No Juice Under One Year Of Age

The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) says not to give juice to children under age 1. In May of this year, the AAP came out with a policy statement against fruit juice for young children unless clinically indicated in the treatment of constipation. The reason for this change is an increasing problem with obesity and dental decay in our nation’s children.

For children 1-3 years of age the recommended amount of 100% juice is a maximum of 4 ounces (1/2 cup) per day, for children 4-6 years of age 4-6 ounces per day, and 8 ounces (1 cup) for children over 7 years old.

For the children under 1, breast milk or formula and water are the preferred fluids. Once a child is older and eating solids, whole fruits (cut up to appropriate size for safe eating) instead of juice is much healthier. Juice does not contain protein or fiber which is vital to children’s growth and development.

After age 1, whole milk is recommended but the amount should not be more than 24 ounces (3 cups) a day. The rest of the daily fluids for children should be plain water.

For a nice summary, please, click on these links:

• AAP: Policy Statement Regarding Fruit Juice Consumption
• American Academy of Pediatrics Recommends No Fruit Juice For Children Under 1 Year