Juice or No Juice?
Author: Heather Slee
There's a debate on whether or not it is healthy to give babies and toddlers juice. While technically they don't need juice (water and milk are just fine), many parents choose to give their children juice for variety and because, well, they really like it. If you're wondering what to do about juice, here are a few ideas.
One concern about giving babies and toddlers juice is that it contributes to obesity. There are a lot of juices on the market that are full of sugar, which equates to empty calories. However, if you choose a juice that is 100% juice, you don't need to fret. According to the Mayo Clinic, "Recent studies have confirmed that drinking moderate amounts of 100 percent fruit juice doesn't affect a child's weight" (Zeratsky). Some brands that offer 100% juice are Ocean Spray, Tropicana, Juicy Juice, and Gerber.
Try to stay away from sugary drinks, like juice that isn't 100% fruit juice, drinks made from powders, and soda. These drinks offer little nutritional benefits for your children, and sometimes the extra jolt of sugar can make them hyper and cranky anyway.
If you're thinking that juice is another way to get your child a serving of fruit, that's possibly true, but whole fruit has many more benefits, like fiber. So give your toddlers some cut up fruit and even babies around 9 months or so can have bits of banana or pear or other soft fruits.
The Mayo Clinic has some advice for parents in regards to juice consumption:
- Birth to 6 months: No fruit juice, unless it's used to relieve constipation
- 6 months to 12 months: Up to 4 ounces (118 milliliters) a day, served in a cup (not a bottle) to avoid tooth decay
- 1 year to 6 years: Up to 6 ounces (177 milliliters) a day
Another idea, if you want to give them a little more than the recommended amount, is to mix the juice with some water. That way you can still give them something with flavor, but you'll stay within the recommended amounts.
The juice debate is pretty simple; it all comes down to everything in moderation. Make sure your kids are getting the nutrients they need through foods, and use juice sparingly.
