Giving Juice and Sugary Drinks to Infants: What Parents Should Know
A structured overview of what credible sources and parent perspectives commonly say about this topic.
Quick answer
Sugary drinks, including fruit juice, are not recommended for infants under 12 months. The CDC advises limiting juice intake for toddlers and older children due to added sugars. Water, breast milk, or formula are the preferred liquids for babies.
At a glance
Things to try now
What to do now
- 1Stop giving juice or sugary drinks to your infant under 12 months.
- 2Offer breast milk or formula as the main drink, and introduce small amounts of water after 6 months.
- 3If you want to give juice to toddlers over 12 months, limit it to 4-6 ounces per day and choose 100% fruit juice without added sugars.
What to say
- “Right now, your body needs milk and water to grow strong, so we’re going to save juice for when you’re a little older.”
- “Juice has a lot of sugar that can hurt your teeth, so we’ll have it only sometimes and only a little bit.”
- “Let’s try some water now—it’s the best drink to keep you healthy and happy.”
What to practice consistently
- Establish consistent drink routines focusing on milk and water.
- Offer whole fruits regularly instead of juice to provide fiber and nutrients.
- Read labels to avoid sugary drinks and educate caregivers about healthy drink choices.
What to avoid
- Giving juice or sugary drinks in bottles or sippy cups throughout the day.
- Using juice as a pacifier or to calm the baby.
- Offering sugary drinks before bedtime, which can affect sleep and dental health.
These are common approaches mentioned in sources and by parents. They are informational, not prescriptive.
What this usually involves
- Avoiding juice and sugary drinks for infants under 12 months
- Limiting juice intake for toddlers to small amounts (4-6 ounces per day) if given
- Providing breast milk or formula as primary nutrition for infants
- Introducing water as a drink after 6 months in small amounts
- Understanding that sugary drinks contribute to added sugar intake and dental problems
- Focusing on whole fruits rather than fruit juice for nutrients and fiber
Related questions
Water can be introduced in small amounts after 6 months of age alongside breast milk or formula.
100% fruit juice can be given in limited amounts (4-6 ounces per day) to toddlers over 12 months but should not replace whole fruits.
Sugary drinks can contribute to dental cavities, poor nutrition, and unhealthy weight gain in infants and young children.
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Guidelines on Giving Juice and Sugary Drinks to Infants
Infants should generally avoid juice and sugary drinks due to the risk of excess sugar intake and potential negative health effects. The CDC recommends limiting sugary drinks, including fruit juice, especially for children under 1 year old, focusing instead on breast milk or formula as primary nutrition.
Risks of Giving Sugary Drinks to Infants
Providing sugary drinks to infants can lead to several health risks including dental cavities, poor nutrition, and increased risk of obesity. Health experts recommend limiting or avoiding sugary beverages in early childhood to support healthy growth and development.
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Is Giving Water Too Early Harmful for Your Baby?
Introducing water to infants too early, especially before 6 months of age, can potentially harm your baby by interfering with nutrient absorption and increasing the risk of water intoxication. Most health authorities recommend exclusive breastfeeding or formula feeding for the first six months before adding water or other liquids.
From around the web
Fruit Juice in Infants and Toddlers
Guidance on appropriate fruit juice consumption for young children.
CDC
Healthy Drinks for Kids
Recommendations on drinks suitable for infants and children.
American Academy of Pediatrics
Nutrition for Infants and Toddlers
Information on feeding and nutrition for infants and toddlers.
NICHD