When introducing sugar and sweeteners to baby’s food after the age of 12 months, it is beneficial to wait until closer to the 24th month to introduce them (even natural ones, such as agave, date syrup, honey, maple syrup, and stevia). Sugar and sweeteners in excess can reduce the variety of foods a child like eating, may considerably increase the risk of obesity and type 2 diabetes, can lead to dental caries, and may even affect cardiovascular health.
Is sugar healthy for babies?
Not at all. Baby’s need nutrition, protein, and fat, which sugar lacks. A high intake of these nutrients can result in obesity, high blood pressure, and dental caries. Because babies have an innate preference for sweetness, it’s important to give them the chance to develop a taste for healthy foods without added sugar. In the early years, avoiding sugar and sweeteners may help babies and toddlers learn to appreciate savory flavors as well as naturally sweet foods like fruits and vegetables. Use fresh fiber-containing fruits to sweeten baby’s food, such as bananas, figs, or strawberries.
‘Added’ vs ‘natural’ sugars
When trying to understand sugar intake, it’s important to distinguish what counts as ‘natural’ sugar and what counts as ‘added’ or ‘free’ sugar (free/added being the type we should ideally limit). Many sugar alternatives are marketed as healthier alternatives, making this even more confusing. In reality, they are just added sugars disguised as a healthier alternative. Whether it’s coconut sugar, date sugar, rice sugar, maple syrup, or agave nectar (among other examples), any sugar or syrup will do. Since our bodies will still process all of these as sugar, they count as added sugars.
Maple syrup and coconut sugar are natural alternatives to sugar that contain micronutrients that regular sugar doesn’t. In order to get any benefit, your little one would need to consume large quantities of those to eat them, and that would go way beyond the recommended sugar intake. Baby and children can get their micronutrients in a simpler and more beneficial way!
How do you introduce sugar to toddlers?
There is no single timeline for how a baby develops, so the suggestions for how to prepare or cut certain foods are generalizations. There may be additional needs or considerations that go beyond generally accepted practices for your child. In determining the size and shape of foods, we consider gross, fine, and oral motor development to minimize the risk of choking. Our preparation suggestions are intended only to provide you with information and are not a replacement for one-on-one advice from a pediatric medical professional or health provider. No liquid, puree, or food can completely eliminate all risk of a baby or child choking. Make sure to follow all safety protocols we suggest to create a safe eating environment for your child and make informed choices regarding their specific needs. Please do not disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of something you have read or seen here.
Ages 6 to 12 months: Avoid.
Between 12 and 24 months old, consider waiting. Early and frequent exposure to sugar can reduce your child’s interest in eating a variety of foods and even increase the risk of obesity and type 2 diabetes.
24 months and older: Go time! Don’t make a big deal out of introducing foods with added sugar when the time comes. You should not give children dessert on special occasions or as a reward, and you should never make them finish their meals to receive sweet food. Remember that children love the taste of sweetness. Humans are programmed to crave sweetness. It is important to have a healthy relationship with food and to eat a nutritious diet.
Father of four home schooling kids.