25/08/2026
💧 WHAT SHOULD OUR CHILDREN DRINK?
🥇 WATER FIRST — every day, all day.
Water should always be the foundation. Teach children to reach for water when they are thirsty — at school, at home and on the sports field.
🥈 MILK NEXT 🥛
Milk is a nutrient-rich choice, providing high-quality protein, calcium and electrolytes such as potassium and magnesium. It can also be a useful recovery drink after sport.
🥉 SPORTS DRINKS — SOMETIMES 🏃♀️
Energade or Powerade can have a place during long, intense or very hot sporting events, but they don’t need to be an everyday drink. Think small amounts when needed — not a six-pack for one sports day! Water should still be the main drink.
🧃 Fruit juice & fizzy drinks = treats, not hydration.
They can be enjoyed occasionally, but shouldn’t replace water.
☕⚡ Caffeine, coffee & energy drinks?
These should not be children’s go-to drinks, and energy drinks are best avoided.
The simple rule:
WATER → MILK → SPORTS DRINK when appropriate → TREATS occasionally
When your child goes on tour, send the water bottle first. 💧
Healthy hydration habits are something we teach — and habits learned young can last a lifetime.
Midwell Dietitians
