Overview
Believe it or not, toddlers are the latest group of individuals to join in the coffee craze. According to a 2015 study by the Boston Medical Center, 15% of toddlers consume up to 4 ounces of coffee every single day. That’s half a cup, which is not an insignificant amount for a child of that age and size. The study found that 2.5% of 1-year-olds were drinking coffee and that number increased by the age of 2. But, can toddlers drink coffee?
Why Are Toddlers Drinking Coffee?
There are several factors at play. For example, in the Boston study in particular, Hispanic families were more likely to give their toddlers a coffee drink every day. Boston has a high population of Hispanic families. Researchers learned that these families simply saw no reason to exclude toddlers from the coffee-drinking tradition that started. Interestingly enough, female toddlers and infants were more likely than male toddlers to have coffee every day. Accessibility may also play a role. Toddlers are more likely to see coffee around the house or in their parents’ hands these days. They want to be “just like Mom” or “just like Dad” and sip their morning cup of joe.
Effects of Coffee on Children
In 2014, the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) put together a special task force to address the rising consumption of caffeine in children. In their special report, they noted that 73% of American children drink some form of caffeine every single day. The most common sources of caffeine included soda drinks. Coffee drinks came in second. In fact, between 2009 and 2010, approximately one-quarter of caffeine consumed by children came from coffee. Energy drinks came in third and their consumption is also on the rise. Tea was also especially common in young children starting around the age of 2. Extremely high doses of caffeine can cause both seizures and cardiac arrest, which can lead to death. Caffeine can also dull appetite, making it harder for small children to feel hungry when they are and making it more likely they may skip a meal or snack when they’ve had caffeine. Children, especially toddlers, are more at risk to experience negative health outcomes of caffeine because they have less body mass, and their bodies are not as adept at processing the caffeine. It may be apparent immediately that a cup of coffee in a 2-year-old causes them to have lots of extra energy, but what happens to a toddler’s brain if they are drinking that same cup of coffee every day for years? It’s hard to say what the long-term consequences might be.
What You Can Do
Overall, the rising trend of children drinking coffee and other beverages with caffeine reflects how many Americans view caffeine as something that is “normal” and without risk. The truth is, caffeine is a powerful drug and stimulant, and despite its widespread availability and use, should be treated as such. Is one sip of coffee going to mean a lifetime of negative health consequences for your toddler? No, probably not. But a daily habit of coffee or tea could be something that may harm your toddler’s health as they grow older. If you are starting your little one on a habit of drinking coffee or tea every single day, you may want to speak to your doctor about the potential impact on your child’s development. Talk to your child about why coffee might not be a healthy choice for them, check labels of drinks or foods that might contain caffeine, and if you want them to partake in a family tradition of drinking a hot cup of coffee together, consider fixing a special drink that does not contain caffeine. For example, you may steam milk, stir up some hot chocolate, or consider an herbal tea instead of serving them up a cup of joe.
A Word From Verywell
Although much is still unknown, if you’re wondering when a “safer” age to give your child caffeine might be, the AAP suggests that you wait until the age of 12 and then limiting your child’s caffeine consumption to no more than 100 milligrams of caffeine a day, which is typical for a cup (8 ounces) of home-brewed coffee. Just look out for coffee shop varieties, as they may have a higher caffeine content—either because they use coffee with more caffeine, and/or they offer larger sizes.
