Beverage Consumption Patterns Among Navajo Children Aged 2-5 Years

Child beverage habits contribute to long-term health outcomes, including health conditions shaped by diet and adequate hydration. However, little is known about beverage consumption patterns of young American Indian children.

We sought to characterize beverage intake among Navajo children aged 2-5 y and identify factors associated with healthier beverage habits.

This observational, cross-sectional study took place from 2022 to 2023. We enrolled 80 Navajo children aged 2-5 y attending early child education programs located on Navajo Nation. Children's primary caregivers and site staff were also enrolled. Cross-sectional surveys included the Beverage Intake Questionnaire for Preschool-aged Children. We used age-based national guidelines to determine the proportion of children meeting recommendations for sugar-sweetened beverage (SSB) intake and adequate beverage hydration.

In this cohort of 80 children, 10.0% met recommendations for SSB intake and 26.3% maintained adequate beverage hydration. Of all beverage types, water was consumed the most, averaging 16.7 fluid ounces per day (standard deviation 11.7). Children also consumed a daily average of 12.9 fluid ounces of SSBs (standard deviation 17.8). Younger and more physically active children were more likely to meet adequate beverage hydration guidelines. The majority of participating early child education sites adhered to national beverage-related recommendations.

In this cohort of young Navajo children, water was consumed more than any beverage and early child education sites provided healthy beverage environments. Adequate beverage hydration, observed in 26.3% of children, was associated with younger age and greater physical activity. Establishing healthy beverage habits at an early age, ensuring access to safe drinking water, and promoting culture and tradition could sustain healthy beverage choices among American Indian children.