Is water out of vogue? A survey of the drinking habits of 2-7 year olds.
OBJECTIVE
To survey the drinking habits of young children with reference to the consumption of plain water, and to estimate the proportion of a child's recommended energy intake contributed by drinks.


METHODS
A prospective survey.


METHODS
Health centres, mother and toddler groups, and infant schools in and around Southampton.


METHODS
39 preschool and 66 infant schoolchildren.


METHODS
Parents kept a diary of all drinks consumed by the child over 48 hours. Parents were interviewed with a questionnaire about the drinking habits of their child.


METHODS
The type of drinks and volume of fluid consumed over 48 hours; the proportion of a child's recommended energy intake consumed through drinks.


RESULTS
72.5% of the preschool group and 50% of the infant school group never drank plain water. Squash was by far the most frequently consumed drink. 15% of the preschool group consumed just under 50% of their recommended daily energy intake in drinks.


CONCLUSIONS
Young children consume large quantities of squash which constitutes a substantial energy supply. It is possible that they are conditioned at an early age to the sweet taste of drinks that may be no nutritional benefit to them.
Petter
L P
LP
Department of Child Health, Southampton University Hospitals Trust, Southampton General Hospital.
Hourihane
J O
JO
Rolles
C J
CJ
D001628:Beverages; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D002957:Citrus; D004326:Drinking; D002149:Energy Intake; D004739:England; D006801:Humans; D018673:Nutrition Policy; D011446:Prospective Studies