Is It OK For Kids To Drink Coffee? What Parents Should Know

Why do children drink coffee?

So why do children drink coffee first?

• They are tired. Many teenagers do not sleep enough, Thanks to the first starting schedules of the school, full schedules and screen time late at night. A morning or frappuccino coffee may seem like a quick solution to increase its energy levels.
• It is social. The coffee shops are meeting places, and collecting ice cream drinks is a social excursion.
• It knows well. Coffee is no longer a bitter and acquired taste. With all syrups, flavorings and whipped cream, you feel more like dessert.
• The coffee culture is popular. It is not surprising that children want in the ritual, and drinking coffee can feel «adult» with children.

How much caffeine is too much for children?

Although the United States does not have official guidelines for children’s caffeine intake, Canada’s health He has established maximum daily limits for age groups and milligrams of caffeine per day:

• 4 – 6 years: No more than 45 mg/day (about the quantity in a Mocha Mini Frappuccino)
• 7 – 9 years: No more than 62.5 mg/day (approximately the amount in a high Caffe Vanilla Frappuccino)
• 10 – 12 years: No more than 85 mg/day (approximately the amount in a large Cocoa Cocuster Frappuccino candy)

By way of comparison, a cup of 8 -outer coffee contains approximately 100 mg of caffeine.

If a child has multiple drinks with caffeine, such as soft drinks, coffee drinks and energy drinks, they can push them above the limit quite easily. Only an energy drink puts children on these recommended daily limits.

What does that mean to health? ArEsearch review He concluded that the «typical moderate caffeine consumption» in children and adolescents is relatively safe, but that high doses (more than 400 mg per day) can cause «physiological, psychological and behavioral damage», especially for children with health problems mental and heart problems.

How do children affect the children?

There is not as much research on caffeine and children as adults. But we know that caffeine is a medication that functions as a stimulant. And because children are smaller than adults, the effects of caffeine tend to be stronger for them.

According to him American Academy of PediatricsThe side effects of caffeine on children include:

• Rapid or irregular beats
• High blood pressure
• Quick breathing
• Anxiety
• Nausea
• Concern
• Diarrhea
• Sleep loss

Certain children can be more sensitive to caffeine, says the AAP. These include:

• Children with heart or lung conditions, since caffeine accelerates heart rate and breathing
• Children who take stimulating medicines for ADHD, who can have more sleep and mood problems with caffeine
• Possibly boys because more boys who visit the emergency room due to caffeine -related problems

Children and adolescents fighting with anxiety (and unfortunately, many young people do it today) since caffeine can intensify feelings of nervousness and panic.

Can children become coffee addicts?

Like adults, children can depend on caffeine. Regular caffeine consumption can lead to the dependence on caffeine and unleashed abstinence symptoms such as headaches, irritability and even feelings similar to flu for a while if they stop using them.

In extreme cases, an overdose of caffeine can occur. The poisoning control centers regularly receive calls on caffeine. Although fortunately it is still uncommon, visits related to caffeine to the emergency room among high school students duplicate Between 2017-2023.

Mild symptoms caffeine overdose They are trembling hands and stomach discomfort. Severe overdose can cause high blood pressure and seizures.

How much caffeine are there in popular coffee drinks?

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

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

What other foods and drinks contain caffeine?

There are other sources of caffeine beyond coffee, such as ice cream, gum and even water with caffeine! Here is a sample of food and drinks and its caffeine content:

Options without caffeine and caffeine

If your child wants some Starbucks, here are some selections with less caffeine or without caffeine.

• Vanilla Crème (Large): 0 mg
• Caramelo Brûlée Crème: 0 mg
• Crème Frappuccino strawberry: 0 mg
• Horizon organic chocolate milk box: 0 mg
• Double Chocolat Chip Frappuccino (Alto): 10 mg
• Chocolate Crumble Crème Frappuccino (Large): 25 mg
• Ice Passion Tango Tea (Large): 0 mg
• Hot chocolate (large): 25 mg

And here are some panera options:

• Hot chocolate: 0 mg
• Granada Hibiscus Tea: 0 mg
• Mango shake: 0 mg

Are the cafeteria drinks almost caffeine?

Caffeine or not, cafeteria drinks can still be loaded with aggregate sugar. Many of these drinks contain more sugar than a can of regular soft drinks.

The final result

An occasional cafeteria gift is not a big problem for most children and adolescents.

But they can be obtaining caffeine in many places, even in energy drinks, dust prior to training and even gum, mints and water. That can add in the course of a day.

Caffeine in higher quantities can cause dependence, sleep problems, nervousness and other health concerns. And some children are more sensitive to the effects.

Therefore, it is intelligent to know how much caffeine your child or teenager is obtaining in general and help them determine whether they could affect their dream, mood or health in some way.

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

• Order smaller sizes
• Choose decaffeinal or low caffeine options
• Ask for only one syrup pump for flavor to reduce sugar, but keep it sweet
• Make di -checkering versions at less sugar (such as this Vanilla Starbucks vapor)
• Obtain milk -based drinks that also supply children and adolescents of calcium and vitamin D