Save that macchiato for Mama, baby

When I first read about some parents in Brooklyn serving up babyccinos to their tots, I have to admit, I thought…really, do we need to be serving our tots coffee? Just like us?

However, the accompanying video of the little girl enamored with her babyccino, complete with rainbow sprinkles did make me smile. It was cute. And, being a bona fide devotee to my daily brew, any cynicism or eye-rolling was quickly squashed by my secret wish that our local Starbucks might soon serve up these delightful, decaf, tot-inspired concoctions.

Afterall, my children could recognize a certain coffeehouse logo well before they could speak. They know Mama’s favorite drink is without a doubt, coffee; and they know very well that hardly anything comes before my morning cup of Joe.

So, is it really such a stretch that our cultural addiction to the bean would naturally extend to our children? Is there any harm in starting them young?

Here is, of course, where the pediatrician in me pipes up with the concern about caffeine in kids. Even though those babyccinos were made with decaf espresso; knowing where caffeine lurks and being mindful of our children’s consumption of it is important. (Side note: Just be aware, decaf does not mean caffeine-free. There is still some amount of caffeine in decaf beverages.)

A study in the December 2010 Journal of Pediatrics, revealed that 75% of children were consuming a significant amount of caffeine on a daily basis. What we know is that caffeine is a stimulant. So the effects that we get from it (hello world, I’m awake!) are multiplied in children. They are much more sensitive to its effects. My kids are already at full throttle once they bounce out of bed. Caffeine? For me? A necessity. For them? No way!!

Often, children who consume caffeine on a daily basis will have some difficulty sleeping. Who needs that? Furthermore, we know that children often get their caffeine from sodas or other sweetened energy drinks. Not only do they not “need” that caffeine, they don’t need those empty calories either. This can cause excess weight gain and displace other healthy food options that children do need to meet their daily mineral and vitamin requirements.

Headaches, upset stomachs, and feeling nervous and/or jittery are other untoward effects in children.

While we’re discussing the potentially negative consequences of caffeine in children (and it really pains me, as a coffee lover to say anything negative about caffeine), it’s also important to know what caffeine does not to do children. Contrary to popular belief, caffeine does not stunt your child’s growth. I know, I know…I want to be able to use that on my kids too. It also, has not been proven to lead to bedwetting.

What it comes down to is moderation. Know what beverages your child is consuming and how much. Aim for mostly water throughout the day, limit juice to no more than 6 ounces per day, and make sure any soda consumption is given as a special treat and not kept in the house. Know that an occasional hot cocoa or chocolate milk treat will not harm your child as far as caffeine is concerned. Click here to check out the caffeine content in some commonly consumed beverages.

So back to those babyccinos. While we may bask in the adorableness of our mini-mes mimicking us, I’m thinking they’ll have plenty of time to adopt their own caffeine habit. You know, when they’re adults and can’t blame us for their caffeine addiction. Save that macchiato for Mama, baby.

Of course, I just might be singing a different tune should we ever find ourselves in one of those trendy Brooklyn cafes…when in Rome, right?