Scientists and doctors have released new guidelines for child nutrition and healthy beverages.
One recommendation is that children under five should not be given plant-based milks, like oat milk or soy milk, unless ordered by a doctor. While these are fine for adults, children need the nutrition that comes with cow's milk or formula.
"[Plant milks] may not have all the nutrients available in them, especially in terms of vitamin D, protein and calcium, that a growing child needs," said Shahir Okhovat, a pediatrician at Good Samaritan Hospital.
Parents should also avoid giving children too much juice and skip transitional or toddler formulas because of added sugar. Okhovat said getting too much sugar early in life can lead to health issues later.
While companies may market transitional formulas or toddler milks as being healthy, they aren't recommended under the new guidelines, which were developed by the American Academy of Pediatrics and the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry, along with other groups.
The guidelines say children under six months old should only be fed breastmilk or formula. Once solids are introduced, parents can add small amounts of water to their child's diet.
For children between 2 and 5 years old, the guidelines recommend milk and water, along with up to four ounces of 100 percent fruit juice.
Children under five should not be given flavored milks, drinks sweetened with artifical sweeteners, or caffeinated beverages, according to the drink guidelines.
