Story Content

The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), and the Dietary Guidelines for Americans all advise avoiding any added salt and sugar for babies for the first year of their lives.

Infants' kidneys can't handle the amount of salt as efficiently—all excess salt will just add a strain. High salt intake can overwhelm their small organs and cause problems such as elevated blood pressure, strained kidneys, and even kidney stones in the future. Infants get the small amount of salt they need from breastmilk or formula.

Added sugars have no nutritional purpose and displace nutrients needed for growing bodies. Introducing them too early can set babies up with a preference for salty and sweet flavors, increasing risk of childhood and adulthood obesity, tooth decay, diabetes, and heart disease.

It's best to serve a diet of wholesome foods such as fruit and vegetables and grains in their natural form. Speak to your doctor about your child's diet. This mantra ensures healthier eating habits for life.