https://boards.hellobee.com/ Pregnancy, Baby and Parenting blog, by Hellobee en Mon, 11 May 2026 06:28:51 +0000 https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/beverages-under-2-yo#post-2808489 Thu, 08 Mar 2018 12:07:38 +0000 Mrs. Lion 2808489@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>This may or may not be helpful, but if your center is using the CACFP food program they get a reimbursement from the USDA for feeding meals and have to stick to meal guidelines set by the USDA, but also have to stay with in an incredibly low reimbursement rate. Fruit juice is considered a serving of fruit, so many places use that in place of fruit because it is cheaper and helps them stay within their budget. It is unfortunate, but may play into their reasoning?</p> <p>Edited to add link: <a href="https://fns-prod.azureedge.net/sites/default/files/cacfp/CACFP_MealBP.pdf" rel="nofollow">https://fns-prod.azureedge.net/sites/default/files/cacfp/CACFP_MealBP.pdf</a> </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/beverages-under-2-yo#post-2808463 Thu, 08 Mar 2018 10:36:44 +0000 snowjewelz 2808463@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I am not anti-juice. I think sometimes parents will bring in juice for kids birthday and stuff. At home we water down the already watered down juice haha. I'm okay with anything as long as it's in moderation and as long as they otherwise have a balanced/healthy diet. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/beverages-under-2-yo#post-2808452 Thu, 08 Mar 2018 09:14:03 +0000 Becky 2808452@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Mrs. Lemon-Lime: I missed the milk thing. Daycares get milk as part of their CACFP meals though so it’s not more expensive. It’s also not counted as a protein: they have to offer something from all 5 food groups. Juice they would have to buy. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/beverages-under-2-yo#post-2808438 Thu, 08 Mar 2018 07:12:33 +0000 Mrs. Lemon-Lime 2808438@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I ended up talking about the beverage changes at daycare with DH and their reasoning for it. If they are using milk to balance out the plate per nutrition guidelines then they must really need the protein. Even if juice was served 2-3 times a week that was still too much for DH. we consider it junk food like soda or lemonade. The director didn’t say the juice was low in sugar and had necessary dietary fiber in it to be a decent whole fruit substitute.</p> <p>ETA: I have stopped making a fuss about what is served at the kid parties. LO got a major kick out Rice Krispies at the Halloween party. :meh: </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/beverages-under-2-yo#post-2808421 Wed, 07 Mar 2018 20:21:45 +0000 Mrs. Lemon-Lime 2808421@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Becky: it’s not just the juice they all of a sudden have money for, but the milk at all the four other meal times. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/beverages-under-2-yo#post-2808420 Wed, 07 Mar 2018 20:18:18 +0000 Becky 2808420@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Just to pop back in, like stated before the AAP guidelines are because the USDA says 100% juice can equal a serving of fruit. Most people don’t know how to accurately identify 100% juice AND from a dietary standpoint juice is not a fruit equivalent. Most drinks in the juice aisle are not 100% juice, and for the average person it’s difficult to identify 100% juice and easy to get duped (like by containers that say “100% Vitmain C”—when you’re in a hurry you’ll just notice the 100%). Gerber and Motts also created a fake market for juice drinks for kids. I was outraged when Gerber introduced that juice for babies, “For when you’re ready to start introducing juice to your 6+ month old.” FWIW my kids get watered down 100% juice at home a few times a week, and more when they’re sick (non-sick times about 1/4 cup of juice and 1/2 cup water). My feeling is that schools should serve well-balanced meals and snacks and leave decisions regarding sweets and junk food up to parents. If this was my school I would offer the AAP guidelines to the director and also suggest maybe they could offer fruit instead (since they suddenly have money available to spend on juice—that would be a flag for me because our daycare is on a shoestring budget). You shouldn’t have to ask for your son to have water while his friends “get” to have juice.<br /> BTW I just get so fired up about this topic so pardon my rant! Thankfully it’s actually my line of work so I have somewhere to channel it. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/beverages-under-2-yo#post-2808411 Wed, 07 Mar 2018 19:26:08 +0000 Anagram 2808411@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@wrkbrk: i wish our daycare was like that. Their food isn't terribly junky, but the snacks are things like "animal crackers" (which, face it...are cookies), graham crackers ( also cookies?), pretzels (fine except....they aren't the low sodium kind). </p> <p>Like I don't think I'm all that picky, and my kids eat versions of all those things, but I always try to get the slightly healthier versions, like no salt added pretzels, low salt crackers, and then lots of fresh fruit for snacks. They never do fruit for snacks. </p> <p>I pack my kids lunch because I don't trust school lunches, haha. