Coffee is a potent source of caffeine, but so are a number of beverages that appeal to kids, particularly soft drinks. Kids are attracted to these drinks because they are sweet and taste good, and in small amounts, they do not pose a significant risk to a child's health. However, large amounts of caffeine can be harmful to toddlers and small children and may cause body tremors.
Caffeine's Effects
Caffeine is a stimulant that primarily affects the central nervous system. This is one of its advantages as a morning drink -- a serving of caffeine can improve concentration and mental alertness, making it easier to think and work early in the morning. But caffeine can also have undesirable effects, such as increasing body heat, reducing pain and, in high doses, causing tremors.
Tremors
Tremors are the involuntary shaking of a body part. They can occur in various parts of the body, such as the hands, feet or other extremities. Tremors aren't always caused by caffeine, but using the stimulant can worsen the shaking caused by tremors. High doses of caffeine are also capable of triggering tremors all on their own, according to "The New York Times."
Avoiding Tremors
If your child is experiencing tremors that you suspect are caused or worsened by caffeine consumption, reduce your child's use of caffeine and consider cutting him off entirely. Small children can tolerate much smaller amounts of caffeine than adults can, so giving a child adult-sized servings of caffeinated beverages could induce a much more intense reaction than an adult might experience.
Considerations
Talk to your doctor before giving caffeine to a child. While many children ingest caffeine through a mother's breast milk or during pregnancy, you should limit a small child's exposure to caffeine. Caffeine can exacerbate certain medical problems and pose risks to small children. It can also interact poorly with certain medications. Always monitor your child's access to caffeine-containing beverages and foods.
