Why no Salt or Sugar for babies till 1 year?
Our Baby Food Videos are quite popular among new parents. One of the regular questions I receive from parents is Why no Salt or Sugar in Baby Food, after watching these Baby Food Recipes. In this article, you can find answers to all your queries related to the No Salt or Sugar guideline.
Check the below useful links from our blog
- Say No To Processed Foods for Babies
- Food Charts for 6-10 months babies
- Can I give my baby Biscuits?
- Homemade Health Drinks for Babies, Toddlers, and Kids
Why no Salt or Sugar for babies till 1 year?
1.Why no Salt for babies till 1 year?
Babies younger than 6 months get their salt requirement fulfilled through breastmilk or formula milk. Once you start solids after 6 months of completion babies would need less than a gram of salt per day, i.e. 0.4 gm of sodium. Babies’ kidneys can’t cope with anything more than this.
Excess salt intake may lead to
• Kidney Stones
• Hypertension
• Dehydration
• Osteoporosis
• Brain Damage
• High Blood Pressure
Foods like vegetables, lentils, eggs, etc naturally contain salt and hence the sodium requirement is fulfilled, and no need to add additional salt for babies below 1 year. The immature kidneys of babies can be harmed when it is given in excess.
2. Why no Sugar for babies till a year?
In India or abroad the major food cravings are desserts. The world is filled with options and many connect happiness to desserts. Hence zero sugar food means dull and non-tasty food to most, which is not true. Sugar is the main cause of many lifestyle-related diseases, hence best avoided, and for babies, it’s a big no.
Excess sugar intake may lead to
• Tooth Decay
• Diabetes
• Obesity
• Hyperactivity
• Low Immunity
White Sugar undergoes a lot of chemical processes unsuitable for babies. Sulfur dioxide, phosphoric acid, and many other chemicals are used to clarify sugar, some of which may be toxic when consumed in high quantities. And every parent must acknowledge this fact and keep their babies safe from its ill effects.
3. How to add flavor and taste to baby food without salt and sugar?
It is common to assume that any food is bland without salt and sugar. But one must note that each fruit, vegetable, greens, pulse, meat, etc has its own flavor and taste. We, adults, are accustomed to both salt and sugar hence any food without it is bland for us. Babies’ taste buds can notice that simple flavor of any food and love that too. Hence it’s not necessary to worry about exclusion and feel tempted to add salt or sugar when the baby rejects the food. There may be many other reasons for the baby’s rejection which you may have to check.
4. How to naturally flavor baby food?
You can naturally flavor baby’s food by adding spices like cumin powder, ginger powder, nutmeg, pepper powder, garlic, cinnamon powder, etc with a mild addition. If you are following Baby Led Weaning and giving all family food to your baby you can take out a portion of food before adding salt or sugar. On this blog, you can check plenty of Baby Food Recipes that are naturally flavored and do not require salt.
5. How to naturally sweeten baby food?
6. Natural Sweeteners from our Organic Baby Food Store
Using natural sweeteners I’ve curated few Dessert recipes suitable for Babies and Kids. Though the above-mentioned sugar alternatives are healthy and natural, it is still advised to give these in limit to babies. Babies can develop sweet tooth at a very young age and would not appreciate natural flavors or healthy foods. Please read more about How and When we can give Jaggery to babies to get a fair idea about age restrictions and other details
7. Salt or Sugar in Commercial Baby Foods
In this fast and busy era, many parents are limited with time to make Homemade Baby Foods. Hence, it may become inevitable to avoid store-bought foods. It is a standard recommendation to mention all the ingredients in Food Labels, so please check before buying.
8. Packaged Baby Foods to purchase cautiously
• Cereals
• Yogurt
• Cheese
• Bread
• Purees
• Canned Soups
• Canned Vegetables
• Canned Juices
To conclude, babies do not come with any habit or addiction. It is we who help them follow certain methods and create a habit gradually. If a baby is denying any food it’s easy to get tempted to add salt or sugar, but remember it is doing no good, and wait for the baby to enjoy the natural flavors. Patience is the only key just as Prevention is the only cure.
9. When is it a good time to introduce salt and sugar to babies?
Babies can be introduced to a small amount of salt and sugar after the completion of 1 year. It is still suggested to be slow while introducing them and use it in very small amounts.
Note :
- Please consult the baby’s pediatrician before introducing any new food or solids.
- The above information is only a guideline and does not replace any medical advice.
Thank you for reading this article. For regular updates please join us on Instagram, Facebook Page, Pinterest, and our YouTube Channel. You can also join our Kannada Moms Group, Kannada Youtube Channel, Kannada Instagram. Feel free to post your queries, we would be happy to help.
