While it is considered safe to add sugar to baby’s food after 12 months of age, it can be beneficial to wait until closer to the 2nd birthday to introduce sugar and sweeteners (even natural ones like agave, date syrup, honey, maple syrup, and
stevia). In excess, sugar and sweeteners can reduce the diversity of foods a child is interested in eating, may increase the risk of obesity and type 2 diabetes, increase the risk for dental caries, and potentially even impact cardiovascular
health.1
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Sweetness is a basic and inherent component of many natural foods, but humans first started extracting and concentrating that sweetness in India thousands of years ago. What we now know as refined or table sugar is typically made from sugar cane, a species of grass particularly high in sucrose, or sugar beets. Cooking with table sugar—pure sucrose—is to witness magic in the kitchen: it can exist in crystals, powder, or syrups; it can be molded and
sculpted; it can form fine threads or glass-like panes; and it can be molten to create caramel. But that magic has, historically, come at a cost: refined sugar has traditionally been a labor-intensive good to produce, which meant that the industry was a powerful driver in the global slave trade. Today, the sugar industry has expanded thanks to the invention of high-fructose corn syrup and other products, which are all considered unhealthy in excess. No. Sugar lacks protein, fat, and nutrient density—which babies need—and in
excess can lead to an increased risk of obesity, high blood pressure, and dental caries.4
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Furthermore, babies have an innate preference for sweetness, so it’s important to give them ample time to develop a palate for healthy foods that do not contain added
sugar.7 Avoiding added sugar and sweeteners in the early years may help babies and toddlers to learn to love savory flavors as well as naturally sweet whole foods like fruit and vegetables. If you want to sweeten baby’s food, consider using fresh fiber-containing fruits, such as
bananas, figs, or strawberries. ★Tip: Beverages often have a lot of added sugar. Skip sweet beverages for now and serve your toddler water and unsweetened milk instead. And remember, babies younger than 12 months of age should only have breast milk, formula, or very small amounts of water to drink. How can I find added sugars on a food label?In the US, added sugar amounts are specified on the food label under “added sugars.” Also, if a form of added sugar (see below) is one of the first few ingredients listed, know that that food likely contains significant amounts of sugar. Common added sugar ingredients include:
Are artificial sweeteners like stevia okay for babies?No. It is our strong opinion that it’s best to hold off on any sweetener until closer to age 2. Furthermore, information regarding sugar alternatives for children—especially infants and toddlers—is quite limited. For this reason, avoid sugar substitutes when possible. Is sugar a common choking hazard for babies?No. Sugar itself is not a common choking hazard, though the foods it is in certainly can be. As always, make sure you create a safe eating environment and stay within an arm’s reach of baby during meals. For more information on choking, visit our sections on gagging and choking and familiarize yourself with the list of common choking hazards. Is sugar a common allergen?No. Sugar allergies are rare.8 As you would when introducing any new food, start by offering a small quantity on its own for the first couple of servings. How do you introduce sugar to toddlers?Every baby develops on their own timeline, and the suggestions on how to cut or prepare particular foods are generalizations for a broad audience. Your child is an individual and may have needs or considerations beyond generally accepted practices. In determining the recommendations for size and shape of foods, we use the best available scientific information regarding gross, fine, and oral motor development to minimize choking risk. The preparation suggestions we offer are for informational purposes only and are not a substitute for child-specific, one-on-one advice from your pediatric medical or health professional or provider. It is impossible to fully eliminate all risk of a baby or child choking on any liquid, puree, or food. We advise you to follow all safety protocols we suggest to create a safe eating environment and to make educated choices for your child regarding their specific needs. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read or seen here. 6 to 12 months old: Avoid. 12 to 24 months old: Consider waiting. Early and frequent exposure to sugar can reduce the diversity of foods your child is interested in eating and even increase the risk of obesity and type 2 diabetes and negatively impact cardiovascular health.9 24 months+ old: Go time! When you are ready to introduce foods with added sugar, don’t make it a big deal. Avoid offering dessert as a special occasion or reward and never require the child to finish their meal in order to get a sweet food or dessert. Lastly, keep in mind that children will naturally appreciate the taste of sweetness—humans are programmed this way. The goal is to have a healthy and guilt-free relationship with food while eating a nutritious diet. For more information on how to cut food for babies, visit our page on Food Sizes & Shapes. Recipe: Whipped Cream with Berries Yield: 2 cups (480 milliliters) Ingredients
This recipe contains common allergens: dairy. Only serve after dairy has been introduced safely. Directions
To Store: Store in an air-tight container in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. Flavor PairingsThe particular tastes of sugar range from the mellow buttery flavor of caramelized sugar to the simpler sweetness of granulated sugar. Sugar offers a versatile sweetness to a limitless number of desserts, but it can also help to balance spicy ingredients (like jalapeño) or bitter ones (as in cocoa), as well as enhance flavor in dishes. Reviewed by E. Cerda, MSN, CNS, LDN A. Gilbaugh, RD, CNSC K. Grenawitzke, OTD, OTR/L, SCFES, IBCLC, CNT S. Bajowala, MD, FAAAAI. (allergy section) R. Ruiz, MD Board-Certified General Pediatrician and Pediatric Gastroenterologist
How much sugar should a 6 month old have?There's no guideline limit for children under the age of 4, but it's recommended they avoid sugar-sweetened drinks and food with sugar added to it.
Is a Little sugar OK for babies?One key message in the 2020 infant recommendations: No amount of added sugar is OK for a baby's development. “Avoid foods and beverages with added sugars during the first 2 years of life,” the committee stated.
Can we add salt or sugar to 6 month baby?Moreover, a salt-rich diet may cause babies to develop a lifelong preference for salty foods, in turn, possibly lowering the overall quality of their diet. Try not to add salt to your baby's foods when they are under 12 months. After 1 year, you can include a small amount of salt in your child's diet.
Can I give sugar water to my 6 month old baby?No. You shouldn't give your newborn water or sugar water. And if you're feeding powdered or concentrated formula to your baby, never dilute it with more than the amount of water called for on the label. Your infant will get all the necessary hydration from breast milk or formula.
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Can I give my 6 month old sugar?
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