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/beverages-under-2-yo#post-2808403 Wed, 07 Mar 2018 18:45:08 +0000 wrkbrk 2808403@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>No. No juice whatsoever at daycare. No sugary treats or junk food or cookies or anything like that at all. Even for birthdays they ask that parents bring at most, a tiny muffin for each toddler! I am lucky though that my toddler doesn't like juice anyway. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/beverages-under-2-yo#post-2808385 Wed, 07 Mar 2018 17:09:50 +0000 Anagram 2808385@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Mrs. Goose: my youngest struggles with constipstion and I've been told to avoid apple juice and instead do pear or prune. Having said that, I usually just give prune juice concentrate instead (5 ml in the medicine dropper) because it's way more effective. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/beverages-under-2-yo#post-2808345 Wed, 07 Mar 2018 14:53:33 +0000 looch 2808345@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>My son drinks two kinds of juice, plain apple juice and Bolthouse C Boost. He didn't have any until he was 2 and he started the birthday party circuit.</p> <p>For a child that eats normally, I don't think juice in moderation is a big deal. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/beverages-under-2-yo#post-2808307 Wed, 07 Mar 2018 13:35:31 +0000 Mrs. Champagne 2808307@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>They only serve water at our pre school. </p> <p>My dentist strongly encourages no juice. </p> <p>We just do it for special occasions - like if we are at a bday party or out for dinner. Our daughter is 1.5 and hasn't tried it yet though. I don't see the point in offering it since she loves water. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/beverages-under-2-yo#post-2808289 Wed, 07 Mar 2018 12:59:38 +0000 SweetiePie 2808289@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I know this is slightly off topic but I don’t like referencing things without a source so I found what I read.<br /> <a href="https://www.aap.org/en-us/about-the-aap/aap-press-room/pages/american-academy-of-pediatrics-recommends-no-fruit-juice-for-children-under-1-year.aspx" rel="nofollow">https://www.aap.org/en-us/about-the-aap/aap-press-room/pages/american-academy-of-pediatrics-recommends-no-fruit-juice-for-children-under-1-year.aspx</a></p> <p>“Parents may perceive fruit juice as healthy, but it is not a good substitute for fresh fruit and just packs in more sugar and calories,” said Melvin B. Heyman, MD, FAAP, co-author of the statement. “Small amounts in moderation are fine for older kids, but are absolutely unnecessary for children under 1.”</p> <p>The new recommendations state that 100-percent fresh or reconstituted fruit juice can be a healthy part of the diet of children older than 1 year when consumed as part of a well-balanced diet. Consumption, however, should be limited depending on a child’s age. </p> <p>The policy statement recommendations include:</p> <p>Intake of juice should be limited to, at most, 4 ounces daily for toddlers age 1-3. For children age 4-6, fruit juice should be restricted to 4 to 6 ounces daily; and for children ages 7-18, juice intake should be limited to 8 ounces or 1 cup of the recommended 2 to 2 ½ cups of fruit servings per day.<br /> Toddlers should not be given juice from bottles or easily transportable “sippy cups” that allow them to consume juice easily throughout the day. The excessive exposure of the teeth to carbohydrates can lead to tooth decay, as well. Toddlers should not be given juice at bedtime.<br /> Children should be encouraged to eat whole fruits and be educated about the benefits of the fruit as compared with juice, which lacks dietary fiber and may contribute to excessive weight gain.<br /> Human milk or infant formula is sufficient for infants, and low-fat/nonfat milk and water are sufficient for older children. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/beverages-under-2-yo#post-2808283 Wed, 07 Mar 2018 12:35:45 +0000 gingerbebe 2808283@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>My kids get juice sometimes at school. Usually its for some holiday (so maybe 1-2x a month?) and the portion is a Dixie cup. 95% of the time, they just get water, but I send thermoses of milk for their lunch. It doesn't bother me at all.</p> <p>We are also pretty liberal on juice when we go out or pack a picnic (so usually 1-2x on the weekends) and they get juice when they're sick (which is like constantly in the winter). I'm with @SweetiePie: in that I'm pretty laid back about what they eat and give them everything in moderation. Sugary cereals, dessert, juice, cookies - they've had them and with DS2, he's had that stuff since before he was 1 cuz #secondchildproblems.</p> <p>My 3.5 year old will eat his weight in raspberries and eats kimchi, salami, olives, and whole cucumbers regularly. Even though my 22 month old is anti-veggies right now and would happily exist on pretzels and cereal if I let him, he rarely finishes his ice cream beyond a few spoonfuls and very often leaves desserts like cookies half eaten and abandoned in favor of a banana. His favorite meal is miso soup with rice and tofu. