Why avoid sugar before age 2? What happens when a child eats too much sugar? What are the recommendations for sugar intake from the most prestigious organizations worldwide?
These are some questions I faced when my first baby started eating solids. And YOU….do you know the answers to these questions? Keep reading “Why avoid sugar before age 2” to learn more!
I am here to help you by sharing what I learned and some of the challenges I had along the way.
So, let’s start with a very basic question…
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Table of Contents
WHAT IS SUGAR?
The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) states: “It comes in many forms, including brown sugar, corn sweetener, corn syrup, high-fructose corn syrup, honey dextrose, fruit juice concentrates, inverted sugar, malt sugar, molasses, raw sugar, turbinado and ingredients ending in “ose”.
I see many recipes for babies under 2 years old that contain honey or maple syrup. We must remember that these are forms of sugar and must be avoided in the first two years of a child’s life.
The recipes you will find here on Goldenbearmama.com that are suitable for babies under two years old are naturally sweetened with fruit. I mostly use apples, bananas, and, on some occasions, raisins and date paste. Dried fruit can be used in moderation in recipes for babies; however, most recipes should not be overly sweet.
Babies explore and enjoy all sorts of flavors, including sour. Our job as caregivers is to offer as much variety as possible. If sugary foods and drinks are offered, it will likely become a preference, and the child will start to refuse to eat veggies and other non-sweet preparations.
The AAP also suggests that we should avoid serving foods and drinks with added sugar to children under two years of age and watch out for “hidden” sources of sugar in processed foods like ketchup, baked beans, and salad dressing.
The Brazilian Health Ministry, in its 2021 guide for feeding children, also states that sugar should not be offered to children under two years of age.
In the United Kingdom, Public Health England (PHE) also advises: “Sugar and salt should not be added to foods, the amount and frequency of consumption of sugary foods and drinks should be reduced, and sugary foods (including dried fruit) should not be provided between meals.”
“Fruit and vegetables are recommended first foods for infants and young children. Advice is to start feeding infants with single vegetables, fruits, and vegetables that are less sweet.”
WHAT HAPPENS WHEN A CHILD EATS TOO MUCH SUGAR?
“Eating and drinking too much added sugar puts kids at risk for obesity, tooth decay, heart disease, high cholesterol, high blood pressure, type 2 diabetes, and fatty liver disease, among other health problems”, according to the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP). The AAP advises that families should focus on foods and drinks that do not have added sugar.
CHALLENGES TO ACHIEVE A SUGAR-FREE DIET FOR UNDER 2’S.
I faced many challenges trying to offer a sugar-free diet to my son until two years of age. I can say that it was not easy, but it was worth it.
I will start by saying that you, as a mother, father, or caregiver, have the right to choose what is best for your child. Unfortunately, it is normal for family members and even complete strangers to offer sugary foods and drinks to little ones without asking for permission.
If you have older children at home, avoiding exposure to sweets, candy, sugary drinks, etc, may be challenging. However, you can always have an alternative handy to offer your little one when everyone has their dessert. Remember that babies will ask for all types of food, if you are eating ice cream and your baby asks for it you can offer an alternative such as a sugar free popsicle or ice cream if at home (see some recipes here), OR fresh fruit.
TIPS TO A SUGAR-FREE DIET FOR UNDER 2’S.
Here are some tips to help you in this journey of avoiding added sugar in your child’s diet before their 2nd birthday:
- Offer fruits and water instead of juice. The AAP recommends no more than 4 ounces of 100% fruit juice daily for children ages 1 through 3 and no fruit juice for infants under one-year-old.
- When shopping for snacks, always read the labels. I prefer plain whole yogurt; some children’s yogurt contains sugar. There is a lot of marketing for baby foods, and these are not necessarily the healthiest options for your little ones.
- Avoid offering processed snacks such as cakes and cookies. Goldenbearmama.com has some easy, baby-friendly recipes that require minimum ingredients and can be baked at home on a budget.
- When searching for childcare, ask about menu offerings and whether recipes contain sugar. If possible, use this as a criterion for selection.
- Don’t be afraid to say no when someone offers your baby or toddler food with sugar or juice.
- Watch out for recipes claiming to be baby-friendly. If they contain honey, syrup, or any form of “hidden” sugars, they are NOT suitable for babies under two years of age.
I hope that this article was informative. Feel free to leave your questions, concerns, and comments below. I would love to hear your opinions and experiences on this topic!
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