What is a Pediatric Dietitian and How Can They Help

What is a Pediatric Dietitian and How Can They Help?

by with No Comment Consultation
Hey there, I’m Ms. Yeting, a Pediatric Dietitian, and the founder of Simple Balance Nutrition. If you’re struggling with your kids’ eating habits, you’re not alone. Feeding children can be a real challenge! That’s why I’m passionate about ensuring every parent has access to a pediatric dietitian like myself—I’m here to lend a hand!

My specialty? Working alongside parents to revolutionize how they feed their children and how their children eat. Together, we can empower your children to embrace new foods, enjoy a diverse range of options from various food groups, sit down to meals happily without any battles, and cultivate a lifelong healthy relationship with food and their bodies.

If you’re ready to dive in and work with a pediatric dietitian one-on-one, you can book an appointment with me right here. Whether you’re dealing with picky eating, a child seemingly “addicted to sugar,” weight concerns, or just need help getting nutritious meals on the table, you’ve come to the right place.

In this post, I’ll walk you through what a pediatric dietitian does, why it’s crucial to seek out a specialist in pediatric nutrition for your children, and how you can go about finding one. Plus, I’ll give you a sneak peek into what you can expect when working with a pediatric dietitian, so you can be confident in finding the perfect fit for your family.

So, if you’re ready to kickstart your journey towards happier, healthier eating habits for your children, let’s get started!

 

WHY CHILDHOOD NUTRITION IS IMPORTANT 

The global obesity crisis has worsened in recent years, with research pointing out how more and more children deal with this harmful condition. Pediatric dietitians and nutritionists are here to help prevent children from developing unhealthy body mass indexes and to support those who are on their weight loss journey.

A century ago, the notion of a child needing a dietitian would have been met with skepticism. Back then, the food they ate was generally more nutritious and less processed. Plus, the idea of seeking professional guidance for children’s diets wasn’t widely accepted.

Fast forward to today, we are dealing with more obese children than ever with pre-diabetes and diabetes, inflammatory bowel syndrome, autoimmune diseases, skin issues, and a variety of food intolerances and allergies. It’s a serious global issue that demands attention.

Despite the gravity of the situation, the importance of addressing children’s dietary preferences and involving pediatric dietitians in the conversation has become increasingly evident. Parents are recognizing the significance of seeking expert guidance to ensure their children’s nutritional needs are met and to tackle health challenges head-on.

In essence, while the prevalence of childhood obesity presents a significant challenge, the role of pediatric dietitians has never been more crucial. By working together to promote healthier eating habits and address nutritional concerns, we can strive towards a healthier future for our children.

 

WHAT DOES A PEDIATRIC DIETITIAN DO?

A pediatric dietitian is dedicated to collaborating with children and their families to enhance their dietary habits, nutrition, and feeding routines. There are various reasons why a child might benefit from consulting a pediatric dietitian, which I’ll delve into below.

During the initial consultation with a pediatric dietitian, a comprehensive nutrition assessment is conducted. This typically involves:

  1. Reviewing the child’s medical history in detail.
  2. Assessing growth parameters such as height, weight, and growth charts to track progress over time.
  3. Evaluating the child’s weight and height history to identify any trends or concerns.
  4. Gaining insight into the child’s typical dietary intake and preferences.
  5. Engaging in thorough discussions and asking pertinent questions to better understand the child’s unique needs and circumstances.

Based on this assessment, the pediatric dietitian will develop dietary modification recommendations and work closely with the family to implement these recommendations effectively. The frequency and duration of follow-up visits will vary depending on the individual needs of the child.

Overall, the primary goal of a pediatric dietitian is to support children and their families in optimizing their nutritional intake, fostering healthy eating habits, and addressing any dietary concerns or challenges they may encounter along the way.

