POOJA KOTHARIMom of a 8 yr 5 m old boy11 months agoA. You are correct that adding salt and sugar to a baby’s diet before one year of age is generally not recommended. Here's why:
1. Salt:
Babies' kidneys are still developing and cannot handle too much salt. Excessive salt intake can put a strain on their kidneys and may increase the risk of high blood pressure in later life.
Most of the natural foods you offer (breast milk, formula, fruits, vegetables) already contain enough sodium for their nutritional needs.
2. Sugar:
Introducing sugar early can lead to a preference for sweet foods, potentially increasing the risk of obesity, tooth decay, and type 2 diabetes later in life.
Babies naturally enjoy the taste of healthy foods, so adding sugar can make them less likely to appreciate the natural sweetness in fruits or other whole foods.
Professional Recommendations:
World Health Organization (WHO) and American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) both advise against adding salt and sugar to a baby’s diet until after 12 months.
These organizations emphasize that babies should receive nutrients from whole, natural foods without added salt or sugar.
It's common for older generations to share traditional practices, but scientific understanding has evolved. You can respectfully explain to your parents and in-laws that today’s guidelines are based on research focused on the long-term health of babies. If needed, you can show them materials or recommendations from health professionals to support your decision.
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