QOD: Is it okay to give my baby soda?

Written by Jill Castle, MS, RDN

Offering sugar-sweetened beverages like soda and juice drinks is not advised during infancy and young toddlerhood or at any other stage of childhood.

Sweet flavors can mold your young child’s preferences for sweet food, which may influence his or her food choices for unhealthy food in the long run.  Additionally, soda contains sugar, artificial colors, and may also house caffeine, all of which are unhealthy for your baby. In a nutshell, soda has no nutritional benefit for young, growing children.

Reviewed by Dr. Sara Connolly, September 2020