Question

How should I add juice to my child’s diet?

Answer

Breastmilk or formula should be your baby's primary source of nutrition and fluids during the first year of life. Small amounts of 100% juice can be introduced after your baby reaches 6 months of age.

The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends that children 1 to 6 years of age have no more than four to six fluid ounces (1/2 to 2/3 cup) of juice per day. This amount counts as one serving of fruits or vegetables. The remaining fruit and vegetable servings should come from whole peeled fruits, or vegetables that are mashed or pureed.

Babies who consume too much juice may not consume enough breastmilk, formula, or healthy solid foods, leading to a decrease in their nutrient intake. In addition, some children consuming excessive amounts of juice may experience stomach pain or diarrhea.

Follow these simple guidelines for adding juice to your child's healthy meal plan:

• Buy products that are 100% juice. Identify 100% juices by looking at the percent juice declared above the Nutrition Facts panel. All beverages with juice must declare the amount of juice above the Nutrition Facts panel.
• Avoid beverages with names like "ade", "drink", "beverage," or "cocktail" because they usually aren’t 100% juice, and can have added sweeteners, artificial flavors, or added color. Beverages that are 100% juices offer your child the most nutrition from fruits or vegetables.
• Choose products that are pasteurized. Nonpasteurized juices, like some fresh ciders, may contain bacteria that can make your baby sick.
• Serve juice only from a cup while seated and supervised and never from a bottle.
• Introduce juice in small amounts. Once your baby has reached 6 months of age, start with one fluid ounce in a cup. Then you can increase the amount to no more than four fluid ounces (1/2 cup) per day until she reaches 1 year of age. After she reaches 1 year, she can drink up to 6 ounces per day according to the AAP guidelines.
• When your baby turns 1 year old, you can also offer beverages that are water and 100% juice blends. Make sure these blends have no added sweeteners, artificial flavor, or colors, and check the label for information on recommended serving sizes.

MEET OUR EXPERTS

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Meet Our Experts

The START HEALTHY, STAY HEALTHY™ Resource Center panel of experts offers practical advice, answering many questions typically asked by parents and expecting parents.

Lillian M. Beard, M.D. Pediatric Health

Lillian M. Beard, M.D., is a fellow of the American Academy of Pediatrics and an associate clinical professor at the George Washington University School of Medicine and Health Sciences. She is a frequent guest expert and spokesperson on national TV programs, discussing issues related to children's health. Dr. Beard practices pediatrics in the Washington, D.C., area.

José M. Saavedra, M.D., FAAP Pediatric Gastroenterology and Nutrition

José M. Saavedra, M.D., a fellow of the American Academy of Pediatrics, is a pediatric gastroenterologist with long-term experience and expertise in nutrition. Medical and Scientific Director of Nestlé Nutrition North America, Dr. Saavedra is board-certified by the American Board of Pediatrics, the Sub-board of Gastroenterology and Nutrition, and the American Board of Nutrition. He is also an Associate Professor in the Department of Pediatrics, Division of Gastroenterology and Nutrition, at the Johns Hopkins School of Medicine and the Johns Hopkins-Bloomberg School of Public Health.

Roy M. Pitkin, M.D. Prenatal Health

Roy M. Pitkin, M.D. is professor of obstetrics and gynecology and is former chairperson of the ob/gyn department at the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA), School of Medicine. He is a frequent advisor to national health agencies concerned with women's health issues and has received numerous international honors for this work.

Robert N. Hamburger, M.D. Food Intolerances

Robert N. Hamburger, M.D. is professor of pediatrics emeritus and former head of the pediatric immunology and allergy division at the University of California San Diego (UCSD) in La Jolla, California. Professor Hamburger is a consultant and continues as an educator and clinician in the UCSD Free Clinics in San Diego and Tijuana, Baja California.