When Should Children Have Their First Coffee?
Is your child fond of starting their day with a cup of coffee? As the trend of coffee drinking among kids and teenagers grows, so does the conversation about the effects of caffeine on the body.
Giving children a cup of coffee is an ultimate taboo in the overwhelming majority of countries. However, does the drink really deserve such a reaction? At this point, it is indispensable to pay due attention to various influences coffee can trigger on the body. It is a well-known fact that excessive caffeine consumption can promote long-lasting negative impacts on diverse aspects of human health. Nonetheless, if taken in moderation, coffee can be 100% safe for both children and adults.
If you are tired of disapproving looks you meet every time you order a cup of coffee for your child somewhere in Starbucks or any other coffee station, keep reading the article to discover various aspects of the question.
Should Kids Drink Coffee?
How old are your children? Do they love making a cup of an energizing drink? Do they know how to purchase the best coffee maker for cheap? Probably, it is the right time to allow them to drink some coffee at a time. Nonetheless, it is inevitable to remember that every child is unique, so there is no universal answer to this question.
To begin with, much will depend on the overall health state of the child, as well as other peculiarities of his or her personality. For instance, while ordinary kids may feel normal after a cup of an energizing drink, hyperactive kids may get crazy. Therefore, it is inevitable to be cautious when you start giving your child a highly caffeinated beverage.
What is the most significant problem with coffee that makes it dangerous for children? High caffeine content is the factor that prevents the overwhelming majority of parents from letting their kids consume coffee. Unfortunately, there are no special regulations or recommendations about early caffeine intake. Thus, that is the responsibility of every parent.
According to the recommendations and comments of doctors and health care specialists, caffeine can trigger an unwanted effect on the organism of the child. However, the pediatrics keep arguing about this point, as some of them are 100% against the experience, while others approve it. On average, it is possible to specify some basic limits that regulate caffeine consumption among children:
- Kids above 4 years old can take not more than a half cup of mild coffee
- Children from 7 to 9 years old should consume no more than 65 mg of the energizing drink
- The dose of the children over 10 years old can be increased to 85 mg
- Finally, adolescents can take 85 to 100 mg of coffee.
At this point, it is inevitable to mention that caffeine is also present in tea, soda, hot chocolate, and some other drinks, so their consumption should also be regulated.
Can Caffeine Affect Children?
According to the information mentioned above, children can start drinking coffee from 4 years old. Nonetheless, it is critical to stay cautious and attentive, eliminating possible outcomes. Additionally, parents should remember that coffee features a dose-response effect so that the results of the consumption will depend mainly on the strength of the drink. Keep in mind that the body of the kid is much smaller than that of an adult, which means it takes less to impair its functioning. Additionally, the organisms of children and teenagers are still growing and developing, so it is not recommended to give them coffee during these stages.
What are the most dangerous impacts that can be caused by early coffee consumption? Caffeine overuse is commonly related to such health disorders as anxiety, heart disorders, abnormal blood pressure, sleep disorders, acid reflux, stomach discomfort, and a range of other issues. If you have a look at the list of potential ailments, you realize how dangerous caffeine can be to children.
Besides, it is worth mentioning that coffee is not just an energizing beverage, it is a stimulating one. Abnormal irritability, alertness, and signs of panic are the most typical side effects children experience after caffeine use.
At the same time, parents should know that coffee beans are high in antioxidants and other helpful substances that protect the organism from the devastating impact of external factors. However, this point is frequently doubted by most critics and caffeine consumption skeptics.
Conclusion
How safe or dangerous is coffee for a child? The question will remain unanswered forever, as the ideas of parents, doctors, and experts differ a lot. The most important rule everyone should remember is that moderation is key. The overuse of any substance or product may lead to dangerous and unwanted impacts. Be responsible when using coffee and giving it to your child, especially if you want to eliminate the risk of any side effects.