 

WHEN TO SEE A PEDIATRIC DIETITIAN 

Wondering when it’s time to seek guidance from a pediatric dietitian? Here are some common scenarios where their expertise can make a significant difference:

1. Picky Eating

If mealtimes at your home resemble battlegrounds due to a picky eater, a dietitian can offer valuable support. They can help alleviate mealtime stress and create strategies to encourage your child to explore new foods. Picky eating is often seen in toddlers and preschoolers but can persist if left unaddressed, potentially impacting growth. Early intervention with a dietitian’s comprehensive assessment can help set your child on the right path. Check out my online course PEACEFUL MEALTIMES to help your children start trying new foods.

2. Starting Solids and Baby-Led Weaning

Navigating the transition to solid foods can be daunting for new parents. A dietitian can provide guidance on your baby’s nutritional needs, appropriate food choices, and transitioning through different textures. For those considering baby-led weaning, a dietitian can offer tailored advice and meal ideas to support this approach.

3. Nutrient Deficiencies

If your child is diagnosed with a nutrient deficiency, such as iron or vitamin D, a dietitian can help rectify the imbalance through dietary adjustments or supplements. Iron deficiency, particularly common in toddlers consuming excessive milk alternatives, requires careful management to restore optimal levels.

4. Constipation

Constipation is a prevalent issue in children, often influenced by diet. A dietitian can analyze your child’s dietary habits and recommend adjustments to promote regular bowel movements. They may suggest incorporating probiotic-rich foods or supplements and offer easy-to-follow recipes for constipation relief.

5. Child Athletes

Proper nutrition is vital for young athletes to support performance, recovery, and growth. A dietitian specializing in pediatric nutrition and sports can provide tailored guidance to optimize your child’s nutritional intake, considering their high activity levels and rapid growth.

6. Weight Concerns

If there are concerns about your child’s weight or growth, a pediatric dietitian can conduct a comprehensive assessment to determine if intervention is necessary. It’s essential to approach discussions about weight sensitively and privately, focusing on overall health rather than appearance to prevent negative associations.

7. Food Allergies

Children with food allergies may require guidance to ensure they receive adequate nutrients while avoiding allergens. A dietitian can assist in identifying suitable alternatives and designing a balanced diet that meets their nutritional needs.

8. Other Health Concerns

There are numerous other reasons to consult a pediatric dietitian, including general growth and nutrition concerns. If you have any concerns about your child’s diet or nutrition, consider discussing them with their pediatrician to explore the possibility of a referral to a dietitian.

Remember, the expertise of a pediatric dietitian can play a pivotal role in addressing various dietary challenges and promoting optimal health and well-being for your child.

 

HOW TO FIND A PEDIATRIC DIETITIAN 

When seeking a pediatric dietitian to address your child’s nutritional needs, consider the following avenues:

  1. Word of Mouth: Tap into your social network by asking fellow parents in your child’s daycare, kindergarten, or school for recommendations. Parents who have already engaged the services of a pediatric dietitian may offer valuable insights, or the educational institution itself might have information on reputable professionals.
  2. Pediatrician Referral: Consult your child’s regular pediatrician for referrals to pediatric dietitians in your area. Pediatricians often collaborate with dietitians and can provide trusted recommendations based on your child’s specific needs.
  3. Virtual Pediatric Dietitians: If you’re seeking assistance for non-medical nutrition issues such as picky eating or healthy meal planning and prefer a virtual option, you can consider working with a remote pediatric dietitian. Virtual consultations offer convenience and accessibility, allowing you to connect with a qualified professional regardless of geographical location.
  4. Local Dietitian Recommendations: If you’re having difficulty finding a local pediatric dietitian, reach out to other dietitians in your area for recommendations. Many dietitians maintain professional networks and can direct you to colleagues who specialize in pediatric nutrition. Additionally, dietitians often refer clients to specialists outside their own expertise, ensuring you receive tailored support.

By exploring these avenues and seeking referrals from trusted sources, you can connect with a qualified pediatric dietitian who can address your child’s unique nutritional needs and support their health and well-being.

 

BOTTOM LINE 

A pediatric dietitian is a registered dietitian specializing in working with children, equipped with extensive experience in pediatric nutrition. They offer invaluable support and guidance across various nutrition-related challenges, including picky eating, introducing solids, weight and growth concerns, addressing nutrient deficiencies, and devising healthy meal plans tailored to children’s needs.

