Dh isn't interested in giving dd juice. We're talking about the stuff that's basically sugar water. He also doesn't want to give her anything with chemical sweeteners (Splenda, Sweet N Low, Equal, etc). What's a good alternative drink to give kids, other than milk, water, and just plain, regular, unsweetened juice? Also, what's the best (and least expensive) juices to give kids, being unsweetened and un-chemicalized?

We always give our kids half 100% juice and half water. I think the store brands that are 100% juice are the same as the brand names.

We stick with water and milk most of the time, and occasionallly a little bit of watered down 100% juice (unless they're drinking a juice box, then it's full strength, but still 100% juice). Kids don't need anything else. In fact, my pediatrician said we would be better off not even introducing juice. We typically use it as a special treat.

On a side note, I don't understand why manufacturer's insist on adding sugar (artificial or natural) to juice as it's plenty sweet enough already.

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Stephanie
Mom to: Caleb (8-27-2003), Ian (9-28-2005), & Baby Boy #3 (EDD 11-9-2008)

My ds loves pineapple juice (we buy dole). We water it down a lot but he still loves it. We also do flavored water a lot, although it does have splenda in it. Juicy Juice is another favorite, but then again, we add water (not only for less sugar but also to make it last longer! ).

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we stick with milk and water (dd has reflux and if we give her juice it can really mess her up for a while) as a treat we put the kids drinkable yogurt in her cup)...she loves those things and really has no interest in using a straw, so we just pour it in her cup and she's happy

When they are that young they aren't going to drink that much anyway. I started mine with half water/half 100% apple juice. If they don't like apple juice, white grape juice is very tastey.

When my kids were babies, I gave them the gerber juices, or other 100 percent juice, but watered down half and half. If I had it to do all over again, I would not start them on juice at all. When they are old enough to eat, I would give them pureed fruits and veggies instead. Kids will drink all the water they need if you don't offer anything else. Of course I know it will go out the window when they are older, and other people offer your child things, but they will be used to drinking water when they are thirsty.

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"It is no use walking anywhere to preach unless our walking is our preaching."

-- St. Francis of Assisi

I dont give too much juice for my dd. She get 4oz 100% OJ every day, not more. Since, it's only 4oz, I buy Simply Orange. I am thinking of trying other brands after she turns 1.

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And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus. Phil:4:7

My DD will only drink water and milk out of a cup. I have to make sure that she gets plenty of fruit and veggies.

If it's sugar water, it isn't juice. Just stay away from "fruit drinks" and "punch". We also give our baby 100% juice (apple, orange, pinapple-banana), with 1/2 water.