It's not easy being the primary food provider for your baby. She needs a feed every few hours, and you must be there, either with breastmilk or formula. You might be thinking about when you can introduce alternatives like plant-based milk or something healthier, say fruit juice.

When can babies have juice is a common question among parents, but before you go on that fruit-shopping spree, hold on. Fruit juice is not as healthy as you think it is.

Yes, we've heard that 100 percent fruit juices can come with some nutrients, but the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) and pediatricians beg to differ. And for good reason.
When can babies have juice"
Pediatricians and the American Academy of Pediatrics say you should only serve juice to your baby once they are one year of age. Before we get to the reasons, we'd like to clear the fuss about giving babies juice.
It all comes down to their digestive system.

Digestion breaks down food into nutrients our body can absorb and use. It takes place in our gastrointestinal tract.

Your baby's first feed kickstarts their digestive system, and what they consume for the next months dictates their health and growth. Hence, breastmilk or formula becomes crucial as they create a healthy gut microbiome, a collection of bacteria, viruses, fungi, etc., building a good immune system.

Dr. Betty Choi, founder of Human Body Learning, elaborates, "Babies under 12 months should not drink juice unless a doctor recommends it for treating c...