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Is it okay to give fruit juice to toddlers?

Parenting Perspective

Fruit juice is not suitable for children under one year. For those over one, it can be offered in very limited quantities – no more than 120 ml (4 oz) daily – and only 100% fruit juice. Juice intake that is too high can result in tooth decay, diarrhoea, and weight problems, and replacing nutrients in whole fruits, milk, or water. Whole fruits are much better, supplying fibre and constant energy. If juice is provided, have it in a cup (and not from a bottle), during meals, and never as a comfort beverage. Water and milk should be the first choice of drinks.

Spiritual Insight

Allah Almighty says in the noble Quran at Surah Al Aa’raaf (7), Verse 31: ‘…And eat and drink and do not be extravagant (wasteful), as indeed, He (Allah Almighty) does not like extravagance.’ It is recorded in Tirmidhi Hadith 2380 and Sunan Ibn Majah Hadith 3349, that holy Prophet Muhammad ﷺ said: ‘A human being fills no worse vessel than his stomach. It is sufficient for a human being to eat a few mouthfuls.’ These teachings urge moderation and care, confirming that juice must be limited and never prioritised over more beneficial nourishment.

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