My 5-month-old seems to be interested in trying new foods. I’d like to offer him juice, but I’m not sure if he’s ready and, if he is, what type of juice drinks to give him. Any suggestions?
– Michelle
It’s best to wait until after a baby is 6 months old before offering juice. But even then, pediatricians don’t recommend giving babies juice often, since it adds extra calories without the balanced nutrition found in formula and breast milk. Drinking too much juice also may contribute to excess weight and tooth decay, or cause diarrhea in infants and toddlers.
Instead of juice, serve puréed whole fruits and vegetables. They contain important nutrients not found in juice. If your baby seems thirsty, offer a small amount water between feedings.
If you give your baby juice, follow these tips:
- Serve only 100% fruit juice, not juice drinks or powdered drink mixes (which are sweetened).
- Limit the juice to no more than 2–4 fl. oz. (60–120 ml.) per day.
- Offer juice in a cup, not in a bottle. Serve juice only at meal times.
Reviewed by: Mary L. Gavin, MD
Date reviewed: October 2016
