Babies and Toddlers Information for parents

If your child loves sweet delicacies and seeks continuity with sugar, you will probably already know how difficult it is to restrict this trend. Continue the effort, organizing strategy and, bear in mind that it will be much easier to do now while they are young rather than later!

Having studied with perseverance issues, scientists at the University of Pennsylvania concluded that the tendency of children to sweet foods could also be a genetic issue. This does not mean that parents should not fight for vegetables, but the same researchers stress that the evidence shows that children whose parents insist on rules of proper nutrition have progressively less dependence on the sweet temptations and are ultimately more likely to eat vegetables and fruits.

However, even in cases where mothers and their young have exactly the same taste genes, comparing adults and minors led to the conclusion that childhood is much more sensitive to bitter taste, whereas sensitivity is reduced in adulthood, especially if an adult has grown up with parents who insisted on rules of proper nutrition.

How much is too much?

Allow the child to enjoy one small sweet item a day, preferably after lunch or afternoon. The issue is to narrow in small, affordable quantities: one or two candies, or very small portion of ice cream, for example, is an ideal daily allowance of a sweet food and if a child insists on more, you should decline steadily and explain that if they are still hungry you can make a fun healthy sandwich or offer a cracker, but try not to give in. In fact, whether to allow the child to eat something sweet at all can also depend on the menu of the day and whether you respond to it.

Can sweets be used as a snack?

This is a habit you should try to avoid. Sugar is a simple carbohydrate which burns quickly. The child will be hungry again within a short space of time and will require even more snacks and probably even more sweet snacks.

What is the best way to convince my child not to eat sweet/candy snacks?

The nutritional behavior of parents is crucial,as a child growing up tend's to follow the habits of their parents, so if the child see's YOU eating cakes/sweets every afternoon, then they will more than likely want to do the same. Maybe suggest a special sweet treat once or twice a week.

What can I do if I am not there to monitor my child's food intake?

Clarify beforehand with all caregivers of your child, exactly what YOU believe to be acceptable in terms of their diet and any treats that you allow, and ask them to respect your wishes. Also discuss with your child so that they too know the boundaries and what to expect.

What healthy snacks can satisfy my child's desire for "sweet" foods?

There are so many alternatives that are far more beneficial to your child. Fresh fruit is excellent and full of vitamins. Most children love bananas, apples, strawberries, melon etc. Also kiwi, pears, oranges, and mandarins - the list is endless! Have you child help prepare the fruit with you - make a "smiley face" on the plate, anything, use your imagination! Make it FUN for your child. Dried fruit is another good alternative and easy to have with you while out and about etc. A portion of good yoghurt is very satisfying too-and if you wish to sweeten slightly, you could always add a tiny amount of honey, or mix with fresh fruit.