Optimal Juice Intake for Your 11-Month-Old Baby: Expert Guidance

Please advise on the recommended juice intake for infants?

Hello Doctor: My baby is currently 11 months and 7 days old, female, with a height of 75 cm and a weight of 8.2 kg.
Her daily diet is as follows: (9:00 AM) breast milk 150 ml, followed by 150 ml of pureed food; (2:00 PM) breast milk 150 ml, followed by 150 ml of pureed food; (5:30 PM) breast milk 120 ml; (9:00 PM) breast milk 100 ml, followed by 150 ml of pureed food.
She has a low acceptance of water, and based on her current weight of 8.2 kg, she needs at least approximately 820 cc of fluids daily.
Therefore, we provide her with 180 cc of juice at 12:30 PM and 7:30 PM.
The juice consists mainly of apples, guavas, bananas, pineapples, grapes, and a small amount of spinach.
I would like to ask for your guidance on the following: 1.
Is this diet appropriate? 2.
Does the juice provided twice a day lead to excessive sugar intake for her? Thank you for your guidance!

Qi Ting, 30~39 year old female. Ask Date: 2011/04/26

Dr. Zhang Yingwen reply Pediatrics

1.
A baby weighing 8.2 kg requires at least approximately 820 cc of fluids daily.
This fluid intake refers to substances containing water, so the total amount of breast milk, fruit puree, food puree, or formula should reach 820 grams or 820 cc to meet basic needs.

2.
Your baby weighs 8.2 kg (15-50 percentile) and is 75 cm tall (50-85 percentile), indicating that their growth is within the normal range.
There is room for slight weight gain to reach the 50th percentile.
3.
Based on the current diet, the estimated caloric intake from breast milk is approximately 348 kcal, and from food puree, it is about 450 kcal (this is a rough estimate due to unknown ingredients).
The caloric intake from juice (which cannot be estimated due to unknown concentration) should be close to meeting basic needs.
If you wish to increase the weight percentile, it is recommended to add an additional small meal of breast milk.
4.
Regarding the juice, is it freshly made juice? If so, there is no need to worry about excessive fructose intake.
Thank you! Wishing you health and happiness!

Reply Date: 2011/04/26

More Info

Dear Parent,
Thank you for reaching out with your questions regarding the optimal juice intake for your 11-month-old baby. It’s great to see that you are actively seeking guidance to ensure your child’s nutrition is well-balanced. Let’s address your concerns one by one.

1. Dietary Appropriateness: Your baby's current diet appears to be quite balanced, with a good mix of breast milk and solid foods. At 11 months, it is typical for babies to consume a variety of foods, including fruits, vegetables, grains, and proteins. The amount of breast milk you are providing (approximately 720 cc daily) is still beneficial, as breast milk continues to offer essential nutrients and antibodies. The introduction of food purees is also appropriate at this age, as babies are typically transitioning to more solid foods.

However, it’s important to ensure that the food you are offering is varied and includes different food groups. While you mentioned that your baby is consuming food purees, ensure that these include a range of vegetables, fruits, grains, and proteins (like beans, lentils, or finely shredded meats) to support her growth and development.

2. Juice Intake and Sugar Content: Regarding the juice intake, the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends that children aged 1 to 6 years should have no more than 4 to 6 ounces (120 to 180 cc) of juice per day. While juice can be a source of vitamins, particularly vitamin C, it is also high in sugar and can contribute to excessive calorie intake if not monitored.
Given that you are providing 180 cc of juice twice a day, this totals 360 cc, which exceeds the recommended daily limit for her age group. This could lead to an increased intake of fructose, which may not be ideal for her overall health. Excessive juice consumption can also lead to gastrointestinal discomfort, diarrhea, and dental issues due to the high sugar content.
To address her hydration needs, consider offering water more frequently. Since she has a low acceptance of water, you might try introducing it in a fun way, such as using a colorful cup or a straw, or mixing a small amount of juice with water to make it more appealing.
Additionally, you can incorporate whole fruits into her diet instead of relying solely on juice. Whole fruits provide fiber, which is beneficial for digestion and can help her feel full. For example, mashed bananas, pureed apples, or small pieces of soft fruits can be great options.

In summary, while your baby's diet is on the right track, I would recommend reducing the total juice intake to align with the AAP guidelines and increasing her water consumption. This will help ensure she stays hydrated without excessive sugar intake. If you have further concerns or if her acceptance of water does not improve, consider consulting with a pediatric nutritionist for personalized advice.

Best wishes for you and your baby’s health and happiness!

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