Diet Drinks

When my daughter was that age I would give her diluted juices. More water than juice... just for a different flavor. You can do half juice half water or add more water to the juice. That way she'll have something different to drink.

S..
http://ohsobella.com

Sipping isn't probably a big deal. But, diet drinks aren't good for health, especially for children. Maybe, buy some Sprite or rootbeer and let her have one a week to keep her from the diet drink. Or, buy some tea or flavored drinks that come in a can.

To begin with, diet drinks really are not good for you. Why would you want to introduct a baby to cola, or any soft drink, anyway? They're not good for you, they lead to weight gain, they're sweet and will have an effect on appitite. When the baby "just goes crazy for the can", simply say "No" and put it out of sight. Offer the baby exactly, and only, just what she's supposed to drink, and believe it or not, she'll get used to it.

Hi S., the diet drinks have an artificial sweetener in it that kidneys cannot flush naturally. The kidneys are forced to Create an enzyme in order to rid the body of the substance. It is critical for young, growing children not to tax their growing organs by forcing them to do something unnatural they were designed to do. The health and growth of growing organs depend on proper functioning.
As to the brain, check into Daniel Amen's book, "Change Your Brain Change Your Life" with pictures of non-food substances effect on the brain. It is shocking what damage does to the brain, things many of us think are "not that big a deal". It is not a difficult science book. It is easy to read and the pics will blow you away.
You sound like a caring mom and want what is best for your baby. Aspartame is much worse than the sugar you are wisely monitoring. HTH, C.

I personally would not give my 2 yo any soda, regular or diet. I don't feel its appropriate to gear their taste buds (and expectations) toward soda. (At 2 yo, you can distract them with other choices... Can you imagine what it will be like to fight about that with a 3 and 4 year old?! Its hard enough just to get them to eat regular dinner!) Its too sweet, too artificial, too acidic on their intestines and no nutritional value. At least when I give her orange juice, we can buy the kind with added calcium; other juices have vitamin C.

But the main reason I would avoid it: ** CAFFEINE! ** Its hard enough to deal with a toddler's mood swings... I can't imagine it if she was on a caffeine rush too.

From http://www.toddlerstoday.com/articles/toddler-nutrition/h...: What effect will all of this caffeine have on children? "Caffeine has a negative effect on sleeping patterns of children," says Flavia Herzog, a registered dietitian with "A Better Start" at Albert Einstein Healthcare Network in Philadelphia, Pa. "Even if the child is not having trouble falling asleep at night, they may not be getting into a deep sleep." She adds that high levels of caffeine consumption are also linked to headaches, restlessness and possibly ADHD. "A child's body is still developing and growing and is much more vulnerable to the impact of these drinks," Herzog says. "Energy drinks can stay in a child's system for up to 12 hours. What is that doing to their kidneys and liver to clean it out?"

And, have you looked at the ** SODIUM ** levels in diet drinks? ("The safe and acceptable amount of sodium for a toddler is around 300 to 1200 milligrams a day" http://parenting.ivillage.com/tp/tpnutrition/0,,3vrq,00.html)

Here's a good link; discusses a study of nutritional health among infants and toddlers: http://www.mathematica-mpr.com/nutrition/infantfeeding.asp

This one says the carbonation can damage baby teeth: http://www.babycentre.co.uk/toddler/nutrition/howtofeed/

Lastly, I was once addicted to diet sodas. I could easily have drank a 6 pack each day... After 5+ years of that lifestyle, I noticed that my stomach would develop a dull ache 30 minutes afterward... The headaches from withdrawal... weaken defense to colds and getting sick. Even if its not cancer causing, I really think that all those chemicals can build up in your tissues and exert a negative affect on you energy levels and longterm health.

I am a student in alternative medicine and let me tell you. after just finishing my nutrition class, there is no scientifically proven risk of developing cancer fom any artificial sweetener and they do not promote tooth decay or raise blood glucose levels. our kidneys will not flush it properly either. The only one to worry about is aspartame, and that is only with high amounts of it. A safe level is 50 milligrams per kilogram of body weight for any one person. Products with aspartame in them must carry a warning label because of liver deseases and an inherited desease called phenylketonuria. people with the deseases are unable to use the amino acids and it builds up in their blood. The main thing that I would worry about with your child is that she becomes addicted to such things being that she was introduced at such an early age. I would do research on web MD and you will get more out of it than asking here. Nutritionist are the one to go to also. Hope this helps for your whole family not just your child.

