It's quite common for babies to be given fruit juice, especially after 6 months of age. In certain instances, doctors may recommend fruit juice as it is high in vitamin C. However, in the latest policy statement by the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), fruit juice is not recommended for infants below 1 year of age. The recommendation is based on:
- No nutritional benefit of fruit juice for below 1 year old
- No benefit over whole fruits
- Excessive juice consumption is associated with malnutrition/under-nutrition, diarrhea, flatulence, abdominal distention and tooth decay
The intake of juice should be limited to maximum of 4 ounces a day in toddlers 1-3 years of age. Pediatricians are urged to support the reduction of fruit juice consumption and promote whole fruits instead. Learn more about this policy statement here.