Is it ok for kids to drink coffee? What should parents know

Why do kids drink coffee?

So why do children drink coffee in the first place?

• They are tired. Many teenagers don’t have enough sleep; Thanks to the early years of starting school, packaged timetables and late -night screen time. A morning coffee or frappuccino may feel like a quick repair to increase their energy levels.
• It is social. Cafes are hangout points and receiving frozen coffee drinks is a social excursion.
• It tastes good. Coffee is no longer bitter, gaining taste. With all syrups, aromas and whipped cream, it feels more like a dessert.
• Coffee culture is popular. It is not surprising that children want in the ritual and eating coffee can feel “adult” in children.

How much caffeine is too much for children?

Although the US does not have formal guidelines for child caffeine intake, Canada’s health It has set maximum daily limits for age groups and milligrams of caffeine per day:

• 4 – 6 years: No more than 45 mg/day (about the amount in a mini Mocha Frappuccino)
• 7 – 9 years: No more than 62.5 mg/day (about the amount in a tall Vanilla Frappuccino Caffe)
• 10 – 12 years: No more than 85 mg/day (about the amount in a cluster Cocoa cluster Frappuccino Grande Caramel)

For comparison, an 8 -ounce cup contains about 100mg of caffeine.

If a child has multiple caffeine drinks such as soda, coffee drinks and energy drinks – it can push them over the limit quite easily. Only one energy drink puts the children above these recommended daily boundaries.

What does this mean to health? A rEsearch Review He concluded that “typical, moderate caffeine consumption” in children and adolescents are relatively safe – but that high doses (more than 400mg daily) can cause “physiological, psychological and behavioral damage”, especially for children with mental health problems and heart problems.

How does caffeine affect children?

There is not so much research on caffeine and children as they exist with adults. But we know that caffeine is a drug that acts as a stimulant. And because children are younger than adults, caffeine effects tend to be stronger for them.

In accordance with American Academy of PediatricsThe side effects of caffeine in children include:

• Quick or irregular heartbeat
• Elevated blood pressure
• Rapid breathing
• Worry
• Nausea
• Worry
• Diarrhea
• Sleeping

Some children may be more sensitive to caffeine, says AAP. These include:

• Children with heart or pulmonary conditions, as caffeine accelerates heart rate and breathing
• Children taking stimulant drugs for ADHD, who may have more caffeine sleep and mood problems
• Possibly boys because more boys from girls visit ER for caffeine -related issues

Children and adolescents who are struggling with stress (and unfortunately, many young people are doing today), as caffeine can intensify feelings of nervousness and panic.

Can children become addicted to coffee?

Like adults, children can depend on caffeine. Regular consumption of caffeine can lead to caffeine dependence and cause withdrawal symptoms such as headaches, irritability and even influenza -like emotions if they stop using them.

In extreme cases, an overdose of caffeine may occur. Poison control centers receive regular calls about caffeine. Although fortunately still unusual, caffeine -related visits between ER between school media doubling Between 2017-2023.

Mild symptoms overdose of caffeine They are unstable hands and stomach disorders. Severe overdose can lead to high blood pressure and seizures.

How much caffeine is in popular coffee drinks?

Here is the amount of caffeine in some popular drinks from Starbucks (all sizes are 16 oz grande unless noted):

And here are some of other chains (all is 16 oz unless noted):

What other foods and drinks contain caffeine?

There are other sources of caffeine beyond ice cream, chewing gum, and even caffeine! Here is a sampling of food and beverages and the caffeine content:

Options without caffeine and caffeine

If your child wants something from Starbucks, here are some options with less caffeine or caffeine.

• Vanilla Crème (Grande): 0 mg
• Caramel Brûlée Crème: 0 mg
• Strawberry strawberry Frappuccino: 0 mg
• Horizon Organic Chocolate Milk Box: 0 mg
• Double Chocolaty Chip Frappuccino (tall): 10 mg
• Chocolate Crume Crume Crème Frappuccino (Grande): 25 mg
• Frozen passion Tango Tea (Grande): 0 mg
• Hot chocolate (Grande): 25 mg

And here are some options from Panera:

• Hot chocolate: 0 mg
• Rhodes Hibiscus Tea: 0 mg
• Mango Smoothie: 0 mg

Are coffee drinks exactly for caffeine?

Caffeine or not, coffee drinks can still be loaded with additional sugar. Many of these drinks contain more sugar than a regular soda container.

The bottom line

An occasional coffee treatment is not a big deal for most children and adolescents.

But they can take caffeine in many places, including energy drinks, dust before training, even gums, coinage and water. This can be added during a day.

Caffeine in higher amounts can lead to dependence, sleep problems, nervousness and other health concerns. And some children are more sensitive to results.

So it is smart to know how caffeine your child or teenager gets overall and help them understand if they can affect their sleep, mood or health in some way.

If your child likes coffee drinks here are some things to try or suggest:

• Order smaller sizes
• Select Decaf Options or lower caffeine
• Only ask for a syrup pump for flavored drinks to reduce sugar but keep the sweet
• Make DIY editions at home with less sugar (like this Copycat Starbucks Vanilla Steamer)
• Get milk -based drinks that also provide children and adolescents with calcium and vitamin D