Hi S.. I know you have gotten a LOT of advice already & may not need any more, but I did want to pass one thing along. My husband had to have surgery on both knees as a child to repair cartilage. After taking his health history from his mom the orthopaedic surgeon came to the conclusion that the problem was most likely caused from him drinking diet soft drinks from an early age. The doc said that the aspertame used to sweeten it disrupts normal cartilage formation in the joints of small children. His mom always drank Diet Coke, so when he was growing up she would often let him have some of that since that's what they already had in the house. So, aside from caffeine & other issues people have from soft drinks, I have definitely tried to avoid letting my daughter (now 3) have things with artificial sweeteners. I just wanted to pass this along, because until I met my hubby I had never heard of this & would hate for it to happen to other little kiddos if it could be avoided. Much luck to you, God bless. :)

One of the reasons that we have so many health problems is that we do unnatural things to our bodies. Fake sugars are bad because they are not natural, and our bodies don't know how to process what it doesn't recognize. Your baby's body is still trying to learn what to do on its own; don't compromise the process with that mess, making your adult problems hers. (This isn't a hit on you, just a reference to all the health problems that we adults have and claim not to know why, while sharing those problems with our children.)

Also, she'll want it all the time. Start now communicating to her that this is not for her. I agree whole-heartedly with the earlier response about "training" your children. Set the standards now, so they'll know what to expect. Teach them good nutrition and show them the example of it. Let them discover the "trash" (that's ultimately what it is, no nutritional value whatsoever) on their own. Your kids are so young, now, but that older one is not too young to understand that these are not her drinks. Giving in to her whines for it only teach her to do that to get what she wants from you. She's got to learn now that no means no and that crying about it or begging won't change that. Tell your guy to keep the sodas put up and to put up his cans afterward. (In our house, we keep any sodas behind the bar, not in the kitchen refrigerator. Everyone knows that they've got to be 21 to go behind the bar. My mother used to keep her Dr. Peppers--terrible stuff--in her closet.)

My babies don't do junk at all. Tater tots from Sonic have been used as an occasional treat. I am so thankful that when we were kids, we enjoyed fruits and vegetables. It was natural and normal for us to eat like that. I had my first quarter-pounder when I was 18, because I chose to venture out with a friend out of town. I think that I had 2 more that summer, and that's been 15 years. We didn't cry for McDonald's or the others because that was foreign to us, and both my parents worked full time (and they still made sure that we had real food to eat). It's a matter of commitment to your convictions. (Again, none of this is a hit on you. I just tend to be passionate about this one and very direct.)

Since she seems to be attracted to the can, here is a trick my Mom used.... and I still do it sometimes. Have Dad put his soda in a coffee mug (covered travel mug would be best) that way she will not receive any kind of visual invitation to drink it.

Of course, diet soda is really not great for anyone to drink, but as an addict of diet coke, I understand :)

My kids are 7 and 9 and we just started letting them have Sprite on Friday nights. Big treat! They really appreciate things more when they are limited like that, not every day.

Good luck!

J

There are not enough studies done on aspartame in babies to make me comfortable with allowing my child to have it, personally. I am WAY more comfortable with sugar than aspartame (the artificial sweetener they use in most diet sodas), though I still water my 3 year olds juice half and half.

I don't know the pros and cons. But I am personally against allowing my children to eat or drink chemicals. I strive for as natural as I can get. In fact, for "juice" i try and give my children apple cider, since it is 100% natural and the whole apple is used. So I am not one to say diet soda would be ok for a little one, even sips. But that's me.

Sugar, though highly refined, at least originally comes from nature...so I would be more inclined to give some very watered down juice when she wants that can than allow sips of diet soda. I just feel very uncomfortable with the chemical nature of artificial sweeteners in tiny bodies.

