When can you feed a baby 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 Infants

While 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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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. nine0003

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. nine0003

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. nine0003

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. nine0003

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. nine0034
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. nine0003

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. nine0003

The further order of the queue 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. nine0034
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.
Lastly, 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. nine0034
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. nine0003

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. nine0034
It is not necessary to give the crumbs 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.

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. nine0003

Rating of juices: what to choose

If you buy juices in bulk, immediately calculate how much you 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. nine0034
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. nine0034
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. nine0034
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 of your hand. 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. nine0034

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.
Marmaluzi. Lithuanian brand, very cozy design, reminiscent of grandmother's fairy tale jam. The shelf life of an open jar is one day. The line of flavors contains an apple and a lot of apple-berry mixtures. For example, apple-sea buckthorn or apple with chokeberry.
Gerber, Poland. Tastes are included in the basic complementary foods with juices. The cost is quite low, in the line there are also vegetable flavors. nine0034

Always consult your pediatrician before drinking any juice, regardless of brand. Some juices are recommended to be taken from four months, some - from six. Some packages may have a shelf life of more than five months. But only a pediatrician can give you the final confirmation.

Bon appetit! Your Pampik :)

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Complementary foods for a child - the introduction of fruit puree, fruits and juices into the diet of infants

Historically, fruit juice was recommended by pediatricians as a source of vitamin C, calcium, and other vitamins. The juice is delicious, sweet, children drink it with pleasure, and suddenly it turned out that there are potential risks: the high sugar content in the juice increases calorie intake, overweight and the risk of caries. More recently, about twenty years ago, doctors recommended the introduction of complementary foods, starting with juices and fruits. But now the situation has changed. Children's nutritionists believe that the optimal time for the introduction of juices is 1 year after the child gets used to the main complementary foods: vegetables, cereals, meat, fish, fruits. At the same time, you can find recommendations to give juices from 6 months or after 3 years. Carbohydrates, which are abundant in juice, change the child's appetite, but to get the required amount of vitamins, you need to drink a lot of it, about 1 liter! In addition, they do not give a feeling of satiety and the child may be prone to overeating. nine0003

Introduction of fruit juice American Academy of Pediatrics recommendations: download

Optimal to completely avoid the use of juice in infants up to 6 months;
AAP and the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry guidelines state that juice should be offered to babies in a cup, not a bottle, and that babies should not go to bed with a bottle in their mouth. nine0034
They concluded that long-term exposure of the sugar contained in the juice to the teeth is the main factor influencing dental caries.
After 1 year, fruit juice can be used as part of a meal or snack. It should not be drunk like water during the day or used as a means to calm an upset child.
Do not give juices if the child has diarrhea, oral rehydration solutions only.
The development of perioral rash in some children after feeding freshly squeezed citrus juice is most likely due to the chemical irritant effect of the acid. nine0034
Diarrhea and other gastrointestinal symptoms that some children experience are most commonly associated with carbohydrate malabsorption.
Although fruit allergy can develop at an early age, this is rare.

Baby food - fresh juices

It is not recommended to introduce freshly squeezed juices to children under one year old. But there is no strict ban. Juice up to a year is not useful, unlike children older than one year . It contains a lot of fruit acid, which can lead to increased peristalsis and intestinal walls, pain, and digestive disorders. Dilute with water in a ratio of 1:1. And remember, fresh juice retains its maximum amount of vitamins in the first half hour, so do not store juice for later. With a later introduction of juice, their better tolerance is noted. This is due to the maturation of the mucosa of the gastrointestinal tract and its readiness for the absorption of juice. But even with this, the child may experience pain and bloating, regurgitation, and stool disorders. This is due to the presence of organic acids in juices, which have an irritating effect on the gastrointestinal tract. nine0003

How do I start adding juice to my baby?

First, a teaspoonful (about 5 ml) between feedings, observing the baby's reaction. For children under 3 years old, juices are recommended to be diluted with boiled or baby water in a ratio of 1:2. Freshly squeezed juices - up to 7-8 years. The amount of juice: from 1 year to 1.5 years - up to 100 ml, should not be exceeded. At 2 years - 200 ml.

First, it is better to give the juice of green apples or pears. Juice from plums, apricots, peaches - it is better to give at an older age, they have a slight laxative effect. nine0003

Then you can give a mixture of juices from 2 or 3 fruits. You can give a mixture of cherry, cherry, currant, raspberry juice, orange juice, pineapple, mango, grapefruit and mixtures thereof. It is better to give grape juice from 5-6 years old, there are a lot of carbohydrates.

It must be remembered that:

Apple, carrot and pear juice - strengthen
Plum, pumpkin, apricot, peach - weakening

This can be used if there are digestive problems.

If we choose industrial juices - carefully read what is written on the label, there should be no artificial additives, dyes and preservatives. Do not use opened packages. Should I give industrial juices for baby food? Why not? They are made from high quality, proven, specially selected raw materials, production is strictly controlled, they have balanced compositions and optimal taste. Until the age of 3, buy juices for your child only marked “baby food” on the package. nine0003

Introduction of fruit and fruit puree - European recommendations

If your young child has already tasted vegetables and accepted them, it's time for fruit. The season is always for them, but the best is in autumn, when the most delicious apples, pears and plums appear. Fresh fruits from all over the world are available in stores all year round, but it's worth starting with seasonal, locally grown ones. And these are: apricots, raspberries, apples, pears, plums. They contain not only vitamins, dietary fiber, but also minerals, including valuable microelements, which should be present in the child during the expansion of the diet. nine0003

Fruit is usually recommended from 6-7 months of age. Complementary foods often begin with fruit or vegetable purees. But it is better to start with vegetables. Fruit puree tastes better, is sweeter, and the child may then eat vegetables worse. But vegetable puree will not affect the baby's desire to eat fruit dishes. Therefore, more often pediatricians are advised to give fruit dishes after the introduction of vegetables and cereals. Start complementary foods with fruits in the form of mashed apples or bananas or pears. Then you can add fruits that grow in your area of \u200b\u200bresidence. Then you can include fruit and fruit and vegetable mixtures. nine0003

Fashionable but exotic fruits or with strong flavors - strawberries, mangoes, kiwis, currants - should be introduced later. But there is no strict ban.

Fruit puree should be started with 1 teaspoon in the morning, increasing to 100 g over 2 weeks.

Homemade or factory made? As you wish, subject to the basic hygiene rules of cooking. If you have time, make your own fruit puree. Plums, apricots, banana can be mashed in a mortar or blender. Grate apples and pears on a fine plastic grater. For the first time, the apple can be boiled, then it will be soft. Pour the prunes with boiling water and leave for 15 minutes. nine0131 Do not add sugar!

Homemade fruit puree - don't forget about hygiene

Grater, preferably plastic or a blender, pour over with boiling water, wash and peel the fruit.

Gradually make the fruit puree coarser.

Start with liquid puree, at 8 months - finely ground puree, at 10 months of age. - puree from larger particles.

When the child has 6-8 teeth, you can give pieces of fruit and he will eat them on his own. nine0003

Properties of various fruit purees

Banana puree is a good source of trace elements: magnesium and potassium, calcium, iron and phosphorus. Bananas rarely cause allergic reactions
Prune puree can act as a mild laxative that increases intestinal motility. Contains potassium, vitamins B1 (thiamine), B2 (riboflavin).
Blueberry puree contains a tannin - tannin, contains pectin, which has a disinfectant and anti-inflammatory effect, contains a large amount of provitamin A - beta-carotene, which is good for vision, manganese. In addition, blueberries are low allergenic. Apricots are an excellent source of potassium, carotene, vitamin C and pectin.