Apple juice is a popular beverage for people of all ages. It has a sweet taste that most find appealing. However, despite its widespread popularity, apple juice is not recommended for babies under 12 months old. There are several important reasons why apple juice should be avoided for infants.
Apple Juice Contains High Levels of Natural Sugars
The first major reason why babies should not drink apple juice is because of its high sugar content. Apple juice is made by pressing apples to extract the liquid and juice. Apples naturally contain fructose, which is a simple sugar. When apples are juiced, that fructose becomes concentrated into the liquid. One cup of apple juice contains over 20 grams of sugar.
For adults and older children, this amount of sugar is not necessarily harmful. However, for infants, that level of sugar can be problematic. The digestive systems of babies under 12 months are not equipped to handle such high concentrations of sugars. Too much fructose and glucose from juice can overload an infant’s liver and cause dangerous conditions like diarrhea, gas, abdominal pain, and tooth decay.
The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that babies under 12 months should not be given any fruit juice at all. If juice is given after 1 year old, it should only be in very small quantities like 2-4 ounces per day. Apple juice tends to have more sugar than even other fruit juices like grape or orange juice. So apple juice is not a good choice for babies.
Sugar Content Per Cup of Popular Fruit Juices
| Fruit Juice | Grams of Sugar |
|---|---|
| Apple juice | 24.4g |
| Grape juice | 36.4g |
| Orange juice | 20.8g |
| Pineapple juice | 25.7g |
Can Cause Diarrhea and Digestive Upset in Babies
Another key reason why apple juice is harmful for infants is that it can lead to diarrhea, gas, cramping, and general digestive upset. Babies have very new and delicate digestive tracts. When huge amounts of fructose from juice get dumped into their systems, it causes major disruptions.
The excessive sugars draw fluid into the intestinal tract via osmosis. This loosens stools and speeds up transit time. Doctors call this phenomenon osmotic diarrhea. The overload of sugars also leads to fermentation by gut bacteria. This produces gas, bloating, and flatulence.
One study found that when breastfeeding babies were given just 2-3 ounces of apple juice per day, nearly half developed diarrhea. Their stools became loose, watery, and much more frequent compared to infants that drank water or breast milk alone.
Allowing babies to drink apple or other fruit juices can lead to painful tummy troubles. The juices essentially act like a laxative in their tiny bodies. This is why juice should always be avoided for babies under 1 year old.
Symptoms of Juice-Induced Diarrhea
- Watery, loose stools
- Increase in stool frequency
- Gas and abdominal discomfort
- Bloating
- Cramping
May Contribute to Obesity
Giving juice to infants can also set up bad drinking habits that contribute to obesity and weight gain. Research shows that babies that regularly drink juice are much more likely to become overweight children. One study found that with each daily serving of juice given to babies under 1 year old, their risk of becoming obese increased by 60%.
This obesity risk comes from several factors. First, the extra calories and sugars in juice get stored as fat. Each cup has over 100 calories with no protein or fiber to balance it out. Second, drinking juice causes a spike in blood sugar and insulin. Over time this can develop into insulin resistance, metabolic syndrome, and weight gain. Third, juice displaces healthier beverages like water and breast milk.
Forming a habit of drinking sweet beverages sets the stage for weight gain. Children that think juice and sweet drinks are normal tend to prefer those sugar-loaded beverages later on. To avoid these risks, it’s best to keep apple juice and other juices away from babies.
Statistics on Juice Consumption and Obesity
- Babies given juice before 1 year old are 60% more likely to be obese at age 6.
- Each daily serving of juice before 1 year old increases obesity risk by 10%.
- Children that drank 2 or more servings of juice per day were twice as likely to be overweight compared to those that drank no juice.
May Lead to Tooth Decay
Dental caries, commonly known as cavities, are also a major risk of giving juice to infants. Tooth decay occurs when sugars interact with bacteria in the mouth. This produces plaque and acids that degrade tooth enamel.
Babies that are given bottles or cups of apple juice to drink throughout the day are constantly bathing their teeth in sugar. The sugars feed bacteria growth and lead to precavities and decay. Studies show that children who drink juice frequently are twice as likely to develop cavities compared to those who rarely drink it.
Cavities in baby teeth can progress quickly leading to infection and pain. Decayed teeth may even need to be pulled. This can negatively impact the proper growth and spacing of permanent teeth later on. Limiting juice intake protects infants against tooth decay down the road.
Tips to Prevent Juice-Related Tooth Decay
- Avoid juice before 1 year old
- Only give small amounts after 1 year old
- Serve juice in cups, not bottles
- Water down juice
- Have baby rinse mouth after drinking juice
- Don’t let baby nap or sleep with juice
Better Beverage Alternatives for Infants
Instead of apple juice, there are many healthier drink options to give babies under 1 year old. Breast milk or formula should make up the main source of nutrition. Beyond that, plain water is best for hydration. Good beverage choices include:
- Breast milk – Breastfeeding is recommended exclusively for 6 months. Breast milk provides complete nutrition and helps avoid diarrhea and tooth decay risks.
- Infant formula – Iron-fortified formula is a good alternative when breastfeeding is not possible. Look for varieties low in added sugars.
- Water – Once solids are introduced around 6 months old, water can be given in addition to breast milk or formula. This helps babies develop a taste for plain water.
- Diluted juice – After 1 year old, no more than 2-4 ounces of 100% juice diluted with water. Limit juice to mealtimes only.
Following these guidelines ensures babies get proper nutrition from healthy beverages and avoid the risks of too much juice. Apple juice and other fruit juices are best avoided until children are older and better able to tolerate the sugars and acids.
Conclusion
In summary, apple juice should be avoided for babies under 1 year old for several important health reasons. The natural sugars found in apple juice can cause diarrhea, digestive problems, and tooth decay. Drinking juice regularly also increases babies’ risk of obesity later in childhood. Sticking to breast milk, formula, or water ensures infants do not consume excessive sugars and calories from juice. Apple juice can be introduced after 12 months of age, but intake should be limited to just 2-4 ounces per day.