How Many Glasses of Milk Should a Kid Drink?

Milk is high in calcium and good for bones.

Too Much Milk Decreases Appetite

When a child has too much milk to drink, he is often full at meal time. Toddlers who use a bottle or training cup can carry their milk around with them and drink it all day, limiting the fruits, vegetables and grains that their bodies need to grow.

Calcium for Bone Growth

According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, "Maintaining adequate calcium intake during childhood is necessary for the development of a maximal peak bone mass." For children, milk is an excellent source of calcium and will help them develop strong bones and healthy teeth.

Bottom Line

Toddlers need two eight ounce glasses of milk per day; a child from 4 to 8 needs three glasses, and children from 9 to 18 years old need four to five glasses. Your child should also eat a variety of healthy foods to get the vitamins minerals she needs.

References

• BabyCenter: Cow's Milk - When and How to Introduce It
• American Academy of Pediatrics: Calcium Requirements of Infants, Children, and Adolescents