Contents:
- Medical Video: Richard So, M.D. - 'Pediatricians say ‘No’ to Fruit Juice for Children Under a Year'
- Baby nutrition needs
- How to give fruit juice?
- When is my child ready to drink fruit juice?
- Another thing you should pay attention to
Medical Video: Richard So, M.D. - 'Pediatricians say ‘No’ to Fruit Juice for Children Under a Year'
Fruit juice is rich in various vitamins, but does not provide significant nutritional benefits for babies younger than 6 months. After 6 months, you can give fruit juice, but in limited amounts. It is recommended to eat fresh fruit rather than juice, because the nutrients will be more beneficial for the growth of the child. The nutritional needs of your child's growth and development must be assessed before you start giving fruit juice.
Baby nutrition needs
In the first year of growth, babies need breast milk as their main source of nutritional intake. In the first six months, breast milk (or if breastmilk is not possible, formula milk) should be the only food source for the baby. Along with growth and development, babies aged 6 months and above will be ready to receive their first solid food. Make sure your baby can sit and hold his head firmly before you start giving solid food.
You will also begin to pay attention to your child's interest in food when you see you eat. Don't give fruit juice before 6 months of age. Always prioritize exclusive breastfeeding or formula milk for your baby.
How to give fruit juice?
When you decide to give fruit juice, give only 100% real fruit juice. Note the juice composition label is ready to drink, because some juice products in packs contain additional sugar or artificial flavorings to enrich the taste of the drink. At 6 months of age, your baby can tolerate at least 4 ounces (120 ml) of juice per day, but no more. When babies consume too much juice, this habit will replace the acquisition of important nutrients from breast milk or formula milk.
Fruit juice contains natural sugar, and to reduce sugar content, you can thin it with water. A good comparison is half a glass of fruit juice and half a glass of water.
When is my child ready to drink fruit juice?
Before starting to give fruit juice, make sure your child is firmly holding and using a baby glass (sippy cup). Don't give juice using pacifier bottles. You can introduce sippy cup when your child is 6 months old. If your child is not ready to use the sippy cup, delay giving fruit juice until he can use the sippy cup properly.
Another thing you should pay attention to
Juice is not a substitute for breast milk or formula milk. Giving large portions of juice will reduce your child's appetite for nutritious foods to support the growth process. In addition, fruit juice contains natural sugars which are at high risk of causing tooth decay. It is recommended to give juice only as a distraction during meals or snacks. Consumption of too much juice will cause diarrhea, overweight, and diaper rash.
