December 9, 2020 Leave a Comment
We know fruits are healthy for babies, but what about fruit juice? Read on to know more about the answer to the question: Can I give my baby juice?
When babies start solids, many parents prefer food that is semi-liquid or liquid, thinking that this maybe easier for a baby who has only had breast milk or formula all her life. That’s why the term ‘solids’ is actually a misnomer – the food is more towards the liquid side!
This is one reason many parents think juice is a great option for babies. You get all the nutrients of the fruit and it’s in an easy to consume format – you can simply pour it into a sipper or bottle and offer it to baby. No mess and convenient – perfect solution, isn’t it?
Well, it’s not so easy. While fruit juice may be made from fruit, they are not the same. Let’s learn more about a common question parents have regarding this topic – can I give my baby juice?
Can I give my Baby Juice?
Fruits are loaded with many nutrients, with each fruit having its own benefits. Nearly all of them are rich in dietary fiber, vitamins, minerals and folate (folic acid). Eating fruits can help in building immunity and also helps in overall growth and development of babies.
However, when it comes to juices, the pulp and the skin is completely removed and sieved which results in loss of fiber and other important nutrients. The end result has far fewer nutrients and a higher sugar content. So when you compare fruits and fruit juices, fruits are certainly superior.
According to the AAP, fruit juices are not to be given to babies under one year, as they have excessive sugar. Vegetable juices have less sugar but more salt, due to which they are also not recommended for babies under one year. Even after the first birthday, whole fruits are the best choice. If you do opt for juices, offer a small quantity occasionally, as a treat.
Here are the AAP recommendations on daily limits for juice:
- Toddlers Aged 1 to 3 – 4 ounces or less daily
- Kids Aged 4 to 6 – 4 to 6 ounces or less daily
- Kids Aged 7 to 18 – 8 ounces or less daily, or 1 cup of the recommended 2 to 2 1/2 cups of fruit servings per day
The adverse effects of giving too much juice are malnutrition, decreased appetite, rashes, weight issues, diarrhea, painful bloating and excessive flatulence. If you observe any of the symptoms, consult your baby’s pediatrician.
Tips for feeding juice
- Avoid feeding juice in bottles and sippers as it can lead to tooth decay. Always use an open cup.
- Avoid juice just before bedtime
- You can reduce your child’s sugar consumption by diluting pure juices in water
- Avoid packaged juices with preservatives; opt for fresh juice instead
- Ensure the baby has a healthy and a balanced diet that includes whole fruits
Healthy Juice Recipes for Kids
- Winter Sunrise Juice
- Green Goddess Juice
- ABC Juice
- Constipation Relieving Juice
- Tomato Juice
- Grape Juice
- Carrot Juice
- Pomegranate Juice
- 3 Immunity Boosting Juices by baby foodie
- Green Juice by Happy Healthy Mama
- Cool Kiwi Juice by NDTV Food
- Fennel, Blueberry and Apple Juice by BBC Good Food
Filed Under: Baby, Can I give my Baby?, Nutrition Tagged With: can i give my baby, fruit juice, fruit juice for baby, fruit juice for toddlers, juice, vegetable juice