Should children under one year old drink juice or eat raw fruit?

My child is under one year old and is eating solid foods. Should I feed him raw fruit or juice? (Hong Anh, Ho Chi Minh City)

Reply:

Whether a toddler should eat whole fruit or drink juice depends on many factors and requires certain considerations.

For example, with soft fruits (avocado, banana, grapes, kiwi...), you can cut them into cubes or small pieces for your baby to get used to. With harder fruits (apples, guava, plums...), you can mash, blend or steam them and then mash them for your baby to eat.

When your baby starts eating fruit, you should feed him a small amount, just enough for his digestive system to absorb, and check to see if he is allergic.

Fruit juice has some health benefits. You can give it to your child in some cases, for example, if the child cannot eat the fruit or the fruit is hard. However, this type of juice is not completely suitable for children under one year old, and may not contain many nutrients. The fiber, vitamins and minerals in fruit juice are not much, mainly in the discarded pulp. Children should eat raw fruit because it is better.

You should not add sugar to your baby's fruit juice. Do not give your baby fruit juice if he or she has diarrhea or is dehydrated.

Children at the age of weaning are still quite sensitive, parents should take their children to see a nutritionist for advice and guidance on how to choose and prepare a suitable menu.

Master, Doctor Nguyen Anh Duy Tung
Nutrihome Nutrition Clinic System

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