Dental experts encourage parents to offer young children vegetables instead of fruit pouches
Experts from the Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health are urging parents of young children to offer them vegetables instead of pre-packed, ready-made fruit pouches and jars.
The body warned that some fruit flavoured products that are aimed at babies and toddlers contain a lot of added sugars, as well as natural sugars that are found in fruit and foods like honey. The RCPCH suggested that parents could be unknowingly giving their children far too much sugar while thinking that they are providing a healthy, balanced diet.
The RCPCH has called for tougher regulation for baby and toddler foods, which would reduce sugar content and lower the risk of associated complications, including child obesity and tooth decay.
Nutrition lead, Professor Mary Fewtrell, said that baby weaning products often contain sweeteners and flavourings that increase sugar content and contribute to young children becoming accustomed to a sweet diet. Fruit pouches, which are often marketed as a quick, and healthy option for parents, often contain a lot of sugar, and the method of consumption also prevents children from developing the skills they need to feed themselves.
The advice from the body is to try and vary flavours to introduce children to a wider range of foods and to check labels before buying snacks and ready-made meals. Babies are willing to try new things, especially if they are provided with a varied diet at a young age and it’s important to try and add sour and bitter flavours, as well as sweeter tastes.
Join this Discussion