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years of warnings from pediatricians and other health professionals that coffee and other caffeinated beverages like sodas and sports drinks can be harmful to youth, parents are allowing their little ones -- even toddlers -- to drink those beverages. Because children are usually smaller in body size, it takes less caffeine to their functioning. An insignificant amount for an adult could be for a small child. Too much caffeine can cause increase heart rate and blood pressure, contribute to acid reflux, and cause anxiety and sleep disturbances in children. In very high doses, caffeine can be dangerous. “Other problem with kids drinking coffee is that it’s of little nutritional value, and it’s something that should be nutritionally complete, such as milk and water,” Corkins said. “Milk is packed with calcium and vitamin D, and water is a nutrient. We’re like 60% water, basically an ocean.”