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/beverages-under-2-yo#post-2808281 Wed, 07 Mar 2018 12:27:48 +0000 hellobeeboston 2808281@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I hadn't heard of this.... Our pediatrician has always recommended avoided juice entirely, he said the same at LO's last physical a month ago. My older son is so picky he only likes to drink water, so that was easy. My younger son will probably LOVE juice, but we just avoid giving it to him for now until he discovers it when he's older.... I actually love juice myself, but don't buy it because I don't need the extra calories &amp; sugar ;) </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/beverages-under-2-yo#post-2808280 Wed, 07 Mar 2018 12:23:10 +0000 Mrs. Lemon-Lime 2808280@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@SweetiePie: sorry, my reply came off snotty. </p> <p>The director called me back. Juice once a day is new and is supposed to be a sometimes thing. Milk besides breakfast and lunch is new and permanent unless I say no. For now it's a no because I think water is just better. If LO freaks out his cup his different than his friend's I'll go back. I bet my phone call will prompt them to watch more closely that juice isn't a back to back daily habit. Of course I will check the reports. :wink: IRL friends &amp; family think DH and I are extra particular about what LO consumes, but it's really because we have to make up for the 5 meals a day M-F he gets at daycare. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/beverages-under-2-yo#post-2808270 Wed, 07 Mar 2018 11:56:05 +0000 SweetiePie 2808270@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Mrs. Lemon-Lime: Oh mine eats tons of fruit too. At least 2 servings daily (berries, apples, watermelon, grapes, etc). And 2-3 servings of veggies (every day he has carrots, cucumber, bell peppers, peas, broccoli, edamame, etc).. It’s definitely not a substitute for whole fruit. I think he just has a sluggish digestive system (my husband does too) and the juice seems to help. I heard at some point somewhere it’s actually the sugars in the juice that help move things along. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/beverages-under-2-yo#post-2808260 Wed, 07 Mar 2018 11:24:55 +0000 Mrs. Lemon-Lime 2808260@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@SweetiePie: see, we tied the constipation to too much milk. Usually at daycare they would serve milk at breakfast only. We would give LO milk when he first woke up and at dinner. Now, it looks like milk is served at breakfast, AM snack and lunch. </p> <p>Switching to water only at home has produced the results we were hoping for- no straining at all for BMs. During the week LO eats whole fruit twice a day at home whether that's banana/ apple slices in the morning before daycare or fresh berries and apple slices with dinner. Juice as a substitute for real fruit is unnecessary for my kid. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/beverages-under-2-yo#post-2808245 Wed, 07 Mar 2018 10:58:45 +0000 Mama Bird 2808245@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I don't think our day care serves juice a lot, but they make a ton of... ummm, OK, I don't know the word for it, but it's like a fruit tea - boiled fruit + sugar. It's not quite as sweet as juice. They also serve warm tea with lemon in the winter because everyone's coughing and the extra vitamin C can't hurt. Water, of course, but not a lot of milk for kids that no longer take a bottle - they have a lot of dairy instead. Just as well, milk made the kids' tummy problems worse so it was nice to be able to cut it out until they were doing better.</p> <p>Anyway, juice isn't evil. I've been giving some to the kids since they started solids because they're prone to constipation. Some of them are actually pretty nutritious if you don't overdo it. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/beverages-under-2-yo#post-2808242 Wed, 07 Mar 2018 10:54:01 +0000 Adira 2808242@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Mrs. Goose: Yep - apple and pear juice work well for constipation too. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/beverages-under-2-yo#post-2808233 Wed, 07 Mar 2018 10:35:18 +0000 Corduroy 2808233@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Mrs. Lemon-Lime: My LO’s day care feeds based on county guidelines because they get some nutrition grant. They served better food before they switched to this program (tradional Chinese food with vegetables from her garden). Now it’s just checking boxes to make sure the kids got enough servings of everything. Maybe your care provider is working with similar local level guidance. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/beverages-under-2-yo#post-2808232 Wed, 07 Mar 2018 10:34:49 +0000 SweetiePie 2808232@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Mrs. Goose: apple and pear juice have both worked well for us. My 3yo doesn’t like prune as much so it’s just easier to get him to drink apple or pear. