When is salt and sugar added to baby food?
⚡ Short answer: No extra salt or sugar until age 1 (kidneys aren't ready, risk of taste addiction and cavities); salt after age 1 in tiny pinches, added sugar ideally not until age 2.
Anonymous
7 aylık bebek annesi · Feeding
I'm not adding salt or sugar to my baby's food but the grandparents say 'tasteless, he won't eat.' When is salt and sugar allowed?
Maiyko AI ADVISOR
The real reply from the in-app AI advisor
This worry from the grandparents is very common, and it may have concerned you too. You're right — no extra salt or sugar is recommended until age 1. A baby's kidneys aren't mature enough to process sodium yet, and added sugar in the early months sets the stage for taste addiction and cavities.
After age 1, you can add very small amounts (a tiny pinch) of salt, but it's better to wait for sugar. Avoiding added sugar until age 2 lets the baby's taste sense develop with natural flavors. Babies don't understand the concept of "bland" food; if they don't eat something, it's for another reason (teething, tiredness, neophobia) not the taste.
What you're doing right now is completely correct; you can simply tell the grandparents, "The kidneys are small, we need to wait until he's a year old." If they keep at it, just ask again.
⚕️ Health note: This answer is for general information only; it is not medical advice. Every baby is different — for decisions about your baby's health, consult your pediatrician.
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