Whether you opt for a local or virtual dietitian depends on your specific circumstances and preferences. The crucial factor is finding a professional with a solid background in pediatric nutrition, ensuring the best possible care for your family.

With over 13 years of dedicated experience in pediatric nutrition, I’m here to support you every step of the way. Whether you’re ready to schedule a consultation or simply have questions about your child’s nutrition, feel free to reach out. I offer a range of free resources to kickstart your journey towards better health and nutrition for your child.

Don’t hesitate to contact me for personalized assistance or to learn more about my qualifications and expertise. Your child’s well-being is my top priority, and I’m committed to providing the support and guidance you need to navigate the challenges of pediatric nutrition with confidence.

sensory-fun-food-play-photo

What You Should Know About Sensory Food Play

by with One Comment Baby Led WeaningChild & Family NutritionInfant NutritionToddler Nutrition

Sensory food play is an extremely hands-on activity, which lets children engage with their senses through the exploration of different foods and textures through play. When sensory play is focused on food, it becomes even more stimulating   a b   se food is the ultimate sensory experience.

I know FOOD PLAY is usually not considered a good thing by parents as it is messy, but it is important for them to explore the foods through play.

Sensory food play is not just about playing foods      

WHY?

In a study published in Public Health Nutrition, researchers from Finland describe “sensory-based food education” programs that are common in preschools there. The programs include activities like preparing salads, growing vegetables in a garden or on a windowsill, taking field trips to pick berries, and participating in “sensory sessions” where children touch, listen, taste, and smell different kinds of foods—then share observations with each other.

They found that preschoolers who participated in this food education chose more fruits and vegetables from a buffet compared to those who didn’t receive it. Researchers say this sensory-based education helps children explore food with all five senses and instills a joy of eating. They also note that the findings held true even if there was a high level of pickiness in the group—which shows that “positive peer modeling” can also encourage children to try new foods.

  • Explore: When we let children explore and play with food, it gives them an opportunity to get to know their food and become comfortable with how it will eventually feel in their mouths.
  • Stress-free: Some children are anxious about unfamiliar foods, and Sensory Food Play provides them with some much-needed relaxation when faced with the overwhelming sensory experience of a new food. Smashing, squishing, poking, rolling, pouring, and dumping the food can provide stress relief as well as teach them how that food might feel in their mouth (and they just might try it!).
  • Build Trust: The use of Sensory Food Play can assist the child with touching, smelling and playing with the texture in an environment with little expectation. As the child develops trust and understanding of this texture it helps build positive pathways in the brain to say it is safe to engage with this food.

SENSORY FOOD PLAY RULES:

You can set a time and place for playing with food. You can also set the rules and boundaries for this exploration process. If you are worried about the mess or expense,  make a rule about that.

  • Mess: You can help your children manage their mess with consistent directions and rules. Before you get started, make sure that you have decided where your children are going to be playing. If it is going to be on the floor, put down a splash mat, old shower curtain or blanket. You could also play in the car porch to avoid lots of mess (handy for a rinse over afterwards!). I love to put the infant (6 months+, support with cushion) in highchair and put the messy/food play activity on highchair table. Just remember, the goal is for your children to develop positive feelings and connections with their food, so let them have a little fun with it.
  • Clean up: Have a clean up bin ready, such as baby wipes, apron, sponge, paper towels, cleaning spray.
  • Expense: Most of my sensory food play items I buy in bulk (e.g., rice, pasta, beans, cereal, oatmeal, yogurt, food coloring, toothpicks, etc.), which saves money in the long run. I often buy canned food items (peas, pears, fruit cups, etc.) or use leftovers. Also, I use items I receive for free at fast food restaurants (ketchup packets, straws, and other dipping containers).

Sensory food play is so important and beneficial for babies and younger children.  Not only is it lots of fun, but there is a lot of learning going on when they are playing that you might not realise. I am going to should you some benefits when a child engages in sensory food play.