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/beverages-under-2-yo#post-2808230 Wed, 07 Mar 2018 10:32:35 +0000 Mrs. Goose 2808230@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I have worked in several daycares and have friends who work in others and have never heard of anything except milk or water. And it’s usually water offered with the snacks and milk with lunch. Water accessible at all times as well. </p> <p>I also never heard that juice aids with constipation?? I would have thought only prune juice would help. Do people that use it for that find it makes a significant difference? </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/beverages-under-2-yo#post-2808228 Wed, 07 Mar 2018 10:29:27 +0000 SweetiePie 2808228@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>FWIW my preschool (which is one of the most sought after in manhattan, and I don’t say that to sound smug, I say it because it’s not a hole in the wall) serves juice every day for snack. A little Dixie cup. Once it’s gone they can have water.<br /> My son also gets constipated and we try to do juice every day or at least every other day as it does seem to help him.<br /> We introduced it fairly early - 18 moths I guess? He still doesn’t ask for juice specifically, he’ll ask for milk or water. If I offer juice he’ll usually say yes but sometimes he says “no, milk.”<br /> I know this wasn’t what you were asking, but I think being super restrictive with anything in life just sets it up to be some forbidden fruit that makes it even more desirable. I think that the fact that we haven’t made a big deal of it either way (super restrictive or super liberal with it) has also made him pretty neutral on juice.<br /> We have that philosophy with everything. Kid will house an ice cream, but he regularly asks for grapes for dessert. Or 2 days ago he was watching TV and said “mom can I have some carrots for my snack?” And my baby sitters mouth dropped to the ground. Everything in Moderation and variety!<br /> ETA: in the last year I did read that the AAP had changed their tone on juice - Basically that in moderation it’s fine. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/beverages-under-2-yo#post-2808227 Wed, 07 Mar 2018 10:26:59 +0000 erinbaderin 2808227@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Definitely no juice at daycare - I think the only time they have it is at the Christmas party. It’s milk with lunch and water otherwise at my daycare. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/beverages-under-2-yo#post-2808224 Wed, 07 Mar 2018 10:15:27 +0000 Mrs. Lemon-Lime 2808224@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@PinkElephant: I only bring up Mott's because that's what I buy for DH. We aren't planning to give him juice at home. </p> <p>Based on everyone else's experience I am even more annoyed at this. These children have been perfectly fine with milk 1-2 day and water 3-4 times a day. Children can only eat and drink what adults buy and build preferences around what's offered. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/beverages-under-2-yo#post-2808220 Wed, 07 Mar 2018 10:02:24 +0000 Corduroy 2808220@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Mrs. Lemon-Lime: The FDA wouldn’t make regulations regarding how much juice a kid should drink. That’s not their area. I found these guidelines from the AAP: <a href="https://www.aap.org/en-us/about-the-aap/aap-press-room/pages/american-academy-of-pediatrics-recommends-no-fruit-juice-for-children-under-1-year.aspx" rel="nofollow">https://www.aap.org/en-us/about-the-aap/aap-press-room/pages/american-academy-of-pediatrics-recommends-no-fruit-juice-for-children-under-1-year.aspx</a> </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/beverages-under-2-yo#post-2808219 Wed, 07 Mar 2018 09:59:58 +0000 birdofafeather 2808219@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>When our childcare did provide food it was water and milk only. Even at older ages. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/beverages-under-2-yo#post-2808218 Wed, 07 Mar 2018 09:57:57 +0000 Mrs. Pickle 2808218@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>DD’s school serves what you send. If you don’t send anything they provide water. They have juice a few times a year at holiday parties. That said, DD loves milk and all forms of dairy. I recently had to introduce a cup of apple juice 3x a week to keep her diapers soft enough. I wouldn’t mind if she got juice at school 1-2x a week. ETA: she’s almost 2.5. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/beverages-under-2-yo#post-2808217 Wed, 07 Mar 2018 09:57:51 +0000 MrsBucky 2808217@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I would be annoyed about this too, and probably fight it. My kid didn't have juice until after 2, with the exception of very rare prune juice to help with constipation. Now he probably has watered down juice maybe 2X a month, and we will usually let him order some if we go out to eat as a family which is pretty rare. But mostly, I don't think daycare should be in the business of feeding kids things we know should be considered treats- including juice, at least not regularly. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/beverages-under-2-yo#post-2808215 Wed, 07 Mar 2018 09:53:23 +0000 Mrs. Lemon-Lime 2808215@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Becky: I have been trying to find the new guidelines online to read them myself, but my search skills are pitiful. Can you pretty please send me the link since it sounds like you have seen them? </p>