When young children are growing up, they are often looking forward to “grown-up” activities they can do like the adults in their lives. So the question of when they can start consuming coffee is definitely one that comes up. From a health perspective, it’s probably best to wait until your child is at least 12 before introducing coffee, and in particular espresso, matcha, and bulletproof coffee, because these drinks contain higher levels of caffeine than regular coffee.
Although coffee, in general, has a host of health benefits, it’s important to understand that, for children, the caffeine in coffee can have negative impacts on their development. Caffeine can disrupt sleep, and research has also suggested that it can affect children’s ability to concentrate, focus, and remember. Caffeine consumption can also lead to nervousness, irritability, and restlessness.
Child experts generally agree that it’s best to wait and introduce coffee to children when they are closer to adulthood and have more mature bodies—usually that means 12 or older. Before introducing coffee to kids, it’s important to talk to them and make sure they understand the impact that the stimulant can have on them.
A pediatrician can advise how age-appropriate amounts to consume are, but most would recommend no more than one cup per day, or 24 ounces of brewed coffee, for kids ages 12 and up, according to the National Coffee Association (NCA). It’s also best to spike coffee products with milk or another type of creamer in order to reduce the amount of caffeine in the drink.
“Children don’t need coffee,” says Dr. Laura Jana, a pediatrician and parenting expert from Omaha, Nebraska. She adds, “Children have smaller bodies, an immature blood-brain barrier, and are often very sensitive to the effects of caffeine. Giving even small amounts of coffee to kids can disrupt their sleep, have consequences in their behavior, and also have adverse effects on their bodies, such as increased heart rate. ”
It’s also important to remember that coffee can be habit forming, so it’s wise to teach children from a young age to practice moderation when it comes to the stimulant.
Health Benefits of Coffee
Even though most experts recommend waiting to introduce coffee to children, it’s important to note that coffee can offer some positive health benefits. Coffee is packed with antioxidants and has been linked to preventing diseases such as Parkinson’s, Alzheimer’s, and depression. Additionally, studies have shown that regular coffee consumption can reduce the risk of some cancers. Coffee can also offer a mental boost, providing people with a jolt of energy.
But as with any good thing, too much can have negative consequences—especially for kids whose bodies are still growing. In moderation, however, coffee can be enjoyed in a responsible way. It’s important to keep in mind that there are other energy boosting alternatives, like green tea, that are loaded with antioxidants, have low caffeine content, and won’t disrupt sleep.
Alternative Options for Kids
There are plenty of coffee-like drinks for children that don’t contain caffeine. For example, Decaf coffee is made from green coffee beans with 97% of caffeine removed to make it safe for young kids; along with other herbal teas and cocoa-based drinks. Some of these drinks are also fortified with vitamins and minerals, while others are made with natural fruits and juices to offer a sweet, refreshing taste. Also, many of the drinks made without caffeine can be enjoyed hot or cold.
Conclusion
Ultimately, it’s important to make sure that kids understand the impact of caffeine. Parents should have a discussion with their children about coffee and make sure kids know the difference between a small cup of coffee and a big cup. Additionally, it’s important to monitor how much caffeine kids are consuming, and make sure they using moderation.
Consuming Coffee with Food
When allowing kids to consume coffee, it’s important to provide a meal with the coffee to dilute the stimulants effects while giving them the taste they want. Many people enjoy their morning cup of coffee with breakfast. Therefore, it is important to make sure that the food that the child is consuming is not only healthy but also contains the vitamins and minerals to help counter the effects of the caffeine. Low-fat proteins and plenty of nutrient-rich fruits and vegetables are a good start to ensure that the food is providing the necessary vitamins and minerals for growing bodies.
Effects of Caffeine
Caffeine can have both positive and negatives effects on children, so it’s important for parents to be aware of the potential consequences. Kids can gain energy and increased focus when consuming coffee, but too much caffeine can also lead to headaches, feeling jittery, and difficulty sleeping.
Caffeine Alternatives
Caffeine is not the only way to get mental stimulation and focus. Maintaining a healthy diet, exercising, and getting enough sleep can help kids maintain their energy levels and stay alert. There are also natural remedies like Yerba Mate or green tea—sources of caffeine that come with a host of health benefits.
Frequency of Consumption
For those that do feel comfortable with giving their child coffee, it’s important to understand the frequency at which it should be consumed. Ideally, children should not drink more than one cup of coffee per day. For younger kids it is best to relax the coffee amount to approximately ½ cup per day. Too much coffee can have an adverse effect on kids, so parental guidance is important to monitor children’s consumption and keep coffee drinking in moderation.
