Coffee may be an irresistibly satisfying pick-me-up for adults, but can it really be safe for kids to consume beverages like coffee, tea and soda with caffeine in them? And what about any sweet add-ons like soda pop or sweetened teas served at coffee shops and restaurants that contain added sugars, calories and saturated fat that may contribute to health issues in kids?

Kids often emulate what they see their parents or older siblings doing, including drinking coffee themselves. Although a youngster might only be able to tolerate one small cup, this still presents an opportunity for parents to discuss healthy eating and drinking habits with their offspring.

Brazil, for instance, is notorious for children starting to drink small amounts of coffee as early as age 5 or 6. Although an average cup of US coffee contains around 100 milligrams of caffeine per cup, most pediatricians advise against children under 12 consuming caffeine altogether while teens should limit themselves to under 100 mg per day – or roughly the amount in one small cup of coffee.

The American Academy of Pediatrics and Canadian Pediatric Society both warn that too much caffeine consumption can interfere with children sleeping, lead to headaches or stomachaches, and have other detrimental health impacts. One recent study of over 4,000 middle schoolers showed how caffeine was found to interfere with natural sleep cycles by increasing frequent awakenings at night over those who didn’t consume caffeine.

Although coffee won’t necessarily stunt a child’s growth, too much caffeine may hinder calcium absorption and interfere with calcium absorption. That’s why limiting their caffeine consumption while encouraging them to eat a nutritious diet with plenty of milk, fruit and vegetables is essential.

There are now healthier options for kids to enjoy the flavor and ritual of coffee, like Kiid Coffee. Made with water-process decaffeinated coffee (no chemicals used), cacao, prebiotic fiber, organic monk fruit extract and vitamins/minerals specifically tailored for growing kids, Kiid Coffee comes in three delicious varieties – Original Latte, Choco’Latte and Caramel Latte!

Kiid’s Formula for Hydration was created to provide children with an alternative that will not diuretic effects of regular caffeinated coffee, helping them remain hydrated without adding added sugar or fat. With a new appearance on ABC’s Shark Tank this week, its team behind Kiid is keen to share how this healthy product can be utilized by children and families.