Can I give my baby adult juice beverages instead of infant juices?
How do I know if my baby is getting enough fluids?
How much water can I give my baby without risking water intoxication?
If I use tap water for my baby, must I boil it?
Is it okay to put my baby to bed with a bottle of breast milk, formula or juice?
What should I know about giving water with solid foods?
When should I add juice to my baby's diet?
When should I introduce drinking from a cup?

Q: Can I give my baby adult juice beverages instead of infant juices?
A: Infant juices have several advantages. Beech-Nut® juices and drinks are made from low-acid fruit, so they are gentle on a baby's stomach. All Beech-Nut juices are 100% natural fruit juice, pasteurized for safety and fortified with Vitamin C. Many adult juice beverages are not 100% fruit juice, or contain juices high in acid. Additionally, most adult juices are not fortified with Vitamin C. Doctors recommend feeding no more than 4 oz. of juice per day. If your doctor recommends diluting adult juice for your baby, mix one part juice and one part water.

Q: How do I know if my baby is getting enough fluids?
A: Simply check how many times a day your baby wets the diaper - from 4 to 8 times a day is normal. If you are concerned that your baby is not getting enough fluids, check with your doctor.

Q: How much water can I give my baby without risking water intoxication?
A: To be on the safe side, always ask your doctor's advice. If your baby is eating some solid foods, or your doctor specifically recommends extra water, offer your baby 1 or 2 oz. of water at each meal (2-3 times per day). Four ounces of water provides about 10% of your baby's total daily fluid needs, so 2 oz. twice a day may be all your baby needs.

Q: If I use tap water for my baby, must I boil it?
A: Unless your doctor or health department advises you differently you should not need to boil or sterilize tap water. Many municipal water supplies are treated with chlorine, and most bottled water, including Beech-Nut® Bottled Water with added Fluoride, is treated with ozone or "active oxygen" to help make them safe. If using formula, follow instructions on formula label.

Q: Is it okay to put my baby to bed with a bottle of breast milk, formula or juice?
A: Giving your baby a bottle in bed is not recommended. This practice leads to tooth decay, a condition known as "bottle caries" syndrome. Babies without teeth easily develop a habit of going to sleep with a bottle in the mouth, and decay begins with their first set of teeth.

• Don't let your baby sit with a bottle in his mouth during the day. 
• Don't put your baby to bed with a bottle. 
• Once teeth come in, clean your baby's gums after each feeding with a damp gauze pad or washcloth.

Q: What should I know about giving water with solid foods?
A: When you introduce solid foods, additional water may be needed. High-protein foods like strained meats make your baby's developing kidneys work harder, so providing a few ounces (but no more than 4 oz.) of water when you feed those foods can be useful. On the other hand, low-protein foods like fruits, juices, vegetables and desserts put little stress on the kidneys, so little or no water is required. (Remember, breast milk and formula are about 85% water.) To be on the safe side, always ask your doctor's advice.

Q: When should I add juice to my baby's diet?
A: At about 4-6 months. Begin with a low-acid, single-ingredient juice, such as apple or white grape juice. Start by diluting 2 oz. of juice with 2 oz. of water for easier tolerance. You can progress to full-strength baby juice after 3 to 5 days if your baby tolerates it well. Remember that some juices can make your baby's stool loose and Doctors recommend feeding no more than 4 oz. of juice per day.

Q: When should I introduce drinking from a cup?
A: Babies can start drinking from a cup as early as seven months. Most babies can handle a cup by themselves at about one year.