Sweets in children's diet: a pediatrician explained when and how much is allowed
Kyiv • UNN
Children do not need sugar up to one year old; WHO recommends limiting it up to three years old. The pediatrician named the norm after one year (30 g) and the best options for sweets (fruits, pastila).
Sugar in children's diet is a topic that causes much controversy and questions. Some parents strictly limit sweets, others allow "a little, but every day," and some see no problem with it at all.
Therefore, UNN spoke with Liliia Salohub, pediatrician at Odrex Medical House. She explained why children don't need sugar in their first year of life and how to properly introduce sweets into their diet.
From what age can children be given sweets? What can be given?
Usually, the later, the better. There is definitely no need for it before 1 year of age, because breast milk (as well as formula) contains milk sugar - lactose, which fully satisfies the baby's need for sweets at this age.
When complementary feeding is introduced, there is also no need to additionally sweeten porridges - they contain a small percentage of lactose. By the way, there is no need to salt them either.
The WHO generally recommends limiting sugar until the age of 3. So I repeat - the later, the better.
But the main principle of consuming any product, including sweets, is not to divide into "bad" and "good".
So what can be given? The best option to start with is fruits. For a child under 1.5-2 years old, they perfectly cover the need for sweets.
Among desserts, I advise giving preference to pastila, marshmallow, and soft marmalade, preferably homemade. They should be soft, not of a chewy consistency.
How to properly offer a child sweets for the first time?
Sweets should be given after the main meal. This should be either the second breakfast or lunch - but always in the first half of the day. This is important to track the reaction and react promptly in case of allergies.
I advise the whole family to gather at the table and seat the child at the common table, not separately somewhere in the corner. Put the same food on everyone's plates that the child will be trying.
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Can children eat homemade baked goods with sugar? And is it really healthier?
If we talk about buns - they have a lot of fats and carbohydrates, they can overload the digestive system and affect the pancreas. Biscuits are also high in calories and contain a lot of sugar. They can be offered after 3-4 years. And it is worth limiting them, because regular consumption of fresh baked goods is a risk of obesity.
A good option is to bake homemade oatmeal cookies, but replace sugar with dried fruits (raisins, dried apricots, dates).
Bread, drying rings, bagels can be tried after a year, but preference should be given to not very hard products (if drying rings, then choose types like "malutka").
Can sweets be given daily if they are within the norm?
The norm after 1 year is 30 grams of sugar. For example, this could be a small piece of pastila or a few cookies, etc.
In fact, we eat sugar every day, because it is contained in all products: in vegetables, in porridges, and, of course, in fruits.
But if we are talking about candies and pastries - first, they can be offered no earlier than at the age of 3, second, they should not be consumed daily.
What habits will help control a child's desire for sweets?
During protest behavior (especially during crisis periods), when a child is angry or withdrawn, they may have a desire to eat something sweet. Then you need to teach the child to identify their feelings and talk about them: "I am upset because..." In response, it is worth suggesting playing, jumping, etc., i.e., replacing sweets with action or emotions as a solution to the problem.
If they are older children or teenagers, then stress plays a significant factor in forming the desire for sweets. If possible, you can involve a psychologist.
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I advise teaching the child to have water and healthy snacks on hand. For example, fruits, dried fruits, apple chips, or any natural snacks, etc.
And something else important: the child should have a balance of carbohydrates, proteins, and fats.
Perhaps they have a desire to eat something sweet because they are not getting the necessary number of calories during the main meal.
How to teach a child a moderate attitude towards sweets?
It is worth forming the habit of reading the product ingredients on labels and choosing healthy options. You don't need to give sweet gifts. Don't stock up on candies and chocolates at home. But also don't restrict too much, because the child may "break loose" at some point. You cannot turn on cartoons or any videos during meals.
Should you allow your child to eat sweets as a "reward"?
You should not "praise" for good behavior or, conversely, not give sweets for bad behavior - this can form a psychological attachment to food. Food is not a reward.
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What health risks can excessive consumption of sweets cause in children?
First, caries and other dental problems. This is a very common problem nowadays. Especially because of lollipops - by the way, this is the worst option for children's sweets, as they are in prolonged contact with enamel and leave a lot of plaque. Among other negative consequences that excessive consumption of sweets can have are overweight, obesity (and hence psychological problems), atherosclerotic plaques, problems with arterial pressure already from adolescence, diseases of the gastrointestinal tract, metabolic disorders, etc.
