A morning cup of coffee may be part of your daily routine, but when it comes to children, caffeine isn't so simple. From sodas to energy drinks and even snack bars, caffeine is hiding in more places than you might expect—and it’s having a big impact on kids’ health.
At The Children’s Clinic in Jackson, TN, we care about helping families make informed, healthy choices. If you’re concerned about your child’s caffeine intake or have questions about energy drinks and diet, our pediatricians are here to help. Call us at 731-423-1500 to schedule an appointment.
Why Caffeine Affects Kids Differently
Children’s brains and bodies are still developing, which makes them far more sensitive to stimulants like caffeine. While adults can tolerate a moderate amount of caffeine, even a small dose can affect a child’s heart rate, sleep cycle, mood, and digestion.
Possible side effects of caffeine in children include:
Rapid or irregular heartbeat
Elevated blood pressure
Anxiety and restlessness
Trouble sleeping
Nausea or stomach upset
Hyperactivity or difficulty concentrating
Headaches and fatigue when it wears off
Caffeine can linger in a child’s system for over 8 hours. After the initial buzz wears off, it may leave them feeling tired, cranky, or unable to focus at school.
Is Caffeine Dangerous for Kids?
According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, kids shouldn’t consume caffeine at all. Not only does caffeine interfere with nutrition and sleep, but it also increases the risk of emergency room visits. In fact, ER visits related to caffeine nearly doubled among middle and high schoolers from 2017 to 2023, and poison control centers saw a 24% spike in calls related to energy drink reactions in 2023 alone.
Children may be at greater risk if they:
Have heart or lung conditions
Take stimulant medications (such as for ADHD)
Are especially sensitive to stimulants due to age or metabolism
Are male (statistically more likely to visit the ER for caffeine-related issues)
Where Is Caffeine Hiding?
Many parents associate caffeine with coffee, but it shows up in far more places:
1. Coffee & Specialty Drinks
Large drinks can contain 300–490 mg of caffeine, more than the recommended limit for most adults.
2. Iced Coffees & Bottled Frappuccinos
A 13.7 oz Starbucks Frappuccino has 110 mg of caffeine; a Dunkin’ Iced Coffee has nearly 200 mg.
3. Energy Drinks
Often marketed with fruity or candy-like flavors, these drinks can include caffeine plus stimulants like guarana, ginseng, taurine, and L-carnitine. Labels often warn they are not for children—but that doesn't always stop kids from reaching for them.
4. Sodas
Many sodas include caffeine:
Pepsi Zero Sugar – 38 mg
Diet Coke – 46 mg
Mountain Dew – 54 mg
Mountain Zevia – 55 mg
5. Chocolate & Snack Bars
A dark chocolate bar can contain up to 150 mg of caffeine. Protein bars, chocolate chips, energy bites—even chewing gum—can all sneak caffeine into a child’s diet.
6. Medications
Over-the-counter and prescription drugs for headaches, cold symptoms, and menstrual cramps sometimes include caffeine as an active ingredient.
Tips for Reducing Caffeine in Your Child’s Diet
At The Children’s Clinic, we believe in educating kids and parents together to form lifelong healthy habits. Here’s how you can help reduce caffeine exposure:
💧 Encourage water
Water is the healthiest way to stay hydrated and supports overall health and focus.
🛌 Prioritize good sleep habits
Remind your child that caffeine is not a solution for being tired—only sleep can truly restore the body and mind.
🔍 Read labels carefully
Help your child spot caffeine on labels, even in surprising items like energy bars and flavored drinks.
💬 Talk about body signals
If your child feels jittery, anxious, or has a racing heart, it may be a sign they’ve had too much caffeine.
What to Do in Case of a Caffeine Overdose
A caffeine overdose can be serious. Call 911 or seek emergency care right away if your child experiences:
A racing or irregular heartbeat
Rapid breathing
Muscle tremors or shaking
Extreme restlessness or anxiety
Inability to sit still or hyperactivity
When to Talk to Your Pediatrician
If your child frequently consumes caffeinated drinks or you're concerned about sleep problems, hyperactivity, or behavior changes, don’t wait. The pediatric experts at The Children’s Clinic in Jackson, TN are here to support your child’s health every step of the way.
Call us today at 731-423-1500 to schedule an appointment or speak with a member of our care team.
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