Many parents wonder if it's okay to give their babies water or juice, and this is a really good question. For the first 6 months of life, all a baby needs is either formula or breast milk. But once solids are introduced into their diet, usually between 4 and 6 months of age, though after 6 months, a baby can have juice and water - just sips, just a little bit, and their main form of fluid should still be either formula or breast milk until a year of age. If you do choose to give your children juice, be sure to give them only up to 4oz of 100% juice each day, and offer it in a sippy cup with meals. Avoid giving it with bottles or at bedtime, because if they suck on it before they go to sleep, it can lead to tooth decay. As for water, sips can be given to your baby through a sippy cup throughout the day, especially on hot summer days when they're losing extra fluid through body heat and sweating. Talk with your pediatrician about how much exactly is safe for your baby depending on their age and weight. If you have any other questions for me in the future, feel free to ask them on our Facebook page at Facebook.com/IntermountainMoms, and recommend us to your friends and family too.
