At what age can a baby drink juice
When Can Babies Drink Juice? Fruit Juice Guidelines for Babies – Happiest Baby
By Dr. Harvey Karp, MD, FAAP
Juice has traditionally been a widely accepted drink for babies and toddlers. However, the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) has released information and details on when your baby can drink juice. Due to the higher sugar levels and lack of nutritional contents of fruit juice (apple, orange, prune, etc), it’s best to follow the guidelines set forth by the AAP.
When can babies drink juice?
When can babies drink juice? The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) says it's best to wait until after your baby is 1 year old before giving them juice unless your doctor recommends it earlier for managing constipation. Growing concerns about increased rates of obesity and tooth decay prompted the change of when you could give babies juice from the previous recommendation of 6 months.
Apple Juice for Babies and Infants
When I was a young doctor, we thought apple juice was a great first drink for babies, but it turned out to be a bad idea. ..resulting in the early introduction of sugar addiction.
It turns out that fruit drinks and fruit juice (including apple juice) are the food equivalent of an "alternative fact." Actually, the "fruit" (the pulp and most nutritious parts of the fruit) is thrown away, leaving "juice" (pretty much just sugar and water). This includes apple juice, orange juice, and even prune juice.
Your baby is better off without juice in the early days!
What can babies drink if juice is out?
For the first 6 months, babies should only have breast milk or formula (it’s even better if you can breastfeed for a full year, per the AAP). But after you do wean, formula and water are the preferred drinks, until your baby’s first birthday. I also recommend offering non-caffeinated mint or chamomile sunshine tea. Just drop the tea bags in a pitcher of room temperature water and let it sit in the sun and self-brew for an hour. They are naturally sweet without sugar…and kids love them!
How much juice can toddlers and big kids drink?
After 1 year of age, pure 100% juice is OK as a special treat. Don’t think of it as a daily beverage for your little one to sip throughout the day. But that said, when you do give juice, AAP recommends you stay under the following daily limits:
- 4 oz. a day for 1 to 3-year-olds
- 4-6 oz. a day for 4 to 6-year-olds
- 8 oz. a day or 7-year-olds & up
So, if you were asking yourself the question “When can I give my baby juice?” Now you know! However, don’t let these juice restrictions confuse you about fruit—whole fruit is full of vitamins, minerals and dietary fiber. When you introduce solids to your baby, pureed and mashed fruit should be part of the mix.
About Dr. Harvey Karp
Dr. Harvey Karp, one of America’s most trusted pediatricians, is the founder of Happiest Baby and the inventor of the groundbreaking SNOO Smart Sleeper. After years of treating patients in Los Angeles, Dr. Karp vaulted to global prominence with the release of the bestselling Happiest Baby on the Block and Happiest Toddler on the Block. His celebrated books and videos have since become standard pediatric practice, translated into more than 20 languages and have helped millions of parents. Dr. Karp’s landmark methods, including the 5 S’s for soothing babies, guide parents to understand and nurture their children and relieve stressful issues, like new-parent exhaustion, infant crying, and toddler tantrums.
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Disclaimer: The information on our site is NOT medical advice for any specific person or condition. It is only meant as general information. If you have any medical questions and concerns about your child or yourself, please contact your health provider.
When can your baby have juice? l 123 Baby Box
For years juice has been acceptable for babies and toddlers. Doctors have even recommended it at times. However, with new research, the AAP, American Academy of Pediatrics, has updated the thoughts and recommendations of these drinks.
When it comes to babies and toddlers, juice might not be the best option. High sugar levels and an overall lack of nutrition have made these once-popular drinks less than ideal. The AAP has set new guidelines to help your little one excel in their early years, rather than sugar crashed.
At what age can babies start drinking juice
This is the big question. When can you start letting your baby drink juice? When is it safe, and what kind is the best for them?
The American Academy of Pediatrics has recommended that you wait until after your baby turns one year old. However, it is safe to offer juice after six months, and that usually is only when a doctor recommends it as a treatment for constipation.
“The AAP policy on fruit juice in infants, children and adolescents provides an overview of evidence, which supports that fruit juice offers no nutritional benefits to infants and no increased benefit compared to consumption of whole fruit for children and adolescents,” said Dr. Muth, a pediatrician and registered dietitian at Children’s Primary Care Medical Group in Carlsbad, Calif.
Outside of the lack of nutrition, some studies have found that adding too much juice too early in your child’s development can lead to obesity and premature tooth decay.
Apple Juice for Babies and InfantsWhile previous doctors would suggest apple juice as the perfect first drink for babies, early introduction to sugar turned out to be a wrong suggestion. Fruit drinks, even apple juice, and one hundred percent juice drinks have become the target of being an “alternative fact.”
