When is it smart to serve fruit juice to a child?

Many toddlers sip fruit juice, but it shouldn't be an everyday drink, says pediatrician Tanya Remer Altmann, MD. She reveals the best go-to beverages for a child and when fruit juice is a smart choice.

Transcript

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Even watered-down juice just gets your child in the habit of wanting sweet-tasting beverages. It's best to stick with water and milk whenever possible.

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I'm Dr. Altmann. Many parents often ask me if fruit juice is a good option. After all, it's fruit, right?

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Actually, your infant or toddler does not need juice. Although 100% fruit juice may contain some useful vitamins,

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it often ends up being extra sugar and calories that your child does not need. Plus, juice doesn't have the valuable fiber

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found in a whole fruit. Even watered-down juice just gets your child in the habit of wanting sweet-tasting beverages.

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It's best to stick with water and milk whenever possible. In fact, one of the best things you can do for your child's health is

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to get them used to drinking water and treat all sweet-tasting drinks, even pure fruit juice, like you would a dessert.

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And on special occasions, let your toddler choose juice or another sweet treat such as cake. You might be surprised at his choice.

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One exception to this recommendation is if your baby is constipated. In that case, your pediatrician may recommend small amounts

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of prune, apple, or pear juice, along with a high-fiber diet, to help get things moving. [AUDIO LOGO]