diets. Liquids can prevent dehydration and other conditions such as constipation. Although there is no specific recommendation for how much a child should drink, six to eight drinks per day should be sufficient - or about about one drink with every main meal and one in between meals. More fluid may be needed in warmer weather or if the child is physically very active.

With and between meals, milk and water are best for children. Milk provides important nutrients including calcium, protein, vitamin A and zinc.

Ordinary cow's milk is not suitable for babies under 12 months because it is hard for them to digest and has a low iron content. As children are growing quickly, they need a lot of calories in proportion to their body size, so full-fat milk is recommended until the age of five years. From two, children can switch to semi-skimmed milk, but only if they are good eaters having a balanced diet. Skimmed milk can be introduced from five years.

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