Salt & Sugar: Know the facts

Salt

1. Babies under a year old need less than 1g of salt per day. Babies who are breastfed will get the amount of salt they require through breast milk. Infant formula contains a similar amount also.

2. Do not add salt to weaning food. Babies shouldn’t eat much salt as their kidneys cannot cope with it.

3. Remember that foods like stock cubes and gravy are high in salt. When you’re cooking for the family and are planning to give the same food to your baby, make sure you always check the food labels.

4. There's no need to add salt to your toddler's food. Most foods already contain enough.

5. From the age of 1 to 3 children should be having no more than 2g of salt a day.

6. Even if you are buying processed foods that are aimed at children, you should check the information given on the labels to choose those with less or no added salt.

7. Children who have a lot of salt in their diet may start to prefer saltier foods. A high salt diet later on in life can cause blood pressure problems.

8. Some nutritious foods like cheese, ham and bacon can form part of a healthy diet. To keep your toddler’s salt intake at a healthy level limit ham and bacon to once or twice a week.

Sugar

1. Babies are born with a preference for a sweet taste but need to learn to enjoy all other tastes.

2. Your baby doesn’t need added sugar so you shouldn’t add it to their food.

3. Avoid sugary snacks and drinks for your baby and this will help to prevent tooth decay.

4. Foods like biscuits, sweet puddings and ice cream are not meant to be given to babies under 1 year old.

5. Toddler food doesn’t need to have sugar or honey added to it.

6. Sugary, fizzy drinks and fruit squashes should be avoided for toddlers as they can be harmful to teeth.

7. If you do give your toddler sugary drinks or fruit squashed make sure that they are diluted with water and drank at meal times. Water and milk are the best drink to give your toddler between meals.