S.,
Diet soda may not have the sugar or calories of regular soda, but it’s chock-full of other health-draining chemicals, like caffeine, artificial sweeteners, sodium and phosphoric acid. This is even more concerning when parents give their growing — and chemically vulnerable — children diet soda in a noble effort to avoid sugar. Trust your instincts about it, but their teeth are the least of your worries where chemicals are concerned!
-D. C

Hi there, S.. Looks like you have received some great advice. I agree with most, I wouldn't encourage drinking the diet soda because of the chemicals. I don't think they are good for adults either. All sodas (whether diet or not are full of artifical ingredients). What she has had, and even if she continues with the occassional sip, is not going to hurt her physicallly. What I would worry about most is her developing a love for sodas. As they get a little older, they are much more outspoken with what they want. You may be more likely to give in to prevent a tantrum. Sodas are just not a great thing for kids (or any of us, really). Maybe your husband can be sneaky for a while (pour his sodas in a plastic cup). Then, when she's a little older, tell her they are grown up drinks (hopefully she will forget what they are). My son is 4 and I still have him fooled! He thinks sodas are for adults only and never asks for them.

Well, the caffeine in diet soda is really terrible for the bones of anyone, let alone a growing toddler. Also, the chemicals that are found in soda are also terrible for her. And number one factor, which goes along with the chemical factor I just mentioned, is that diet soda has artificial sweeteners, which 'cause cancer and other nasty health problems. A sip every once in a while won't do any harm, but more than likely she will want more than just a sip....more like half a can, and then if you don't give it to her the tantrums will start. I suggest getting your husband to stop drinking it and get it out of the house! That's what we had to do. It was important for me to raise my kids with good eating habit and nutrition, soda was not part of that. I never have drank soda, but my hubby was addicted! I am the one who goes to the store, so I just didn't buy it. You will also save lots of money too, if he tends to drink 2-3 a day. He will also lose weight. 5 pounds is what mine lost after the diet soda was removed from his daily routine. My son, who is almost 3 in a half, has never even tasted soda and so doesn't want it ever, even when we are at parties and such. The less she is exposed the better, tantrums over soda/candy are NEVER fun! Hope this was helpful!

And don't worry, if she just has had a few sips up until now, then she is fine developmentally.

Another thing to think about is.....a few sips at 2 yrs old turns into a whole can of soda at 7. This is sooo true. My hubby's brother is 9 almost 10 and is always nagging his mom for soda, which of course he always gets. And when his mom has parties/holidays at her house he has at least 3 soda's. They always have 2-3 diff. types of soda at their house. YUk! Good nutrition starts now while they are little. You are the one feeding her, so feed her well while you can still control it.

Most diet sodas contain phenylaniline or aspartame. This is a chemical that is used instead of sugar. Very small children should NOT be drinking or eating anything with this in there.

Some people are allergic to this chemical, here's some info on it: http://www.sweetpoison.com/phenylalanine.html. And this is the name of the "allergy": Phenylketonuria

I personally am not aware that I am allergic to the chemical.. however I noticed when drinking diet sodas (while I was trying to cut back on sodas to lose weight) I was feeling strange and often had headaches. I read the can and discovered this chemical and looked it up. I decided that it was in my best interest not to drink anything with these chemicals in it and I will avoid them at all costs. By the way I have no issue with artificial sweeteners like Equal or Sweet-n-low... just these in diet sodas for some reason.

look for diet soda sweetened with splenda. My doctor said splenda was safe as opposed to other sweetners, we also searched the Internet. It might just be the can too. As a 'drink' treat we give our son chocolate milk sometimes, n when we are out some of our sweet tea. I also let him drink from water bottles which he loves I guess just cause its not a sippy cup. I won't give u grief I don't think a sip every once in a while will hurt.

I don't think there is any problem. They love to take little tastes of things we have because they are in such and exploratory time. As long as it is not often I wouldn't worry. We give our 14 month old little sips of soda occasionally but we limit it mostly due to the carbonation as it is a bit harsh on the esophagus. :)

Hello S.

I am no doctor, but I like to research on health issues, especially those related to nutrition.

What I have found is that there is no conclusive evidence that artificial sweeteners are SAFE, especially for children. Also, I think there is a terrible misconception that sugar-free, or diet products, are good.

Some studies show that aspartame could pose real dangers to health. I encourage you to do your own research, after all it is so easy now with the internet, to make the best informed decision about giving your child diet soda.

I do not drink it (or the regular one for that matter), and would NEVER give it to my baby. But this is definitely a very personal decision.

Good luck!

Hi S..

