Juice is practically a four-letter word when it comes to kids' diets, with all the concern over childhood obesity and the role that sugary drinks play. But let's face it: Babies and toddlers love juice, and it's superconvenient, especially when you're on the go. Here's how your child can enjoy juice in moderation:
Wait until after 6 months to introduce juice.
Serve only products labeled 100 percent fruit juice. Skip the varieties labeled juice "drink," "beverage," or "cocktail" -- they may have little nutritional value.
Start with clear juices (apple, pear, white grape). They're easier on your tot's tummy (and less messy when spilled).
Dilute juice with water (50-50) to minimize the amount of sugar your baby gets.
Serve juice in a sippy cup -- drinking it from a bottle can contribute to tooth decay.
We love WaddaJuice; it's 100 percent juice mixed with purified water, so it has a lot less sugar than other brands. Best part: a spill-proof sippy cup lid. ($1.50 per 8-oz. bottle; waddajuice.com)
