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AIBU?

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Original poster

What age should a child be trusted with a hot drink?

94 replies

Onanotherdiet38 · 01/04/2022 12:54

Like a hot chocolate, what do you think is a suitable age for them to be given their own hot drink safely?

OP posts:
CarlCarlson · 01/04/2022 12:55

About 3 or 4 depending on the child

Bananabutter · 01/04/2022 12:55

Why do they need one?

WaltzingWaters · 01/04/2022 12:57

Depends how hot it is. Add quite a bit of milk or cold water/wait til it’s cool enough to not scold them then it’s not really an issue.

cadburyegg · 01/04/2022 12:58

Mine are 4 and 7 and have been having hot chocolates at home since they were about 3. I make sure they aren't that hot though. If I ever buy them a hot drink whilst out, I buy them babycinos or kids hot chocolates and then test it first to make sure it's not too hot

Original poster
Onanotherdiet38 · 01/04/2022 12:58

I was just curious to see opinions really, i was thinking around 9 or 10 myself

OP posts:
RandomQuest · 01/04/2022 12:59

My 4YO did a week of ski school and they had to take their own hot chocolate money so I can only determine it’s perfectly normal for 4YOs to be allowed their own hot drink! She’s been having it for the odd treat in a coffee shop or if we go out for brunch since she was 3.

Duracellbunnywannabe · 01/04/2022 13:00

I give my 2 and 5 year old hot chocolate. I just make sure it’s a suitable temperature for them. If it’s hot enough to burn their skin then it will definitely burn their mouth.

HardbackWriter · 01/04/2022 13:01

I don't know what you mean by 'trusted with' - allowed to drink, allowed to drink without it being checked by a parent first, allowed to make it for themselves? My 3 year old is 'trusted with' a hot chocolate but if it wasn't me who made it I'd always check the temperature and warn him if it's hot enough that he needs to wait for it to cool down, so I don't know if that's not what you mean?

BlackInk · 01/04/2022 13:02

Do you mean a hot drink in a cafe OP?

My DC would have the odd 'babyccino' in a cafe from when they were toddlers – they're always served luke warm. If older DC wanted tea or hot chocolate or something in a cafe I would just warn them to be careful if it was scolding hot.

They're 10 and 12 now and are allowed to make hot drinks (mainly for me!) using the kettle at home.

Depending on the age of your child, just check the temperature of the drink before you give it to them?

SheWoreYellow · 01/04/2022 13:02

Make it cooler for a younger child, then any age.
From a cafe, I’d wait till it had cooled and then give them it.

Iggly · 01/04/2022 13:03

As long as it’s not boiling. I’m more relaxed with hot chocolate made with milk than hot drinks made with boiling water.

DockOTheBay · 01/04/2022 13:04

Depends how hot it is and what container its it. My 2 year old has a small mug of cool hot chocolate. If its a full size full temperature hot chocolate I guess around 7? But mainly due to the size - a younger child wouldn't drink that much.

VampireMoney · 01/04/2022 13:05

Mine started having a warm drink around 2yo, usually a milky tea or hot chocolate.

SartresSoul · 01/04/2022 13:05

3 year old has hot chocolate. I don’t give him it when it’s piping hot, use a lot of milk to cool it down but yeah. He hasn’t spilt it so far. I drank tea from about 3/4.

Thesearmsofmine · 01/04/2022 13:07

Mine have had hot chocolate from around 2-3 years old.

Cma1988 · 01/04/2022 13:09

@Bananabutter

Why do they need one?
Errr….to enjoy as a drink?

I’d say about 3 in a cup lukewarm, make sure an adult had tested it first.
I’m a cafe, I’d probably test it until they were about 8? And remind them it would be hot and to cool it and check it themselves about 9/10.

I think they could make their own under supervision from 10.

RedWingBoots · 01/04/2022 13:10

My DD has had "hot" drinks - mostly warm milk - since 2 from two cafes, one an indie and the other part of a chain. They gave them to her free and the staff ensured they weren't hot.

She actually had them "hot" where she has had to wait for them to cool down since 3. They aren't scalding hot.

MikeandDave · 01/04/2022 13:11

Yes from quite a young age served warm not hot, a really hot drink 7+ depends on how careful they are

cadburyegg · 01/04/2022 13:12

@Bananabutter

Why do they need one?
Why does anyone need a hot drink?

Mine enjoy them after a day out in the winter or just as a treat. Just like everything else, as long as they are given as part of a balanced diet I don't see the issue tbh.

Twintrouble1234 · 01/04/2022 13:13

What are you worried about?

SparkleSpangle · 01/04/2022 13:13

DD has been making cups of tea since around 7.

Babies have warm milk does that count? Why cant young children have hot drinks?

I would check any hot drink until 5 or 6 I suppose.

Don't really know what you are asking but hopefully one of my replies answers it.

ThatsGoingToHurt · 01/04/2022 13:13

I give my 4 year old warm drinks (e.g. a hot chocolate with some cold milk to cool it a bit)

FelicityPike · 01/04/2022 13:14

3 seems about right.
9-10 is ridiculous unless they’re are special needs involved.

Scarlettpixie · 01/04/2022 13:14

I think DS had hot chocolates our from 3 or 4. I would test it and make sure it wouldn’t burn them, at home I would just add more milk so it was warm rather than hot. I supervised to lessening extents for a few years but he had his own drink from small.

Aroundtheworldin80moves · 01/04/2022 13:14

Our younger DD has her own tea pot, infuser, tea leaves and cups and can make it herself (under supervision that is reducing as she gets older). Shes has had that since she was 8 and discovered a particular fruit blend she adores.

Toddlers having hot chocolate is pretty normal.

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