Sounds like you are doing a great job limiting your daughter's sweet consumption.
The problem with soda is not only the sugar. The carbonation in all sodas majorly strip calcium from their little bones & teeth, which is essential at thier age! Also, if drinking DIET, the artificial sweetners can cause many health issues,particularliy in children. SO, do stay away from them if at all possible.
If you have any questions, feel free to contact me anytime, or go to our Health Ministry site for free info on Childrens Health. www.yourhealthyalternatives.com

While I want my kids to be healthy and have good teeth, I believe anything in moderation is okay. I think if you deny certain things, then the child will crave that and not know how to eat/drink it in moderation when the opportunity arrives (at playdates, friend's homes, etc.). They may end up binging on it and getting sick or become overweight. My husband and I drink regular sodas some, but the kids don't get them everyday or every week. Occasionally we will let them have a sip of our drink or let them have some sprite when we go out to dinner. I will offer a sprite to my daughter occasionally, but she usually opts for juice or milk instead. She isn't crazy about the carbonation in the sodas. We still don't give either of our kids full strength juice. We usually do 1/3 juice and 2/3 water. They never complain. Personally, I'd rather my kids have the real sweeteners such as sugar or yes...the dreaded high fructose corn syrup, than any artificial sweetener. I've tried to switch to diet before long term, but the sweeteners give me headaches. Plus, I think they taste much sweeter than regular soda...a sickly sweet taste. We do allow our kids to have some candy as treats occasionally too. But it's usually limited to fruit snacks, gummy worms or hershy kisses. I stay away from most other candy because of the choking hazards. Again because they have never had pressure about what they eat they often choose fresh or dried fruits instead, even prunes. Regardless of anything here, the ultimate choice is yours. You will do what is best and what works for your family. Good luck.

The lack of calcium if the biggest thing. This can cause problems with teeth, bones etc. Best if your husband thought about it also, mine is having problems now because of the lack of calcium. Better to have the milk and fruit juice for both.

You're doing well keeping your child's soda drinking to such a minimum, but my only concern would be that diet drinks are sweetened with something, and yes... it's not sugar, but actually... it's worse. Artificial sweeteners are not at all good for our bodies, and I hope you do some research and reconsider letting your daughter - and your husband - drink diet sodas.

Hi S.,

I think people might have different opinions on this, but nutrasweet and other artificial sweetners have been proven to aggrivate the nervous system and even create neuromuscular problems for some people. They have even been linked to depression in some.

I personally drink diet soda every once in a while, since I am a bubbly beverage fan, and reg soda hurts my stomach- but...I wouldn't give it to a child with a developing mind/nervous system. Obviously a couple of sips is not a big deal- but developing a taste for something might be later on.

I would rather give them a little carbonated fruit juice diluted with water if they wanted bubbles on occasion. If it's the sweet taste, then some diluted juice is fine too.

Some kids, just like adults do not enjoy water. They really crave something that has taste in it. So offering some diluted juice might help keep them hydrated or even be a reward for drinking plain water for most of the day.

Another great option if you want to try something natural- STEVIA. It has no calories, comes from a plant and even helps balance insulin in the body. You can add a pinch of it to fruit water (that has no sweetner at all) to make it sweet. It is very healthful and safe for children and adults both.

Whole Foods sells it and there are different kinds. The easiest to start with might be the Sweet Leaf brand that has little packets. Don't hesitate to ask one of the Whole Foods workers about it, as they will give you good tips too.

Good luck!

Those sodas are pretty bad, both for hubby and for baby. Research health risks of aspartame on the internet which is the sweetener in those sodas and you'll be shocked. It's a toxic substance that the FDA won't take off the market because it's such a moneymaker.

Don't start! They are bad for everyone, stay with fruit juice and good 'ole water.

Well caffine for one is not so great for little ones. Also look at the back of the can it has a warning on it that says some word starting with the letter p. Do a search on the internet and it will be clear why sipping on diet drinks is not such a good idea for your little one or for your hubby!! I stoped drinking them and my migraines went away!! Lots of other things also have the warning on them that it contains the p what ever that word was! I forgot what the word is but its on the can in red bold letters a little warning that shouldnt be so over looked. Some people might not have a reaction to it but I sure did! Hope you get lots of advice on this topic. God bless.

almost no problems should occur, some people have a sensitivity to sugar substitutes because they are actually allergic to it, drinking the actual soda with the high fructose corn syrup is proven to spike blood sugar higher than pure cane sugar does. the lesser of the two evils is definitely sugar substitutes,,,,but everything in moderation of course