SENSORY FOOD PLAY SKILLS:

  • Sensory system (learning and developing new tastes, textures and smells)
  • Gross motor skills (body balancing)
  • Fine motor skills (scooping, pincer grasp, writing, dipping)
  • Mealtime skills (pouring, tasting)
  • Language skills (maths, food vocabulary , following directions)
  • Play skills (imaginary play, solitary play)
  • Social skills (turn taking, manners) with other children
  • Problem solving skills (How to..)
  • Brain development (enhancing memory, ability to complete more complex learning tasks)
  • Learning cause and effect (what happen after squishing blueberries)
  • Growing independence through play
  • Creativity and FUN
  • Exploring shapes and colours

Here are some fantastic ideas and activities for sensory food play:

Digging in Beans – Get ready to dig, lift, dump, and pour. Fill a pan with dried beans, noodles, or rice and get little trucks or cars out. My son was crazy about this one.

Yogurt Paint – Paint  with yogurt. Get your little one touch new veggies while making beautiful art.

Shape Matching – Simple, quick and easy.

Learning Letters – use yogurt to make a letter, and trace the letter with berries or pomegranates.

Stacking – make a tower or building.

Rainbow Toast – Painting on food you can eat!

Counting Game – an easy educational game you can create for your little one.

Food Ribbons – use a peeler to turn a fruit or vegetable into ribbons.

I recommend Sensory Food Play at least once a week at home for picky eaters or problem eaters. Playing with food away from table (without pressure to eat or eat it now) offers your child the opportunity to look at, touch, smell and hopefully tasting the foods.

Sensory food play is vital for a child’s development and learning process! After you discover the key benefits of sensory food play for children in my article today, you may want to initiate sensory food play at home.

DON’T KNOW HOW

If you have no idea, you can check out this SENSORY FUN FOOD PLAY GUIDE. This guide takes you step by step through how to set up food play at home and get your children engaged in more than 100 sensory food play activities. Don’t be afraid to be silly and creative!

Happy Playing!

CHECK OUT NOW

Salt:Sodium for Babies and Toddlers

Salt/Sodium for Babies and Toddlers

by with No Comment Baby Led WeaningChild & Family NutritionInfant NutritionToddler Nutrition

I feel like a lot of us, parents, are pretty conscious of how much sugar we’re giving to our little ones, but what about their salt intake, especially if you are doing mixed approach.

HOW MUCH SALT?

Due to insufficient data for babies, an AI (Adequate Intake) for sodium has been established.

  • For infants 6 months and younger, the AI for sodium is 110 milligrams per day (here).
  • Babies between the ages of 7 and 12 months have an AI of 370 milligrams per day (here).

So, up to 12 months of age, the recommended amount of sodium per day is less than 400 mg sodium. This includes salt found in breastmilk/formula AND solid foods. So, considering that breastmilk and formula have about 200 mg of sodium per 24 oz., this means that babies should only be consuming about 200 mg of sodium via solid food daily.

The reason for this recommended intake level is that we assume that babies’ kidneys are still very immature and won’t be able to process large amounts of salt properly. So far, we don’t have enough research yet to say that this is 100% the upper limit for salt for babies under 1 year old. They may be able to handle more, but without enough research indicating the highest level actually determined safe before developing any risk of poor health effects, sticking to this limit is advised.

SALT VS. SODIUM

Salt and sodium are often used interchangeably and you may see both on food labels. Table salt that we eat is actually made up of sodium (40%) and chloride (60%).

1 tsp salt = 2300 mg sodium 

1 g sodium = 2.5 g salt 

We definitely need both of these electrolytes (as well as potassium) as they help send messages along the nerves, enable muscles to contract,  balance the amount of fluids in the body, enhance nutrient absorption, regulate acid-base balance, absorb potassium, and control the level of bacteria present in the stomach.

