Why Modern Parents Are Keeping Their Newborns Away From Sugar In First 1000 Days; Expert Explains

Lately, there's been a buzz online about how modern parents are successfully keeping their newborns away from any sugar consumption. Such parents argue that the first 1000 days of a child’s life, right from conception until about age two, are a foundation for their lifelong well-being. What children eat during this period shapes their growth, immunity, metabolism, and even future food habits.

Why Modern Parents Are Keeping Their Newborns Away From Sugar (Image Credit: Canva)

Currently, numerous young children consume far more sugar than recommended through fruit juices, chocolates, sweet snacks, flavoured yoghurts, bakery items, and other processed foods. But to know more about kids' sugar intake,  The Daily Jagran turned to an expert,  Dr Amar Bhise, Consultant - PICU (Paediatric Intensive Care Unit), Neonatology, Paediatrics, Motherhood Hospitals, Lullanagar and Kharadi, Pune.

He cautiously stated, “Its is important to note that added sugars offer no nutritional benefits for children under 2 years of age and should ideally be avoided altogether.”

Why Is High Sugar Intake Not Advisable In Early Childhood?

Dr Amar Bhise Stated, “When young children eat too much sugar, several issues can arise, such as:

1. Their developing taste buds may begin to prefer sweet flavours, making it harder for them to enjoy nutritious foods like vegetables, lentils, and whole grains.

2. High sugar intake leads to rapid energy spikes followed by crashes, which can affect mood, sleep, and attention.

Modern Parents Are Keeping Their Newborns Away From Sugar In The First 1000 Days (Image Credit: Canva) 

3. Excess sugar can invite dental issues such as cavities and tooth decay before a child’s second birthday.

4. Frequent sugar exposure also adds extra calories without vitamins and minerals, and impedes the child’s growth.

5. High sugar intake can affect the way the body handles insulin and blood sugar later in life, increasing the risk of obesity and metabolic problems as children grow older.

Sugar Consumption (Image Credit: Canva) 

6. Those children who learn to rely on sweet foods often carry those preferences into childhood and adolescence and avoid eating nutritious foods.

7. Excessive sugar intake can displace iron-rich and protein-rich foods, increasing the risk of nutrient deficiencies such as anaemia, during this critical growth period.

8. Hidden sugars in packaged foods listed as sucrose, glucose, fructose, maltodextrin or corn syrup are a common and often overlooked source of excess sugar in toddlers' diets.

What Are The Advantages Of Cutting Down Sugar In Children?

Dr Amar Bhise, Consultant - PICU (Paediatric Intensive Care Unit), listed down the advantages of cutting sugar in newborns:

1. When children eat less sugar, they are likely to opt for wholesome foods that support brain development, immunity, and physical growth.

2. Better sleep patterns, more stable energy during the day, and healthier weight gain are some of the benefits of avoiding sugar. Parents also report fewer tantrums tied to sugar highs and crashes, and reduced dental issues requiring treatment.

Modern Parents Are Keeping Their Newborns Away From Sugar In The First 1000 Days (Image Credit: Canva) 

3. Lower sugar intake during the first 1000 days also helps establish healthy eating habits early, making children more accepting of a variety of flavours and textures as they grow.

4. Reducing sugar exposure early may also lower the risk of lifestyle-related diseases such as type 2 diabetes and heart disease later in life.

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What Are Sugar Alternatives For Kids:

The doctor suggests a few sugar substitutes:

1. Swap sugary foods with whole fruits (like banana, mango, berries) for natural sweetness and fibre, and go for plain yoghurt with mashed fruit instead of flavoured yoghurts.

2. Eating banana oat pancakes, vegetable muffins, or roasted chickpeas can also help children to stay healthy.

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3. Try giving water or milk instead of fruit drinks and soda.

4. Choose smoothies with greens, fruit, and a touch of date or banana for natural flavour.

Lastly, the doctor advised new parents that “it is also recommended to regulate the child’s sugar intake and improve the quality of life. Reading food labels carefully and limiting packaged snacks can significantly reduce a child's sugar intake."

"Additionally, parents play a crucial role as role models; children are most likely to adopt healthy habits when they see the whole family making mindful food choices", he added.