Sweets ... Some parents categorically do not give their babies anything sweet. Others, on the contrary, pamper the child with a large number of sweets and cakes. So, can children be given sweets, and if so, how much?
Sweets: good or bad
The concept of "sweet" includes a large list of foods containing large amounts of fructose and sucrose. These are confectionery, sweets, pastries, ice cream, jelly, marmalade, marshmallows, marshmallows, etc. Sugar-containing foods are essential for the body. They are a source of energy and are essential for normal brain function.
In addition to fructose and sucrose, many delicacies contain nutrients that the body needs. Dried fruits, candy and marmalade contain easily digestible carbohydrates and microelements. However, don't buy candy or marmalade in bright colors. These products contain a lot of dyes that can harm the body.
In general, honey is a storehouse of useful substances: trace elements, vitamins, enzymes and other biologically active compounds. It has high antiseptic and antibacterial properties. At the same time, immunity increases, the internal forces of the body accumulate. Care should be taken when introducing honey into the diet - it is a pronounced allergen.
In addition to the benefits for the body, sweets are a powerful source of positive emotions. The child enjoys a beautiful cake at his birthday or while walking, eating nuts with his mother.
But it is better to refuse to use some sweets altogether:
- Pure sugar has no benefit. Do not add it to porridge, tea or baby puree. Adults only think that the child will taste better. He gets used to unleavened food and its taste suits him.
- Cookies, cakes and pies are high in fat, heavy carbohydrates and sugar. They quickly saturate a small organism, but do not bring any benefit. It is worth giving up the daily use of these products, leaving them exclusively for the holiday menu.
- Jams, preserves and preserves are a concentrated solution of sucrose in fruit juice or puree. The benefits of these products are questionable, and the high sugar content is alarming. You can spread a thin layer on a sandwich, but do not get carried away.
- Candy can be given to a baby only after three years. The most harmful of these delicacies are caramels and hard candies. They are full of sugar and dyes and will not bring any benefit. If you really want to give a candy to a child, then let it be chocolate. Chocolate contains B vitamins and antioxidants that strengthen the immune system.
When can babies get their first treats?
So, some sweets can be given to babies. They will bring positive emotions and benefits to the growing body. The question arises when children can be given sweets, when the moment comes to give the first delicacy.
The first sweets and a small amount of sugar can be added to the diet after the first birthday.
It is better to start your journey through the world of sweet pleasures with fruit mousses made with fresh berries and fruits. Then you can give the kid a taste of marshmallow, marmalade and jelly candies. After your third birthday, it's time to try low-fat ice cream and cakes with light cream.
Sweets should be given only after the main meal. This way he won't want a lot of sweets and will not kill his appetite if you give him a treat between feedings.
In principle, children, like all people, can well do without treats. From birth, the baby knows and loves one type of "sweetness" - breast milk lactose. And only parents with their own habits sweeten the child with tea, porridge and other food. Over time, the child gets used to the taste of sweets and may even refuse regular food. In addition, excessive carbohydrate food can lead to metabolic diseases (for example, diabetes mellitus, alimentary obesity) and caries in milk teeth.
Children with a sweet tooth most often grow up in parents with a sweet tooth, since it is adults who form the food stereotype in their children. Parents themselves, eating a lot of sweets, believe that babies need it. The second reason for the appearance of children with a sweet tooth is the lack of attention given to the child. The first time, having tried the delicacy, the kid, receiving less attention and affection in the family, wants to get it with pleasure from the delicacy.
You should not offer the baby sweets from an early age, but when starting to pamper him, this should be done reasonably. Do not substitute sweet for your love and affection, do not give as encouragement. Rather than giving the baby candy once again, it is better to go with him for a fun walk, arrange a mischievous game or go to the circus, and replace sweets with fruits and nuts.
READ FURTHER:
- Baby and sweets: building the right relationship
- Opinion of mothers: is it possible and necessary to give a child under 3 years old salt and sugar. + Consultation of Dr. Komarovsky and Professor of Pediatrics Sergei Niankovsky
- First feeding: the beginning
- First juices
Doctor Komarovsky answers the question at what age and why children can eat sweets and what types of sweets are preferable:
