When Can Babies Start Drinking Juice
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This is a question that many new parents ask all the time and the simple answer is that you should not give a baby who is younger then six months old juice. This is a recommendation from the American Academy of Pediatrics. Another recommendation that they suggest is that you shouldn't only give juice in a cup and you should never give juice in a bottle.
Historically many pediatricians used to suggest that children drink fruit juice as a source of vitamins C and also as an extra source of water. It's funny how we see lots of marketing around fruit and what a healthy natural source of vitamins it is. As children start drinking the start to realize that this juice actually tastes good and had no problem accepting it. There are however some potential detrimental effects and if you speak to any pediatrician they will surely be able to advise you of the appropriate uses. In this article we will list a number of suggestions that are given by the American Academy of Pediatrics but you should always check with your physician
What To Look For When in Your Local Store
The food and drug administration (FDA) maintains that for any product that is labeled "Fruit Juice" it must contain 100% fruit juice and any that you come across that reconstituted from concentrate it must be stated on the label that they are reconstituted from concentrate.
In line with this many products that have less than 100% fruit juice must list the percentage of the product. It must also have the words drink, beverage, or cocktail on the product also to indicate what it is. Generally juice drinks contain between 10% and 99% juice and then you'll also find added flavors, sweeteners and some will add fortifiers. All products must put these on the label to inform consumers.
What is Fruit Juice Made From
This can actually get quite technical which will probably cause me and many readers to be totally confused. If you really want a full overview you actually read the report here, which will give you full details.
As a quick guideline water is the predominant component of fruit juice. It also contains a small amount of minerals and protein. It is also fortified with calcium and is roughly what you will find in milk but however lacks a lot of the other nutrients that you will find the milk. Some fruits will contain high contents of potassium, vitamin A, and vitamin C.
Interesting Fact
Did you know that's only pasteurized juice is really safe for infants, children, and adolescents this is because they are free from microorganisms which can cause serious disease, such as hemolytic-uremic syndrome. Certainly one thing I did not realize it is interesting when you research and try find information things that you come across that could affect your baby.
When Can I Start
It is recommended that you only feed milk ( breast-feeding or baby formula ) to your baby until they are six months old. Your infant should only receive this as they need their nutrient which is not in any type of juice you can buy in your local store.
It's also suggested that you only give your infant juice if they are able to hold a cup. There are a number of reasons for this. At this stage they will be starting to move to solid foods and as you start to introduce solid foods into their diet is also an ideal time to get them to start learning how to hold a coke and drink from it. At six months old your baby will also start to develop teeth. If you allow your baby to have juice in a bottle or container they will be able to carry this during the daytime. This can lead to excessive exposure of the teeth to carbohydrate, which in turn promotes development of dental caries.
You should allow fruit juice to be part of your child's meal or snack. Do not allow them to sip during the daytime and only allow them access to it at meal time.
What Are The Recommendations
- It should not be introduced to the diet of a baby before they are six months old.
- It's recommended that infants should not drink it from both of these are easily transported cups.
- Do not allow your child easy access to juice that they can drink throughout the day.
- You should limit it to 4 to 6 ounces for a child between 1 - 6 years old. If your child is older they can take between 8 - 12 ounces per day
- You should try and encourage your child to eat whole fruit.
- It can be part of a well-balanced diet however fruit drinks are not nutritionally equivalent to fruit juice.
If your child is suffering from chronic diarrhea, excessive flatulence, bloating or possibly the abdominal pain you should make sure to contact your health provider or physician.
Always Remember
If you have any questions you should always consult your physician. If you are breast-feeding questions about moving from breast milk to juice you may have questions to ask your healthcare provider. If your child shows any symptoms after drinking juices again you should consult your healthcare provider.
Generally many perils never have any issues and they start to give their child juice. Many children like the taste and flavor so it's an easy introduction away from milk. Many parents will also water down to juice so it is slightly diluted.
We hope that you have found the information in this article interesting and please let us know if you have any tips or advice for other parents.
