Question

Can you give babies and toddlers low fat meals and sugar free drinks?

Answer

It's tempting to think nutrition advice for adults also applies to babies and toddlers but this is not always the case.

 

While low fat foods may be suitable for adults, they are not suitable for babies and toddlers as they are growing so fast, they need the energy from fat and other nutrients to grow and develop. So always offer full fat milk, cheese and yoghurt for example and avoid offering low fat products.

 

Sugar free drinks may not be suitable as they may contain artificial sweeteners like aspartame, acesulfame K or saccharine. It's best to check product packaging of cordials and other drinks before giving them to your baby and toddler.

 

If the product is in the baby aisle of the supermarket, it has to meet strict requirements on all the ingredients and no artificial additives are permitted. There are also nutritional guidelines for baby food that adult foods do not have to meet.

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