While fruits are considered a part of every diet, their juice has little nutritional value. The pulp is where the nutrients are and when juice is mass-produced, what is left is nothing more than sugar water. That applies to all juice, even orange and prune.
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What types of juice can babies have?
Okay, you’ve waited until your baby was a year old, now you are ready to start drinking juice. It can be difficult to pick out the best options. Of course, you don’t want just empty calories, but it also needs to be something your baby will like and add variety from the typical formula or breast milk.
Rather than just buy a bottle of juice, it would be much better for your little one to make your own. It doesn’t take much, just a blender, fruits, and vegetables. You can easily add water, a tiny bit of bottled juice, or even milk to thin it out.
By blending your own mixtures of fruits and vegetables, your baby will benefit from the nutrition while still getting a little taste of sweet. Adding water between feedings is another excellent way to reduce sugar while adding juice to your baby’s diet.
Remember, when you’re first introducing juice to your baby, there may be some loose stools as juice is a common way doctors recommend relieving little ones of constipation.
Related: Toddler not pooping? Here’s what to do.
What can my baby drink instead of juice?
Within the first six months of your baby's life, they should only be drinking breast milk or formula. This is necessary for them to get the proper nutrition for their little growing bodies. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that you keep your little one only on formula or breast milk for the entire first year of life.
After that first birthday, though, the world of drinks opens up. Non-caffeinated drinks should be your go do. After you wean, watered-down juice or teas are great choices. Mint or chamomile are naturally sweet and adds variety.
Some other fun things you can offer your little one instead of juice:
- Coconut water
- Water with berries or cucumber
- Lemon and orange slices in water
- Watermelon and mint with water
- Chocolate milk
Just be sure to offer these alternatives in moderation. They will still have higher amounts of sugar naturally occurring, but it can add up over time.
How much juice should my toddler and big kid drink per day?
After your little one hits the one-year mark, adding juice is fine, we recommend making sure that when you add juice, it is 100% juice, and utilize it as a treat. As per the AAP daily recommendations, you should be limiting how much of these sweet drinks your little one is consuming.
- For children one-year-old up until the age of three, they shouldn’t be drinking more than four ounces of juice per day.
- Children ages four to six years old can have between four and six ounces of juice per day.
- Those children that are seven years and older need to stick to drinking no more than eight ounces of juice in a single day.
If your little one seems to be stuck on drinking juice, there are some options. You can easily mix the juice with water or a non-caffeinated herbal tea to stretch their four ounces a little farther. Finding a smaller cup with their favorite characters on it can also help them understand their juice limits.
Conclusion
Now that you know when to give your baby juice, you can help better plan their healthy growth. While we talk a lot about sweeteners and sugar, don’t forget that they do still need whole foods in their diet.
Whole fruit is a great way to add fiber to their diet with naturally occurring sugar. Fresh whole fruits (and vegetables) offer a variety of vitamins and minerals that your little one needs to grow up healthy. Even if they aren’t on solid food just yet, introducing these flavors early in their life make it easier for you to transition them later.
Related: Toddlers and Veggies: 20 Tips to get them to eat their veggies
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At what age should a child be given juice| Recommendations 2019
09/23/2019 18750
Article content
- What is important to know about juice?
- Types of juices
- Age and allowable amount of juice per day
- Juice sequence
- Practical Juice Advice
Opinions about the benefits of juice for a child are controversial. In Soviet times, juice was given already in the first months of life. Today, pediatricians recommend introducing juice to a child no earlier than 8 months.
When writing the material, the recommendations of the National Program for Optimizing the Feeding of Children in the First Year of Life in the Russian Federation were used.
What is important to know about juice?
- Does not satisfy the drinking regimen;
- Not an optimal source of vitamins and trace elements;
- Juice has not been proven effective for constipation;
- Limit the amount of juice according to the child's age.
Juices
- Packed
- Homemade juices
Age and allowable amount of juice per day
8 months - 80 ml
9 months - 90 ml
10-12 months - 100 ml
1 to 3 years - up to 120 ml ml
7 to 18 years - up to 240 ml
Juice sequence
Manufacturers of baby juices always indicate on the packaging the age at which the child can be offered this product. It doesn't matter if you buy juice from the store or squeeze it yourself, the input rates are the same by month.
Monocomponent apple and pear juices are considered hypoallergenic, they can be offered to a child for the first acquaintance from 8 months.
Please note that the article indicates the earliest dates for the introduction of juice. Juice is not a significant food item. It is possible to postpone the introduction of juice without prejudice to the health of the child.
Juice Practical Tips
- Do not let your baby drink juice from a bottle. The child drinks from the bottle slowly, which means that sugar can linger on his teeth. It is better to use a non-spill mug.
- Dilute juice with water. This will reduce the amount of sugar and help quench your thirst.
- Juice is a treat to be given after meals. Before meals, it can reduce appetite.
- Packaged baby juice must not contain sugar or fructose.
