Here's a breakdown of the reasons and guideline’s for salt and sugar::
Salt
- Kidney development: A baby's kidneys are still developing and cannot effectively process high levels of sodium. Giving them too much salt can strain their kidneys and potentially increase the risk of high blood pressure later in life.
- Sodium needs: Babies get all the sodium they need from breast milk or formula. Once they start solid foods, the naturally occurring sodium in unsalted foods is sufficient.
- Taste preferences: Introducing salty foods early can lead to a preference for salty flavors, which may result in unhealthy eating habits in the future.
- When to introduce: You should not add salt to your baby's food during the first year. After a baby's first birthday, you can gradually introduce small amounts of salt. The recommended maximum intake for a toddler (ages 1-3) is very low, so it's best to use it sparingly.
Sugar
- No nutritional value: Added sugar provides empty calories with no nutritional benefit for a baby.
- Taste preferences: Just like with salt, introducing sugar early can create a preference for sweet tastes, which can lead to a liking for unhealthy foods, dental problems, and a higher risk of obesity and type 2 diabetes later in life.
- When to introduce: Health organizations like the American Academy of Pediatrics and the CDC recommend that children younger than two years old should not have any added sugars.
- Natural sugars: The sugars found naturally in whole fruits and vegetables are a healthy part of a baby's diet. These are different from added sugars in processed foods and drinks.
Key Takeaways
- First year: Avoid adding any salt or sugar to your baby's food.
- After one year: Small, gradual introductions of salt can be made, but keep the amount minimal.
- After two years: Added sugars can be introduced, but they should be very limited.
- Focus on natural flavors: Use herbs and spices (without salt) to add flavor to your baby's food. This helps them develop a taste for a wide variety of healthy foods.
- Read labels: Be cautious of hidden salt and sugar in packaged and processed foods, even those marketed for toddlers.
