Introducing drinks with meals
When your baby has started to eat solid foods, he’ll need to drink with his meals. Water is by far the best drink because it is thirst-quenching, and not harmful to your baby’s teeth. Use cooled, boiled water for at least the first 6 months. Many babies don’t take to the taste of water after drinking milk exclusively, as milk’s naturally sweet. Persist by giving your baby regular little sips of water – he’ll get used to the taste if you persevere. If your baby really hates the taste of water and starts to become dehydrated (constipation is a warning sign ), try diluting a little fresh fruit juice with water. Avoid commercial baby juices because these are sweetened and bad for your baby’s teeth. Infants under 1 year old shouldn’t drink more than 6 fluid ounces of juice per day. Too much juice can displace the needed protein, fat, and vitamins in breast milk or formula. Give your baby diluted juice in a sipping cup rather than a bottle, as this can help prevent cavities forming in young teeth.