Watch your baby's drinking regimen. Juice cannot replace water!
(47 ratings; article rating 4.5)
When can I give juice to a baby? Expert advice
April 26, 2019
Author: Pampik
When can I give juice to a baby? What juices can be given to children under one year old? At what age can juice be given to children? You will find answers to these questions in the article on the blog of the children's online store Pampik.com.
The first feeding of the baby is an important step in the development of the baby
Many parents are concerned about the time when they can start giving the first complementary foods. Another important knowledge is what exactly is included in this first complementary food. The problem is mainly that the advice contradicts itself. More recently, it was believed that juice should be given almost immediately, from the first days of life. And, accordingly, our mothers, following the guidance of Soviet pediatricians, gave us juice. Everything would be fine, but later it turned out that most people with such a diet have stomach problems in adulthood. So it's really not possible. This advice, alas, is hopelessly outdated by several generations.
The best first food is porridge. Porridge is followed by single-component vegetable purees, then multi-component purees, then meat and fish. And after the child confidently eats mashed potatoes - that is, starting from four months, or even more, you can give juice.
Should I give juice to my baby? Is it too allergenic for the baby?
Of course, juices are a great variety for a children's menu. They are tasty, they are healthy, they introduce kids to new tastes and have a lot of vitamins. Moreover - since they are liquid, they are much easier to introduce into the diet.
But there are also disadvantages. Yes, juices can and should be administered up to a year, but not earlier than six months. In principle, the later, the better, to some extent. There is no particular controversy about this. Starting from six months, the child's gastrointestinal tract is properly formed. Babies over six months old can safely digest foods other than breast milk or infant formula. If you enter the juice earlier, a variety of unpleasant consequences are possible: from allergies to indigestion. Therefore, when introducing juices, you should follow the recommendations of the pediatrician and take your time.
Juicy variety: what juice flavors are best for a child?
Of course, there are fruit and vegetable juices. Carrot, tomato and pumpkin are confidently leading among vegetable juices. True, with vegetable juices it is usually wildly difficult. Finding a pumpkin even among juices for adults is not very realistic. Carrots are simpler, even in a single-component form, a tomato is even simpler. Among juices for adults, of course, you can also find beetroot juice. But it is most similar to borscht, and it is too early to give it to a child. Even if the baby is already eating beetroot.
But in addition, they are also divided into juices with pulp and clarified. Most parents perfectly imagine what juices with pulp are - at least in their school days. But, despite the appearance, juices with pulp are also more useful. Each juice is a source of vitamins.
Traditionally, the introduction of juice begins with clarified apple juice. It is the least allergenic among all. If you look at the vitamins, then each type of juice contains useful substances. Let's take a closer look:
- Apple. Apple juice, in addition to better digestibility, contains iron and vitamin C. A big plus of vitamin C is that it helps develop immunity. In turn, this reduces the possibility of catching a whole host of unpleasant infections, ranging from colds to sore throats. In addition to the apple, pomegranate and kiwi also contain iron. But neither one nor the other to give the child in the near future is undesirable.
- Apricot and peach juices. They contain beta-carotene, just like carrots. But if carrots are not to the taste of all children, then fruit juices are much tastier. Beta-carotene affects hair growth, strong bones, healthy teeth and gums. By the way, peach and apricot can be replaced with pumpkin juice. And if mom or baby is a fan of Harry Potter, drinking juice becomes much more interesting. You can not only try to nurture an interest in juice in a child, but also say that they drink this juice at the school of magic, and grow up to be strong and beautiful wizards. Even if the child is too small to understand, it never hurts to cheer yourself up. Apricots also contain potassium, which is responsible for the proper functioning of the cardiovascular system.
- Pumpkin. In addition to beta-carotene, it also pleases with B vitamins. They are responsible for the proper development of the body and the functioning of the circulatory, respiratory and nervous systems.
It should also be taken into account that some juices can also affect the functioning of the stomach. For example, the same pomegranate and pear juices save from loose stools. But apricot, peach and plum successfully fight constipation. The same, by the way, applies to fruits of the same name, so be vigilant and careful.
In line! The order of introducing juices into complementary foods
Of course, in relation to juices, another question arises - when to introduce, and in what order. The first step is to consult a pediatrician. Babies drink exclusively mother's milk or formula. The newborn can be fed only milk or, if the infant is lactose intolerant, a lactose-free formula. No need to try to dilute the mixture with juice - this will not lead to anything good.
As already mentioned, it is better to start with clarified apple juice. Immediately after the apple, you can enter the apple with pulp. In general, any juices with pulp should be administered only after clarified ones. So the chance of getting an allergy or indigestion is much less.
