Iswateroutofvogue? A surveyofthedrinking habits of2-7yearolds

Objective-To surveythedrinking habits of youngchildren withreference to theconsumption ofplainwater,andto estimatetheproportion of a child's recommendedenergyintake contributed bydrinks. Design-Aprospective survey. Setting-Health centres,mother and toddler groups, andinfant schools inand aroundSouthampton. Subjects-39 preschool and 66 infant schoolchildren. Interventions-Parents keptadiaryofall drinksconsumedby thechildover48 hours.Parentswereinterviewed witha questionnaire aboutthedrinking habits of their child. Main outcomemeasures-Thetypeof drinksandvolumeoffluidconsumed over48hours; theproportion ofachild's recommendedenergyintakeconsumed through drinks. Results-72-5% ofthepreschool group and50%oftheinfant school groupnever drankplain water.Squashwasbyfarthe mostfrequently consumeddrink. 15%of thepreschool groupconsumedjustunder 50%/oftheirrecommendeddaily energy intake indrinks. Conclusions-Young children consume largequantities ofsquashwhichconstitutesa substantial energysupply. Itis possible thattheyareconditioned atan early agetothesweettasteofdrinks that maybeofnonutritional benefit tothem. (Arch DisChild 1995; 72:137-140)