We all know that breast milk is something that is essential for every infant. It provides their tiny little bodies with nutrition and even helps to build the immune system. But once they hit the 6-month mark, it is a wise idea to diversify their food intake.
Yes, the nutrition that your baby receives from vegetable and fruit juice makes it a good choice to add to her diet. However, it is important to remember that solid food cannot be supplemented with juice alone as her body is growing and needs large amounts of protein, fats, calcium, etc.
“By when can babies drink juice?” is a question that often plagues parents. During the initial six months, it is best to avoid giving her juice. This is because she needs all that space in her little belly to consume breast milk which helps provide antibodies along with nutrition. After that, your little bundle of joy can begin with juices along with solid food once baby completes the sixth month of its birth.
Tinned fruit juices should be avoided since they are high in sugar and low nutrient value.
Here is a list of healthy juice for babies:
1. Stewed boiled apple juice
2. Tender coconut
3. Grape juice (raw)
4. Muskmelon juice (raw)
5. Watermelon juice (raw)
6. Boiled carrot juice
7. Orange juice (raw)
8. Boiled tomato juice
9. Sapota juice (raw)
10. Boiled pear juice
11. Boiled peach juice
12. Papaya juice (best avoided during summers)
13. Banana juice (raw)
14. Lychee juice (raw)
15. Mango juice (raw)
Make sure to always begin with boiled veggies. When the child is comfortable with the new food, you can introduce combinations such as carrot and apple, apple and banana, etc. Orange juice for babies and grape juice for babies are rich in vitamin C which will safeguard them from cold.
There is some debate over what experts have to say. Organisations like the American Academy of Paediatrics do not recommend homemade juice due to lack of pasteurization. However, the National Guideline on Infant and Young Child Feeding (INDIA) recommends boiled homemade food and juices. This may be due to lack of a practice of eating packaged foods.
Though some nutrients are destroyed while boiling, there is no hard and fast rule that disallows its use. In fact, juice concentrates can be made through boiling.
Uses of juice from steaming/boiling fruits include:
Your child need not consume juices that have preservatives in them.
These juices can be stored for long periods of time.
Some juices, such as tomatoes, become even more nutritious after boiling.
Homemade concentrates that are made by boiling, are cheaper than the store variety.
The fruits and vegetables that are the ripest have the most nutrients. As you can choose which ones you want to boil, you can ensure that your juice is more nutritious compared to the packaged versions.
Yes. An excessive feed of fruit juice can lead to dental problems in infants. This is due to the natural sugar content in them. Perhaps following the juice by sips of water is a good idea.
Juices nourish the soul. Once your baby hits the 6-month mark, let her get a taste of some extra flavour. Fruit and vegetables juices are nutritious and help the baby develop a taste for healthy food options at an early age.
Resources and References: Kids Health