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Can babies have sugary drinks?

Updated 2026-08-07 · Source: CDC + AAP · Free · No sign-up

Not before 2 years. Not before 24 months, and best avoided after. Sugar-sweetened drinks — soda, flavored milk, sports drinks, flavored water with sugar and juice drinks — contain added sugars, and children younger than 24 months should not have added sugars.
Emergency? Call 911 now if your baby is choking and cannot cry or cough, is struggling to breathe, or has swelling of the face, lips or tongue, or widespread hives after eating. Do not wait to see whether it settles. This tool is a reference, not medical advice.

Sugary drinks by age

AgeCan they have it?How to serve it
4 monthsNo — not yet
6 monthsNo — not yet
9 monthsNo — not yet
12 monthsNo — not yet
18 monthsNo — not yet
2 yearsYes

Ages are the usual introduction age from the source, not a target. Readiness matters more than the calendar — and a baby who hasn't started solids isn't ready for any of these foods yet.

Is sugary drinks a choking hazard?

Sugary drinks are not on the AAP or CDC choking-hazard lists. That is not the same as no risk: any food can choke a baby if the piece is too big or the wrong shape. Cut it to no larger than half an inch, keep your baby sitting up in a high chair, keep mealtimes calm, and watch them the whole time they are eating.

Allergies and sugary drinks

Sugary drinks are not one of the common allergens. Introduce it on its own anyway and wait 3 to 5 days before the next new food, so if your baby does react to something you know what it was.

Watch for diarrhea, rash, vomiting or hives after a new food. Call 911 for trouble breathing or swelling of the face, lips or tongue.

Worth knowing

Water and plain unsweetened milk are the drinks the AAP recommends.

Where this comes from

Reviewed 2026-08-07 · confidence: high. This source names sugary drinks directly.

This page is general guidance from the AAP and CDC — not medical advice, and not a substitute for your pediatrician. General guidance from the AAP and CDC — not medical advice and not a substitute for your pediatrician. Every baby is different. Introduce one new food at a time and wait 3 to 5 days before the next one so you can spot a reaction. Some foods are choking hazards; learn infant CPR. Call 911 for trouble breathing, swelling of the face, lips or tongue, or a baby who cannot cry or cough.

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FAQ

Can babies have sugary drinks?

Not before 2 years. Not before 24 months, and best avoided after. Sugar-sweetened drinks — soda, flavored milk, sports drinks, flavored water with sugar and juice drinks — contain added sugars, and children younger than 24 months should not have added sugars. Water and plain unsweetened milk are the drinks the AAP recommends.

How do I serve sugary drinks to a baby?

There is no infant serving form for this one — see the answer above. Cut food for infants and young children into pieces no larger than one-half inch. Cut cylindrical foods (hot dogs, sausage, string cheese) into short thin strips — round pieces can get stuck in the airway. Cut small spherical foods (grapes, cherries, berries, tomatoes) into small pieces. Cook hard vegetables and fruit until they mash easily. Remove seeds, hard pits, skin and bones.

Are sugary drinks a choking hazard for babies?

Sugary drinks are not on the AAP or CDC choking-hazard lists, but any food can choke a baby if the piece is too big. Cut it to no larger than half an inch, keep your baby sitting up while they eat, and watch them the whole time.

What should I watch for after giving my baby a new food?

Watch for diarrhea, rash, vomiting or hives after a new food. Call 911 for trouble breathing or swelling of the face, lips or tongue. Offer one single-ingredient new food at a time and wait 3 to 5 days before the next one, so a reaction is easy to trace. Call 911 for trouble breathing or swelling of the face, lips or tongue.

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