Pouring on the Juice

"As a pediatrician, I’m constantly asked at what age a child should be introduced to juice. A child should be introduced to juice in the same way he or she is introduced to chocolate -- as late as possible, in small doses and as a treat," says Joanna Dolgoff, M.D., a child obesity specialist and author of Red Light, Green Light, Eat Right. "Juice is loaded with calories and sugar and it's certainly not as healthy as a piece of fruit." Moreover, daily juice-drinking sets your little one up to crave sweet drinks like soda -- and research has linked regular soda consumption to an increased Body Mass Index. Stick to the recommendations from the American Academy of Pediatrics: less than 6 ounces of juice a day for children under age 6.

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• • children's health,
  • kids and weight,
  • kids' health