SALT IN FOODS

Salt in pretty much everything store-bought, processed or packaged. It’s a preservative and it makes food taste amazing, so naturally food manufactures will put it in deliberately. Salt can be found in:

  • Processed meats like deli meats, bacon, hotdogs, ham and sausages.
  • Frozen foods like fish sticks, chicken nuggets, frozen meals.
  • Potato chips
  • Crackers
  • Canned soups
  • Gravy
  • Broths (vegetables, chicken, beef)
  • Olives, pickles, pickled vegetables (Kimchi)
  • Soy sauce

Other foods that you may not be aware as they don’t taste very salty but are very high in sodium:

  • Cheese and other dairy products like yogurt and milk
  • Bread, bagels, English muffins, tortillas, and other bread products
  • Canned tomato and pasta sauce
  • Canned vegetables
  • Canned beans
  • Box cereal

*Fresh Milk  – 100 mg sodium in 1 cup. The high sodium content is one of the many reasons milk is not recommended as a main drink until your baby turns one. A little milk in cereal or baked goods is ok, so no need to cut it out completely.

WHAT SHOULD YOU DO?

As you can see in the picture above, sodium is found naturally in foods as well as added to processed foods. It’s practically in every food. So do we need to completely eliminate salt from baby’s solid foods?

AT HOME

If you are cooking meals for your family, you can always hold off on adding salt until after you have taken out your baby’s portion. For example, when making a stir-fry, put a small portion aside before adding soy sauce to the pan.

It is important not to add salt to anything you cook from scratch, even if you think it tastes bland, taste can be different experience for your baby than it is for you. You can use herbs and spices as flavour enhancers.

During the first few months of eating, it is very unlikely that a baby will consume a large amount of sodium. Especially if you are being mindful in the purchased foods you provide. When baby’s don’t eat that much, it is just a hard proposition for them to get in a lot of sodium. And if a baby is self-feeding, it does take a while for them to start to ingest a decent amount of food!

For older baby, if we are sharing meals and eating more family-style meals, it is likely that you will need to pay a little closer attention to their foods as hidden sodium can be found in so many foods!

AT RESTAURANT

Restaurant foods tend to be much saltier than what you would make at home. It is also very hard to determine how much sodium is actually in a dish. Even if the nutritional information is published, many chefs will add salt as they see fit, regardless of the recipe. There are a couple of ways you can approach this. My general recommendation is not to worry too much. As long as you aren’t eating at a restaurant daily, or multiple times a day, it will all even out. Try to order something that would normally be cooked with less salt. You can even ask the waiter’s or chef’s suggestion.

If you have a baby that doesn’t eat that much yet, or in general, then you should be fine. If your baby usually eats a lot, there is always the option of bringing along some food for them that you know is low in sodium. I generally find that I can make do at restaurants with the food on the menu. I also want my child to experience the different flavors available. But if you’re unsure what is there, it never hurts to bring your own food along.

The key is being mindful and seeing how you can balance things in the next few days. Maybe one day they eat a good amount of cheese and bread, so the next day you are very conscious of only offering low or no sodium foods. Maybe one meal they eat at restaurant and the next meal you focus on fruit and a homemade muffin for snack. Pick and choose your battles and do what you can to make smart decisions wherever possible.

If it’s really only once or twice a week that you have restaurant meals, then just be sure to note that and adjust the food choices for the rest of the week! Keep it truly balanced while continually striving to plan ahead.

BOTTOM LINE

The idea is to do your best, serve homemade meals as much as possible. Read labels and practice mindfulness around what you’re eating and feeding your baby. This is a good practice to get into for the whole family.

What you feed your child today lays the foundation for taste preferences for tomorrow. 

adding-herbs-and-spices-to-baby-foods-photo

Adding Herbs and Spices to Baby Foods

by with No Comment Baby Led WeaningChild & Family NutritionInfant NutritionPicky EatingToddler Nutrition

Herbs and spices provide our foods with a multitude of flavours, fragrances, and colours. However, many parents worry about adding flavour this way to their babies’ food, believing that spices are hot and not suitable for little ones’ taste buds.

Baby food doesn’t have to be bland!

