When should children drink apple juice?

Although juices like apple juice contain vitamin C, they do not provide good nutrition for children under 6 months old. Children 6 months of age and older can drink apple juice in limited quantities. Drinking apple juice does not provide as many beneficial nutrients as eating apples. You should consider what nutrients are needed for your child's development before giving your baby juice. Consider the factors below in order to be able to make the right decision.

Your baby's nutritional needs

In the first years, babies need to drink breastmilk or formula because this is the only source of nutrients they need, especially the first 6 months. To develop better, babies over 6 months old need to add weaning foods because they can then sit firmly and keep their heads balanced when fed. You should pay attention to your baby's behavior and enjoyment of feeding. You should not give apple juice to babies under 6 months old because breastmilk and formula are the most important foods at this time.

How should you give apple juice to children?

Choose pure apple juice if you really want to give it to your baby. You can make a choice by looking at a product's brand or nutritional profile. Babies about 6 months old can drink 120 ml of juice per day, but you should not give them much. When you drink too much, apple juice will gradually start replacing the amount of breastmilk or formula your baby needs. Since apple juice contains natural sugars, you can dilute apple juice by adding water with the formula 1/2 apple juice and 1/2 water.

When is your baby ready to drink apple juice?

If you decide to give your child apple juice, wait until she can drink it in a small cup with a straw. Do not let your child drink apple juice from a bottle. You should get your baby used to drinking water from a small cup with a straw at 6 months of age. If your baby is not ready, wait until he gets used to it and can use a cup with a straw, then give him apple juice.

What should you pay attention to when giving your baby juice?

Juice can never replace breast milk and formula. Giving your child too much fruit juice can reduce appetite and prevent the baby from absorbing nutrients. The amount of sugar in the juice can put your baby at a higher risk of tooth decay if he drinks too often or drinks too much. Experts recommend that you should give your baby fruit juice with a snack or meal. Drinking too much juice can also cause diarrhea, excessive weight gain or diaper rash.

If you have any questions, please contact a nutritionist or pediatrician for advice on appropriate diet and nutrition for your baby.