Quick Answer: Apple juice is NOT recommended for babies under 12 months. Even after 1 year, it should be given sparingly (maximum 4 oz/120ml per day) due to high sugar content. Whole fruits are always a better choice! If you need to give juice for constipation relief, dilute it 1:1 with water and only give 1-2 oz under doctor's guidance.
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Watch: Safe Beverages for Babies - Expert Advice
| Age | Apple Juice Recommendation |
|---|---|
| **0-6 months** | Not recommended - only breastmilk/formula |
| **6-12 months** | Not recommended - water with meals is fine |
| **1-3 years** | Maximum 4 oz (120ml) per day, diluted |
| **4-6 years** | Maximum 4-6 oz per day |
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When given appropriately, apple juice offers some benefits:
| Benefit | How It Helps |
|---|---|
| **Constipation relief** | Natural sorbitol softens stools |
| **Hydration** | When child refuses plain water |
| **Vitamin C** | Supports immune function |
| **Iron absorption** | Vitamin C helps absorb iron from food |
Important: These benefits don't outweigh risks in babies under 1 year. Always choose whole fruits first!
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| Problem | Why It Happens |
|---|---|
| **Reduced milk intake** | Juice fills tummy, less room for milk |
| **Poor weight gain** | Juice has calories but lacks protein/fat |
| **Nutrient deficiencies** | Replaces nutrient-rich foods |
| **Develops sweet tooth** | May reject plain water later |
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| Do | Don't |
|---|---|
| Dilute with equal parts water | Give undiluted juice |
| Serve in open cup | Use sippy cup or bottle |
| Give with meals only | Allow sipping throughout day |
| Limit to 4 oz/day max | Let child drink unlimited |
| Choose 100% juice | Use "juice drinks" or cocktails |
Choose:
Avoid:
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One legitimate use for diluted apple juice is constipation relief.
| Age | Amount | How |
|---|---|---|
| **6-12 months** | 1-2 oz (30-60ml) | Dilute 1:1 with water, once daily |
| **1-3 years** | 2-4 oz (60-120ml) | Dilute 1:1, with meals |
Better options: Prune juice, pear juice, or pureed prunes work better for constipation and have less sugar.
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| Instead of Juice | Try This |
|---|---|
| **Apple juice** | Fresh apple slices (soft cooked for young babies) |
| **For hydration** | Plain water, coconut water |
| **For constipation** | Prune puree, high-fiber foods |
| **For vitamins** | Whole fruits - oranges, berries |
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Contact your pediatrician if your baby has:
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A: No, babies under 6 months should only have breastmilk or formula. Talk to your pediatrician about other options like tummy massage, bicycle legs, or a small amount of prune juice after 4 months if truly needed.
A: Nutritionally similar, but fresh juice poses a food safety risk if unpasteurized. Young children should only have pasteurized juice. Store-bought 100% juice is safe.
A: Yes! Apple juice contains sorbitol and fructose which can cause loose stools, especially in large amounts. This is one reason to limit or avoid juice.
A: Gradually dilute the juice more and more over 2-3 weeks until it's mostly water. Offer water consistently with every meal. Stop buying juice temporarily to reset preferences.
A: Organic juice has the same sugar content as regular. It may have fewer pesticides, but the main concerns with juice (sugar, lack of fiber) remain the same.
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This article was reviewed by pediatricians at Babynama. Last updated: January 2026
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