No, babies under 12 months old should not be given juice. This is the consensus of numerous experts and organizations, including the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP).
Why Avoid Juice for Babies Under 12 Months?
Several reasons support this recommendation:
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Nutritional Deficiency: Juice lacks the fiber found in whole fruits. This fiber is crucial for digestive health and nutrient absorption. Juice essentially provides empty calories, displacing the essential nutrients babies receive from breast milk or formula. https://www.pampers.com/en-us/baby/feeding/article/when-can-babies-have-juice
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High Sugar Content: Juice is concentrated sugar, which can contribute to health problems like tooth decay, weight gain, and diarrhea. https://health.clevelandclinic.org/when-is-it-safe-to-give-juice-to-my-baby
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Displacement of Essential Nutrients: Giving juice can lead to reduced intake of breast milk or formula, which provide essential nutrients vital for a baby's growth and development. https://www.reddit.com/r/NewParents/comments/pjpwe7/3_mo_old_and_juice/
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Other Health Concerns: Excessive juice intake can also lead to digestive issues and potential nutritional imbalances. https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/baby/weaning-and-feeding/drinks-and-cups-for-babies-and-young-children/
Exceptions:
Infants older than 6 months might be given small amounts of water with medical supervision. However, this is not the same as juice. https://www.unitypoint.org/news-and-articles/why-giving-fruit-juice-to-babies-is-a-bad-idea
In summary: Breast milk, formula, and (after 6 months, if medically advised) small amounts of water are the only appropriate drinks for babies under 12 months. Juice should be avoided until after their first birthday.
