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Eat a Varied and Nutritious Diet

Eating a variety of age-appropriate healthy foods is good for nutrition and for food safety. This approach helps you and your children get important nutrients and may reduce exposure to and potential harmful effects from contaminants that foods can absorb from the environment.

Healthy Beverage Recommendations by Age from the Dietary Guidelines for Americans

Birth- about 6 months

Give your baby only breast milk – no other drinks or foods.  If you’re not breastfeeding, give iron fortified infant formula. Use only store-bought infant formula and never homemade or toddler formula. Learn more about choosing infant formula at Choosing an Infant Formula | CDC.

6-12 months

Keep giving your baby breast milk until at least age 12 months, and as long as you want after that. If you’re not breastfeeding, continue to give iron fortified infant formula.

Once your baby is ready for solid foods (for most babies, at about age 6 months), you can also start giving your baby small amounts of water (up to 4 to 8 ounces a day).

***Infants under 1 year of age should not drink juice***

12 months and older

Wait until your baby is at least 12 months old to give them cow’s milk, fortified soy beverages, or fruit juice.

Most of the time, choose whole fruits instead of juice. Whole fruits have fiber your child needs to stay healthy. If you do offer juice, choose 100% juice, which doesn’t have any added sugars, and give only a small serving (aim for 4 ounces or less per day). Try mixing 100% juice with water to reduce calories.

Avoid these drinks

It is best not to give your child drinks with caffeine or added sugars, like soda, sports drinks or energy drinks, fruit drinks (like fruit punch), or flavored milks.

For more healthy eating tips, visit My Plate.