When introducing juice to a child’s diet, it’s important to follow guidelines to ensure safety. Juice should only have one component, and freshly squeezed juice should be diluted with water at a 1:1 ratio. Start with small amounts of juice and gradually introduce new types. If an allergic reaction occurs, stop giving juice and consult with a doctor.

Children between the ages of two and five should drink no more than 200 ml of diluted juice per day. It’s recommended to combine fruit juices with vegetable juices and to limit juice consumption, as excessive intake can lead to health issues.

When and what juices can be introduced into a child’s diet?

In the past, parents didn’t worry about which type of juice to introduce to their child initially. Typically, it was apple juice made from green apple varieties. Nowadays, medical professionals assure that it’s not necessary to stick solely to apple juice. You can introduce any type of juice, but it’s important to follow some guidelines.

What should you know about juice in children’s nutrition?

It is important to note that juice should only have one component. Multifruit juice should not be given to babies, as it can cause allergies and make it difficult for parents to identify which component caused the reaction. Multifruit juice can only be given to babies after they are familiar with each component in the product. Freshly squeezed juice should be diluted with water at a ratio of 1:1.

When introducing juice into a child’s diet, it is important to remember the possible threat of an allergic reaction. The most common reactions occur with green apple, pear, carrot, and pumpkin juice. If the baby’s body accepts the new product, other juices such as peach, blueberry, plum, cherry, grape, raspberry, currant, strawberry, and cranberry juice can be gradually introduced. Juices with pulp are especially beneficial, but should only be offered after the baby becomes accustomed to clarified juice. Juices with pulp contain vegetable fibers that activate the intestine’s functioning, which can lead to stool disorders. Citrus fruit juices and exotic fruit juices should be introduced later, around 1.5-2 years of age, due to their potential to be dangerous allergens and to burden a baby’s immune system.

It is important to give babies small amounts of juice, starting with half a teaspoon and increasing to 30 ml. By seven months, the volume can be increased to 40-50 ml, and by eight months, babies can drink about 50-60 ml, and in a year, up to 100 ml. It should also be noted that some juices require the addition of cream or vegetable oil as vitamins are divided into fat-soluble and water-soluble. For instance, carotene, present in carrots, needs to be combined with sunflower oil or cream to become vitamin A.

The baby drinks juice from a glass, and there is a rash on his cheeks

Unfortunately, when a baby drinks juice, allergic reactions often develop. If you see at least one symptom of this disease in the baby, you should refuse for a while from this drink and show the baby to a doctor.

The main signs of an allergic reaction are:

• red rashes on the cheeks, under the eyes, on the elbows, in the corners of the mouth and on the hands;
• dry skin, burning and peeling;
• stool changes, abdominal bloating;
• the child becomes tearful, his appetite and sleep patterns are disturbed.

In most cases, after examining the baby, the doctor advises to change his daily diet. Do not worry that the child can no longer give fruits or vegetables that provoked allergies. In some cases, it is simply necessary to replace the juice or stop giving it for a period of time. In addition to correcting the diet, the doctor may prescribe medications for external use to eliminate or weaken the manifestation of allergies.

Consumption of juice by children from two to five years old

A child is allowed to drink no more than 200 ml of this drink per day. It must necessarily be diluted with water in an equal ratio. Fruit juices are recommended to combine with vegetable juices.

Juices from fruits and vegetables

Studies by scientists have proven that kids who consume 350 ml or more of juice a day are overweight, as well as digestive disorders. Fructose and sorbitol, which are part of juice from apples and pears, can cause chronic diarrhea, irritation of the intestinal lining, and this is fraught with impaired absorption of useful substances that are important for the normal growth and development of crumbs. In addition, the calories in juices are carbohydrate, so frequent use of this drink leads to the fact that the child is deficient in important calories from fats, proteins and other microelements. In addition, it is a source of a lot of sugar. Parents should know that the thirst of the baby should not be quenched with juice, in this case it is better to use purified water.

What is healthier: fruit or vegetable juices?

Many nutritionists claim that vegetable juices are much healthier than fruit juices. Vegetable juices nourish the baby’s body with necessary substances, make the nervous system stronger, strengthen the immune system. They also contribute to the normal process of digestion – strengthen the functioning of enzymes, and therefore the entire GI tract.

Juices from vegetables act much gentler than fruit juices. In most cases, vegetable juices are harmless and do not cause diathesis. They “wrap” the mucous membranes of the stomach and promote the proper functioning of the pancreas. For the first intake is suitable carrot juice, because the child’s body easily digests it and there is not so much acid in it. Pumpkin juice is also popular. However, do not change too often juices consisting of different vegetables, because it can affect the kidneys of the baby.

Introduce juices in the diet of babies gradually and carefully, constantly watching the reaction of the body. Only in this way you will be able to accustom the child to a new product without danger to his condition.