Further order is simple:
- Following the apple, you can enter the juice of a plum, banana, pear or prunes. You can choose the order according to your taste. The only caveat is that only one juice should be introduced in one day. Then you need to wait a bit - what will be the reaction of the child. If the baby gives out an absolutely normal reaction, do not rush to immediately give the baby the next look. Wait a while. Naturally, juices already introduced into the diet can be given without problems. But only between feedings, observing the interval. Also, do not give several juices at once. Another important nuance is that when giving juice to a child, you need to start with a small spoon. If everything is good, you can increase the amount, if not, you need to slow down.
- Berry juices are next. It can be blackcurrant, strawberry, raspberry. As with the previous ones, you first need to enter the juices one at a time. If there is no allergy - you can continue. A mixture of juices in this case is dangerous only because if an allergy starts, it is difficult to understand which particular component caused it.
- Last but not least, juices from citrus fruits and any other fruits that do not grow in your latitudes can be introduced. This usually happens after the child is one year old. Naturally, if you do not live in Ukraine, but, for example, in Israel, then the procedure for introducing juices will be completely different. Of course, if your pregnancy also took place in Israel.
- Grape juice is an exception. It should be administered no earlier than five or even six years, because it wanders slightly, and periodically does this in the stomach.
Recommendations for the introduction of juices
Although most parents use the services of pediatricians, young mothers and fathers can simply forget about some questions. Especially if the child is the first. Therefore, Pampik.com provides useful tips. By reading the blog, you will find out what else is worth paying attention to.
So, what do we recommend for the introduction of juices:
- Do not give your baby more than the amount of juice recommended by the pediatrician. Even if he asks. The fact is that getting used to new varieties of food should occur gradually. Here it is important to observe the exact dosage and increase the amount little by little.
- Despite the many recommendations on the sites, let's juice undiluted. If you buy a special children's juice, the vitamins and nutrients in it are balanced. When juice is diluted with water, most of the nutrients are lost. And the possibility of an allergy does not disappear.
- It is not necessary to give the crumb juice intended for adults or squeezed out by oneself. Such juices do not have a balanced composition; often they are acidic. And the original product is not a fact that is really suitable for the baby. When you buy juice specially made for children, you know for sure that every step in the production of the product is under strict control. Both the original raw materials and the production process, along with sterility, are monitored.
- Tracking allergies and other strange reactions is easy. Pay attention to the behavior of the child, to his stool, and to the skin. If rashes appeared on the skin, something went wrong.
- Juice must not be introduced before you have introduced the first complementary food. If you are thinking about how to introduce complementary foods, and how to accurately determine the timing of the introduction of complementary foods, everything is simple.
The first weaning is a rather simple thing. If the child stops getting enough milk or formula, his weight almost doubles, he confidently sits on a chair and tries to steal a piece of food from under your nose - he is ready.
Rating of juices: what to choose
If you buy juices in bulk, immediately calculate how much you will need per month. And, of course, in this case, the Pampik online store will come to your aid.
So what can you choose from?
- Hipp. A company that almost everyone knows about. The price of this juice is not cheap, but the Hungarian manufacturer promises low allergenicity and a completely organic product. Sold in small glass jars of 200 ml. Among the most common options you can find apple, carrot, plum, as well as various apple-fruit mixtures.
- Sadochok. These juices are enjoyed by many Ukrainian children and adults. Sold both individually and in small packs of 5-6 pieces. In the line of juices, you can find almost any taste of Ukrainian fruits. Most often, apple and derivatives are found in stores.
- Agusha. There are small tetrapacks and a very favorable price. True, the line of flavors is rather strange: from pure juices, it is easiest to find only apple and pear. Everything else, alas, is a mixture with the same apple, such as an apple-peach or an apple-banana.
- Bambolina. This is a Belarusian company, which is distinguished, first of all, by a variety of tastes. Juices mostly with pulp, packaging - 200 ml tetra packs. But among the flavors you can find an apple with blueberries, an apple with blueberries, an apple with rose hips - and much more.
- Miracle Child. Another popular juice brand. It is produced by the Odessa plant, in the abbreviation OKZD. The juice is supplied in 0.2 liter tetra packs, and almost all of it contains pulp. But in the line, both fruit and vegetable flavors coexist.
- Fleur Alpine, The Netherlands. This brand claims that its juices are hypoallergenic. At the moment, a jar of juice from Fleur Alpin is the most expensive in Ukraine. There are few flavors, some are mixed, but in general this is one of the most interesting lines.
- Spoon in the palm. Another Belarusian brand in tetra packs. Tastes are standard, price is average.
- Peanut. Quite an interesting flavor line; you can even find a pumpkin. And it's not so easy for adult juices. Packed in a tetrapack, there are both pure juices and pulp. The cost is very affordable.
- Bebivita. Another Hungarian company. It costs less than Hipp, it is sold in jars in the same way. Among the flavors stand out apple, peach and a mixture of apple and pear.