The weather here has been getting very warm. My 11 month DD and I usually spend about 80% of our time outside playing in the yard, so I try to push drinking water a little more than I usually do. I don't want her to get dehydrated!!! (she got dehydrated during the first week of nice weather, so that's why I'm a little anxious about it...) She will drink plain water, but only a sip or two at a time. BUT if I put a little bit of juice in, she will drink it right down! (I usually only put about 1 part juice to 5 parts water... VERY diluted.) Generally, I will try to get her to take a drink every 20-30 minutes when it's warm out, every 15-20 when it's HOT. (and I DO lather her up in sunscreen, and reapply it often, so no issues there...) I was just wondering... How long is diluted juice good to sit out for? On the container it says to refrigerate after opening, but I don't want to have to run into the house every time I'm going to give her a drink! I figure it should be good to sit out, especially since it is soo diluted and I put ice in it, but just double checking... Also, I usually buy the small single-serve containers of 'baby juice' and they say to discard after 2-3 days... but it usually takes me 4-5 days to go through one container. Is it OK to keep longer if she hasn't drank out of it? It just seems like a waste to be throwing out 1/3 of a bottle of juice. :P
* the only reason I stick to the 'baby juice' is because they come in such small containers... it would take FOREVER to go through a normal jug of juice!!! I do love the ice-cube idea. :)
Why don't you take the juice from the container after it has been open for 3 days and make ice cubes with it. Then just pop one in the sippy and it will flavor the water.
I *love* Mallory P's idea! Do that :o)
If it's that diluted and as long as the bottle or cup isn't in direct sun, I'd think it would be OK for a couple of hours (at least, that's what I used to do). And I agree that refrigerated juice if no one's been drinking from the container should keep for at least a week.
Unless it's easier for your family or if there's some special reason to use baby juice, I'd think you can use "normal" 100% juice for her. I found "baby" versions of juice, yogurt, applesauce and many other products to offer no additional health benefits -- but they sure were more expensive!
Another option to keep your little one hydrated on exceptionally hot days might be pediasure. It has some beneficial electrolytes that we all sweat out -- and it comes flavored (my kids like grape). By the way, don't forget to take care of YOURSELF while outside! Water is good, but we lose more than just water. A little juice has some benefit for mama, too!
Enjoy the sunshine!
I think with the dilution that you are doing, you can likely leave it out the entire time you are out playing. Most juices that require refridgeration after opening is because they can ferment. (orange juice and such) Also on the small single serving containers, you should be fine if it takes you a bit longer to go through them as long as your daughter isnt drinking directly out of the container.
Enjoy the outside!
How about flavored water?
I was diluting like you are, until I spoke to a dietician who recommended straight juice, up to 5 oz/ day. My DD doesnt seem to care which way I serve it, but I do it full juice now for what vitamins she gets from that. just a thought. (I know many moms are No Juice- but I dont agree, a serving a day is good for them. I trust the dietician)
