Beverage consumption of mother-toddler dyads in families with limited incomes.

Beverage intake and diet quality of toddlers from families with limited incomes were described and compared to their mother's beverage intake. At both 2 and 3 years of age, the children's average milk intake was adequate, the juice intake was twice that recommended, and the intake of sweetened beverages was high. Mothers who consumed more than 12 fl oz of soft drinks per day were nearly four times more likely to have a child with poor diet quality. Health practitioners should do focused screening of mothers' and children's beverage intakes to quickly assess those at high risk for poor diets.