There is a big difference between hot spices and aromatic ones. Aromatic spices, such as turmeric, garlic, ginger, dill, cumin, nutmeg, garlic, dill, and cinnamon, are perfectly fine to introduce to baby after 6 months.

This guide explains why I recommend parents adding herbs and spices to baby’s food, the benefits of adding them and gives some ideas on how to start introducing them to your baby.

WHY YOU SHOULD INTRODUCE HERBS AND SPICES TO BABIES

If your baby doesn’t have any digestive problems, I always encourage parents who are just starting weaning their babies, either by purees or baby led weaning (around 6 months of age), to experiment with herbs and spices from the beginning. The more you expose your baby to a variety of tastes and flavours, between 6-12 months, the more likely it is that they’ll accept a variety of food later on in life! This means adding herbs and spices right from the beginning helps reduce the chances of pickiness.

In fact, breastfed babies are often introduced to a variety of spices even before starting solids. Breast milk can change its flavour, depending on a mum’s diet. If mum enjoys spicy and flavoursome food, then her baby will be exposed to this through her milk, helping create and develop a taste for flavoured foods. Therefore, by flavouring food with a variety of herbs and spices, you’ll continue the benefits of flavour exposure found in breastmilk.

What about exclusively formula fed babies? We know that babies are made to handle various flavours from the first day of their life, they were capable of experiencing various spices without any issues. So bland food is actually not a requirement for them and it’s natural for them to experience different flavours. If your baby is exclusively formula fed, then they wouldn’t have that exposure, and so beginning with some herbs and spices when they start solids is a great way to get those taste buds primed for new flavours.

As salt and sugar should be limited in baby food, spices and herbs are a great way to flavour food.

BENEFITS OF INTRODUCING HERBS AND SPICES AT AN EARLY AGE 

  • Trains the baby’s taste buds to enjoy variety flavors and will set the foundation for healthy eating habits.
  • Teaches the baby to expect change with food. Offering a plain mashed banana one day and a mashed banana with a dash of cinnamon the next can have a valuable influence on the child’s evolving palate.
  • Fresh herbs are packed with antioxidants, vitamins and minerals.
  • Herbs and spices are great flavour enhancers without adding unnecessary sugar and salt.
  • Helps babies transition to family food, as your baby will be familiar with those tastes and more likely to accept them.

WHAT ABOUT HOT SPICY FOODS?

Hot spicy foods (cayenne pepper or jalapeño) can hold off for a while. But, it is recommended to use aromatic spice first, such as curry, cumin, oregano, turmeric, cinnamon, mint, basil, allow them to experience those flavours first, before adding small amounts of hot spices. We live in Malaysia, the 3 major cultures that have influenced Malaysian food are Malay, Chinese and Indian. A lot of Malaysian dishes can be classified under the hot and spicy category. So, once you start, use mild spices in small dosages, therefore, you can cook a dish that the whole family can enjoy.

POPULAR FLAVOUR COMBINATIONS 

Here is a list of baby friendly herbs, spices and natural flavor enhancers and the foods that pair well with them:

Vegetables 

  • Asparagus: Parmesan cheese
  • Banana: rolled in unsweetened coconut
  • Broccoli: nutritional yeast
  • Butternut squash: cinnamon, nutmeg, allspice or ginger
  • Carrots: basil and garlic; or cinnamon
  • Cauliflower: curry powder
  • Green beans: garlic powder
  • Mashed potatoes: dill or garlic
  • Pumpkin: cinnamon, nutmeg, or ginger
  • Sweet potato: cardamom, cinnamon, cajun spice or nutmeg

Fruits 

  • Applesauce: cinnamon, nutmeg, allspice, or ginger
  • Avocado: cilantro or parsley
  • Bananas: cinnamon or allspice
  • Pears: ginger or cinnamon

Grains/Cereals

  • Oatmeal: cinnamon and nutmeg
  • Pasta: basil, oregano, or garlic
  • Rice: cinnamon, nutmeg, cardamom, or ginger
  • Quinoa (sweet): cinnamon, nutmeg, cardamon, or ginger
  • Quinoa (savory): garlic powder, pepper, onion powder, basil, or oregano

Dairy

  • Plain yogurt: cinnamon or mint

Meat 

  • Chicken: ginger; rosemary, sage and thyme; lemon zest and pepper; or basil and oregano; paprika
  • Beef: garlic and pepper; or onion powder and pepper
  • Salmon: dill, lime or lemon

TIPS TO ADD SPICES & HERBS TO BABY FOOD

When adding herbs and spices, make sure to start simple and try not to add too much so as to overpower the food. Start out by adding one herb or spice to your baby’s food and then building it up from there by mixing with other flavours.

