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The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that natural fats in your baby's diet not be restricted until he reaches age 2. Fat is a good source of energy for your growing tyke. And, because fat surrounds your baby’s budding brain cells, it’s important for brain development, too. However, trans fats, or manmade fats, should be avoided due to their long-term connection to bad cholesterol, heart disease and cancer. Keep in mind that if “partially hydrogenated oil” is on the ingredients list, then trans fats are in the food.
Salt assault
Babies require much less salt (often referred to as sodium) in their diets than adults do, because their kidneys, which regulate salt and water content in the body, are still developing. According to the National Health Service, children 1-3 years should consume 2000 mg of sodium or less per day. Consuming a lot of sodium is not only unhealthy, it also makes toddlers thirstier and can lead to a greater intake of other unhealthy things, like sugary juices.
You might be surprised to find out just how much sodium is added to foods, even those made for toddlers. For example, Gerber Graduates Pasta Stars with Chicken and Vegetables Lil’ Meal for toddlers has 400 mg of sodium, which is more than a large order of fries at a fast food restaurant, while a Beech-Nut Let’s Grow! Chicken & Stars with vegetables Mini Meal has 160 mg of sodium. While both meals may seem similar, the label shows a significant difference.
Limit the refined sugar, mamma
Sugar can be tricky to spot, because it is disguised by so many names: glucose, fructose, sucrose, maltose, maltodextrin, malt extract, to name a few. However, the most common bully on the sugar block is high fructose corn syrup. When it comes to sugar, keep it limited and natural.
KEITH AYOOB, EdD, RD, FADA, is a practicing pediatric nutritionist and an associate professor of pediatrics at the Albert Einstein College of Medicine in New York. He is the author of The Uncle Sam Diet, based on the 2005 U.S. Dietary Guidelines for Americans.