Selecting the right beverages for your baby is crucial for their development and hydration. Beyond plain water, specialized drinks offer essential nutrients and support specific needs as they grow. This guide helps you navigate the options to ensure you're making the healthiest choices for your little one's well-being.
- #1 RECOMMENDED: From the #1 pediatrician-recommended brand; for kids ages 2-13, provides a good source of protein and has vitamins and minerals
- #1 RECOMMENDED: From the #1 pediatrician-recommended brand; for kids ages 2-13, provides a good source of protein and has vitamins and minerals
- COMPLETE, BALANCED NUTRITION: Helps support kids’ growth and has nutrients to support the immune system with protein, zinc, vitamins A & D, and antioxidants (vitamins C & E and selenium)
- CLINICALLY PROVEN TO HELP KIDS GROW: As studied in children with and/or at risk for undernutrition, taking 2 servings per day
- 7g OF HIGH-QUALITY PROTEIN: This kids nutrition shake has 7 grams of high-quality protein
- DYE-FREE HYDRATION: Pedialyte Advanced Rehydration liters deliver the hydration support you need, made without synthetic dyes
- HYDRATE AND FEEL BETTER FAST: Pedialyte is formulated for both kids & adults to help manage dehydration from exercise, heat, sweating, and travel. Designed to replace fluids & electrolytes more effectively than water, juice, soda, or some sports drinks
- SCIENCE-BACKED FORMULA: Relied on by families, athletes, and healthcare professionals, our clinically studied electrolyte drinks are designed to help your body absorb fluids more efficiently and stay hydrated longer than water alone
- REPLENISH ELECTROLYTES: Keep Pedialyte on hand at home or in your travel kit for fast hydration when you need it most. It’s a reliable rehydration option for kids and adults when feeling dehydrated
- RAPIDLY RESTORES ELECTROLYTES: Has 2x electrolytes and 75% less sugar vs the leading sports drink (Pedialyte AdvancedCare liquid liters have 1080mg sodium and 13g sugars per liter; leading sports drink has ~460mg sodium and ~58g sugars per liter)
- HELPS SUPPORT DIGESTIVE HEALTH: Pedialyte AdvancedCare has PreActiv Prebiotics to help support a healthy digestive system
- #1 DOCTOR-RECOMMENDED BRAND: Pedialyte is the #1 doctor-recommended brand for hydration
- GREAT FOR KIDS AND ADULTS: Pedialyte has an optimal balance of electrolytes and glucose for fast rehydration in kids and adults
- DYE-FREE HYDRATION: Pedialyte Essential Rehydration liters have 3 key electrolytes and deliver the hydration support you need, made without synthetic dyes
- HYDRATE AND FEEL BETTER FAST: Pedialyte is formulated for both kids & adults to help manage dehydration from exercise, heat, sweating, and travel. Designed to replace fluids & electrolytes more effectively than water, juice, soda, or some sports drinks
- SCIENCE-BACKED FORMULA: Relied on by families, athletes, and healthcare professionals, our clinically studied electrolyte drinks are designed to help your body absorb fluids efficiently and stay hydrated longer than water alone
- ON-THE-GO HYDRATION: Keep Pedialyte in your fridge, gym bag, or travel kit for fast hydration when you need it most. It is a reliable option for busy families, active lifestyles, and anyone needing fast and effective rehydration
- Ingredients that matter: This toddler drink is made with real milk and has 6g of protein per serving
- For Toddlers 1-3 years old: Our Brain Trio has 26mg of DHA, Iron, Protein - and 19 other key nutrients to support toddler nutrition
- Made with Real Milk to deliver nutrition for toddlers—because a growing brain needs more than just milk
- Has prebiotics for digestive support. Feed their brain, just like their body because Brain Growth = Big Milestones
- FAST, EFFECTIVE REHYDRATION: Pedialyte provides an optimal balance of electrolytes and glucose for fast rehydration in kids and adults
- ELECTROLYTES: Has 3x the electrolytes and 1/4 the sugar of the leading sports drink*
- HYDRATES BETTER THAN WATER: Scientifically designed to work better than water for hydration
- FROM THE #1 RECOMMENDED BRAND: Pedialyte is the #1 doctor-recommended brand for hydration
- #1 RECOMMENDED: From the #1 pediatrician-recommended brand; for kids ages 2-13, provides a good source of protein and has vitamins and minerals
- COMPLETE, BALANCED NUTRITION: Helps support kids’ growth and has nutrients to support the immune system with protein, zinc, vitamins A & D, and antioxidants (vitamins C & E and selenium)
- CLINICALLY PROVEN TO HELP KIDS GROW: As studied in children with and/or at risk for undernutrition, taking 2 servings per day
- 7g OF HIGH-QUALITY PROTEIN: This kids nutrition shake has 7 grams of high-quality protein
- TRIPLE ACTION HYDRATION: Pack of three 5-fluid ounce pouches of Zarbee's Triple Action Hydration Electrolyte Drink with a strawberry lemonade flavor effectively replenishes lost electrolytes to help prevent mild to moderate dehydration*
- 2X ELECTROLYTES FOR FASTER HYDRATION: The hydration drink provides safe and effective hydration with 2x the electrolytes of leading sports drinks, replenishing fluids and electrolytes faster than water alone, helping your child feel better faster
- ESSENTIAL ELECTROLYTES FOR HYDRATION: Contains three key electrolytes - 160mg sodium, 90mg potassium, and 240mg chloride - to help prevent mild to moderate dehydration. The electrolyte drink also contains prebiotics and zinc for added immune support
- INGREDIENTS INSPIRED BY NATURE: Unlike traditional electrolyte powders or hydration packets, this dye-free kids electrolyte drink is made with sweeteners derived from natural sources & no artificial flavors. It is also gluten-free & allergen friendly
- WHOLE-TODDLER SUPPORT||: For immune support, brain development, and digestive health
- DIGESTIVE HEALTH: The first US toddler nutritional drink with an exclusive blend of 5 HMO prebiotics. HMOs support the growth of healthy gut bacteria
- BRAIN & EYE DEVELOPMENT: Our exclusive blend of DHA for brain and eye development, lutein to support eye health, and vitamin E to support developing cells
- NO ARTIFICIAL GROWTH HORMONES: Also has no palm olein oil and is nonGMO§
This article is part of our complete guide Baby & Kids — browse all our comparisons and buying guides.
Last update on 2026-10-14 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
How to Choose the Best Baby Beverages
Age Appropriateness
Always check the recommended age for any baby beverage. Some drinks are formulated for infants, while others are better suited for toddlers or older children. Ensure the ingredients and nutritional content align with your child's developmental stage.
Nutritional Value
- Look for options with minimal added sugar and artificial ingredients.
- Consider beverages fortified with vitamins and minerals important for growth, such as calcium and vitamin D.
- For babies under 12 months, breast milk or formula should remain the primary source of nutrition.
Ingredients and Allergens
Carefully review the ingredient list for potential allergens, especially if your baby has a sensitive stomach or a family history of allergies. Opt for simple, recognizable ingredients whenever possible.