  • Storage: Store spices in airtight containers away from light and heat. Whole spices will keep for around 1-2 years but after around six months, ground spices will start to lose their aroma and flavour. So buy in small amounts and use often!
  • Pre-mix spice blends: Always read the packaging when using pre-mix spice blends (as they often have added sugar and salt), try making your own blends.
  • Start slowly: Start with plain foods so baby can try the taste of the food on its own.
  • Use small amounts: Once baby has tasted the food plain, you can gradually add spices and herbs you use when cooking for the rest of the family. Use small amounts to start with to allow your baby to get used to different flavours. You don’t want to overpower the food. Start out by adding just a pinch.
  • Prepare fresh leafy herbs properly: Wash fresh herbs and then puree or finely mince before adding to baby food. Large leaves can be a choking hazard
  • Don’t give up: If your baby rejects the flavour of the spices/herbs just remember that it can take up to 10-20 exposures for a new flavour to be accepted.

Let’s give our babies something other than tasteless mush or finger foods to eat!  I’m a firm believer that babies deserve the tasty goodness we feed ourselves. When you implement these tips, you will create a change in taste and expectation for your baby. When babies learn to accept change with food, they become less likely to get stuck in food ruts.

If you’ve added herbs and spices to your baby food, what’s your little one’s favourite combinations?

why-shouldnt-babies-eat-honey-photo

Why Shouldn’t Babies Eat Honey?

by with No Comment Baby Led WeaningChild & Family NutritionInfant Nutrition

The American Academy of Pediatrics (news) and the World Health Organization advises that honey should not be added to food, water, or formula that is fed to infants younger than 12 months of age. This technically, applies to raw and unpasteurized honey, local honey; even applies to all foods and baked goods containing honey.

Honey can contain spores of bacterium called Clostridium Botulinum, which can germinate in a baby’s immature digestive system and release the toxin that causes Infant Botulism – a potentially fatal illness.

Honey should never be given to a child under the age of 12 months old.

SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS OF INFANT WITH BOTULISM 

Symptoms typically appear within 12-36 hours after eating contaminated food, but may occur as early as a few hours and as late as 10 days.

  • muscle weakness
  • flat facial expression 
  • decreased movement 
  • lethargy in feeding or weak sucking
  • weak cry
  • constipation 

These are all a result of the muscle paralysis caused by bacterial toxin. If your infant has signs of botulism, it is recommended you visit the emergency room immediately as this is a life-threatening illness.  Be sure to keep samples of the potentially contaminated food for testing.

IS HONEY SAFE FOR TODDLERS, OLDER CHILDREN AND ADULTS? 

These spores are usually harmless to adults and children over age one. In adults, the amount of botulism spores ingested (if any) from honey is really quite negligible because we have mature intestines. The intestines of an adult contain enough acids to counteract the production of toxins the botulism bacteria produce. Once an infant reaches the age of 1 year or older, their immune system is well developed and intestines have a balance of acids that help destroy and fight off any toxins that the botulism bacteria produce. 

WHAT ABOUT FOODS CONTAINING HONEY?

Children under age 1 should not be offered any foods with honey, including yogurt with honey and cereals and crackers with honey, such as honey graham crackers, honey nut cheerios, honey wheat bread. Cooking and baking do not reach temperatures high enough to kill or destroy the botulism spores. 

Honey is unsafe in any form under one.

