Do toddlers NEED juice?

So far Kevin doesn't like any juice (Apple/Pear/OJ). He really needs to get the OJ for the calcium but he won't drink it, even if I dilute it.

Other than the calcium factor, do babies really need juice or is it ok just to have milk (or Soy in Kevin's case) and water?

Re: Do toddlers NEED juice?

No they don't...why not just fresh fruit instead?

My son hates it he only drinks water and honestly I was never really a juice drinker. I would rather eat an orange than have oj.

Re: Do toddlers NEED juice?

oh maybe if you mix the oj into a pancake mix or some kind pound cake for the calcium

Re: Do toddlers NEED juice?

No, they don't need it at all. Andrew drinks nothing but milk or water, but he does have a juice box if we are out or it we have a playgroup lunch or something. Very little if any at all. some juices have just as much sugar as a soda, so no thanks!

Re: Do toddlers NEED juice?

No they don't, in fact it's just empty calories. Our pediatrician told us NO juice until 2 years of age, and that's exactly how we like it. We don't want her getting hooked on sweet drinks, and instead give her water every opportunity we can.

Re: Do toddlers NEED juice?

I only give the OJ with calcium (diluted) when he's sick

Re: Do toddlers NEED juice?

I make a really good cranberry bread that has fruit and OJ in it-Jenna LOVES it for breakfast and I figure it has good stuff in it-I can email you the recipe if you want?

Re: Do toddlers NEED juice?

Re: Do toddlers NEED juice?

We started to give Jacob juice (diluted of course) afer his 1st birthday.

My pediatrician says no, but my brother adamantely says yes, infact he starts his patients on juice at 4 months.... Again, I dont think he would tell me something that would arm his nephew...

He says that if you are only drinking milk and water you are missing out on other nutrients that you need.. Something to that affect because milk does not have everything that formula has... He doesn't understand why doctors would say no to it...

Bottom line you do what you think is best for your child... but think about it when we were this age we were getting juice and we all turned out just fine...

Re: Do toddlers NEED juice?

No they don't need juice. Miranda hardly ever gets juice. IMO it's just empty calories and not a habit I want to start. She mostly drinks milk and water and the occasional (once a week if that) apple juice.

Re: Do toddlers NEED juice?

I think if they are getting fruit why would they NEED juice

Logan only drinks milk and water. He actually doesn't like juice. When he was constipated I tried to get him to drink apple juice and white grape juice and he wouldn't drink either one. I then tried to mask the juice by putting it in his milk and water and then he wouldn't drink either of those! If I were to give him juice it would have only been a tiny bit with lots of water so what's the point anyway. I like that he likes only water.

Re: Do toddlers NEED juice?

They do not need juice. Juice is mostly sugar. You get the nutrients from eating fruit and other foods rich in the vitamins in juice such as vitamin c. It has empty calories.


Does my Toddler Need Juice?
The only nutrient toddler's really need from juice that they do not get from milk is Vitamin C. Although milk does not supply this nutrient it is more than likely that it does supply him with the fluid he needs. If your toddler urinates frequently and shows none of the signs of dehydration juice probably isn't necessary. Toddlers do not need juice for calories. Their milk and solid food supply an appropriate amount of calories. Some toddlers do need Vitamin C though so it is a good idea to offer your child food and drink that contain it.

Be sure to offer natural fruit juices not ones with added sugars. As with all foods nutrition is the most important thing. If your child does not want juice offer him solid foods that contain vitamin C. Fresh foods are always best because canned fruits and vegetables tend to lose their vitamins because of the heat used in packaging. Foods rich in vitamin C include kiwi, oranges, broccoli and tomatoes. With the large array of juices, fruits and vegetables available your toddler is sure to find one or two he can enjoy!

Re: Do toddlers NEED juice?

I never gave Benji OJ. He get plenty, and I do mean , plenty of calcium from the dairy products. I tell you that boy could live on cheese.

He drinks lots of one part juice to five parts water.

Re: Do toddlers NEED juice?

Thanks for the replies!

Re: Do toddlers NEED juice?

I just wanted to clarify what I had written before regarding, juice. I didn't want anyone to think that juice is needed...

I emailed my brother and this is his response regarding to why drink juice :


There is no reason to do juice exclusively or anything.  The reason to offer him something to drink OTHER than milk is because while milk is great, the one thing it doesn't have is the ability to absorb iron well.  Therefore, kids that only drink milk have the capacity to become anemic.  So, juice is a good replacement.

Hope this makes it clear why I am giving Jacob juice in addition to milk.

Re: Do toddlers NEED juice?

no one NEEDS juice. A fresh piece of fruit is always better than juice.

I water Molly's OJ down 1/2 and 1/2 with water. I HATE that juice boxes cannot be watered down!! Water is a great drink too.

Re: Do toddlers NEED juice?

I do give my son juice, but I give him a mixture of 90% water to 10% juice. From the time he was 6 months he hated plain water. I use the Gerber fruit splashers which in itself is pretty watered down.