The Importance of Sugar Free Baby Food & Formula

April 02, 2024

From the time that a baby is growing in the womb, they are able to decipher the different flavors that cross their developing taste buds. From sour to spicy to sweet, little babies can recognize the different tastes in the foods that their mother eats while pregnant. Upon birth, whether your little one nurses or drinks formula from a bottle, they instinctively show interest in the sweet taste of the nourishment offered to them. Dating back to the very primal instincts of human beings, sweet tasting food items used to signal that they were safe for consumption, while sour or bitter tastes warned that a food item, such as fruit on a tree, was either not yet ripe, or otherwise not ideal for eating. While newborn formulas and breast milk contain a natural sweetness, it is due to the lactose that helps to nourish their tiny bodies and it is very pleasing to their taste buds and good for their bodies! There is however a big difference between healthy and naturally occurring sugars in a baby’s milk, versus artificial and added sugars. Let’s dive in and discuss those differences!

 

Reasons to stick to nourishment with no added sugars

Some of the biggest reasons to avoid feeding your baby formula, baby food or other food items that contain added sugar is due to their health! Added and artificial sugars contribute to unhealthy development of teeth and gums, while filling little bodies with empty calories at a time where they need optimal nutrition for energy and growth. Sugar in excess also contributes to unhealthy weight gain as a baby grows, and extends into childhood, contributing to the risk of childhood obesity. Additionally, consumption of added sugars early on tends to trick a baby’s taste buds into preferring these additives over other blander tasting options like vegetables and healthy starches.

 

Tips for offering the very best nutrition

If a baby is breastfed, then the Mama needs to be mindful to eat a healthy and well-balanced diet. While occasional sweet treats are ok in moderation, mothers should be careful to not overindulge in foods and drinks with added sugars regularly. This will not only benefit their own health, but the health of their little one who will be consuming the milk they make along with the nutrients (or lack of) that they pass along through their breast milk. If formula feeding, reading labels and choosing brands that have no added sugar is key. Lebenswert, Holle and HiPP Baby Formulas are a great choice as they contain no added sugars like corn syrup, rice syrup, glucose syrup, fructose, or table sugar. This means that babies will be set up for optimal growth and development during their early years of life. Keep in mind that if a label does not show sugars in the ingredients, then it is not in there! 

 

Likewise, when it comes time to select baby cereals and purees, the same rule applies. While naturally occurring sugars in fruits and some vegetables can taste sweet, keep in mind that these types of sugars are good for babies and they positively contribute to their energy levels, brain development and physical needs as they learn to roll, crawl, sit up, walk…and eventually run!  Foods like berries, bananas, carrots, potatoes, oats and other healthy foods all contain natural sugars that will be found in most baby cereals and purees. Whether you select store brand versions or opt to make these items homemade, you can’t and shouldn’t avoid these types of sugars. If a label on a baby food item shows added sugars however, you should certainly avoid it, especially before the age of one as they offer no added health benefits. Look for wording such as “no added sugar”. It is also beneficial to note that while it may seem that artificial sugar offers energy boosts to babies and adults alike, unlike natural sugars that break down and positively contribute to energy levels as they get digested, this kind of energy is not sustaining and can cause blood sugar level disturbances, which leads to energy crashes after consumption.

 

Formulas and baby food ideas with no added sugar

Now that we have discussed the differences between natural and artificial sugars, as well as how to select the right kinds of naturally occurring sweet food items for babies, let’s explore food options to meet baby’s nutritional needs! We also have some related posts that contain resources and tips on how to combat any natural sugars that could be left behind on gums and teeth:

Sugar Free Sweet Treats for the Whole Family

Quick & Easy Baby Food Recipes - Organicbabyfood.shop

How To Prevent Bottle Rot

Healthy Recipes to Include at Your Baby’s First Birthday Celebration

3 reasons why HiPP Goat Milk formula is a great option for your baby

Have you noticed that your little one prefers sweet food items, or do you have any sugar free baby food recipes that you have tried making at home!? Let us know by sharing below if so!

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