The American Association of Pediatrics has set new recommendations for fruit juice, they now advise that children younger than 1 years old should not have fruit juice.
In previous years the AAP reported that children younger than six months should not have fruit juice but new findings show that fruit juice offers no nutritional benefit for children younger than one years old. The recommendations have been updated to state that children under the age of one should not have fruit juice. Fruit juice in younger children puts them at risk for obesity and dental issues such as tooth decay. The idea of fruit juice seems like a healthy option because it is seen as a convenient way for smaller children to consume the nutrients of fruit but it is much healthier for children to eat fresh fruit as they provide the much needed fiber for healthy tummies. According to the AAP, human milk or infant formula is best for infants, and low-fat/nonfat milk and water is best for older children for liquid consumption.
Check out this article on Healthychildren.org to find out more information such as the better option for treating dehydration and on better liquids to manage diarrhea.
As always if you have any concerns consult your pediatrician.