BOTTOM LINE

Honey contains modest amounts of B vitamins and vitamin C, it can be a nice addition to your baby’s diet, but it’s important to wait until after 12 months of age. Remember, honey, a sweetener, does have a lot of calories, just like other natural sugars. Read labels carefully to see if processed foods contain honey.

Did you know that I provide personalized nutrition consultation service for families? If this is something you’d like to learn more about, check out here. 

can-give-finger-foods-baby-doesnt-teeth-yet-photo

Can I Give Finger Foods If My Baby Doesn’t Have Teeth Yet?

by with No Comment Baby Led WeaningChild & Family NutritionInfant Nutrition

According to the new infant feeding guidelines, it is now recommended that babies be introduced to a variety of textures within the first few months of starting solids. Spoon-feeding purees is no longer the one and only way. In fact, you can jump right in with soft finger foods (Baby Led Weaning) if you feel comfortable with it.

As a dietitian, I’m often asked this question:

My baby doesn’t have any teeth yet? Can I give him finger foods?

ANSWER: YES !!!

BABIES CHEW WITH THEIR GUMS

Babies can enjoy soft finger foods before they have teeth. They can mash foods into smaller pieces using their gums.

Finger foods are small pieces of food that your baby can pick up and eat easily. Introducing finger foods early, soon after starting solids, helps your baby get used to different food textures, improve coordination and encourages self-feeding. These are important feeding skills. Most babies are ready for finger foods by 6-7 months, some babies start right at 6 months (BLW). Many won’t have teeth (or very many teeth) by this age.

You baby is likely ready for finger foods when you see the following:

  • He can sit upright with minimal support.
  • He is very interested in watching people eat and the food on your plate.
  • He can eat thicker purees (the consistency of mashed potatoes).
  • He can bring food to his mouth using his hand.

SAFE FINGER FOOD IDEAS FOR BABIES 

Choose soft foods that baby can grasp easily with fingers or hands. Offer your baby different kinds of finger foods from all 4 food groups.

Vegetables (soft cooked) and Fruits

  • Soft cooked vegetable (grating, cut into bite-sized pieces or strips): Carrot, broccoli, green beans, yam, sweet potato, potato, cauliflower, zucchini, squash
  • Soft, ripe, peeled fruit (grating, cut into bite-size pieces or strips): apple, pears, ripe slices of kiwi, mango, papaya, melon, cantaloupe, banana, fresh or canned unseated peaches, ripe avocado, oranges, thawed frozen fruit and berries
  • Seedless grapes don’t have to peel but should cut into four bite-size pieces

Grain Products 

  • Whole wheat toast, bagels or buns (cut into strips)
  • Pieces of roti or tortilla
  • Unsweetened oat ring cereal like Cheerios
  • Cooked pasta
  • Rice balls

Milk Products 

  • Grated or small cubes of pasteurized cheese

Meat & Meat Alternatives (soft and well cooked)

  • Ground meat or poultry
  • Small (pea sized) pieces of tender meat or poultry
  • Fish (de-bonded and flaked)
  • Quartered meatballs
  • Well cooked eggs (cut in to pieces)
  • Small cooked beans (black beans and navy beans)
  • Larger cooked beans (kidney beans – cut in half)
  • Tofu
  • Smooth nut or seed butter (spread thinly on a cracker or bread to make it easier to swallow)

Mealtimes will be messy and slow at first. This is part of learning how to eat.

FOODS TO AVOID 

Hard and sticky foods can cause choking and should be avoided.

  • Whole nuts or seeds
  • Raisins
  • Popcorn
  • Gum
  • Hard candies or jellybeans

No HONEY during baby’s first year. Honey may cause botulism, a type of food poisoning, that could make your baby sick.

BOTTOM LINE

It is amazing to watch what little ones can handle with their gum. So go ahead and offer finger food versions of a wide variety of food that your family eats. I enjoy watching my boy, Aiden, discovers the amazing variety of tastes and textures that food comes in.

Are you still waiting for your baby to get a tooth?  For more help with baby led weaning and how to help you baby succeed with eating, be sure to check out my 3 months TRANSFORM program.