For babies and young children under two years old, the answer is generally no, according to recent dietary recommendations.
Understanding the Dietary Guidelines for Babies Under Two
Recent recommendations from the US dietary guidelines advise against giving foods with added sugar to children younger than age two. This guidance explicitly includes items like cake and candy.
According to information published around December 29, 2020, the new US dietary guidelines recommend that children under two years old should not be given any foods or drinks with added sugars. Birthday cake falls into this category due to its high added sugar content.
Why Avoid Added Sugar in Early Childhood?
The recommendation to avoid added sugar for babies and toddlers younger than two is based on several factors aimed at promoting healthy growth and development:
- Taste Preference Development: Exposing babies to sweet foods early can influence their palate, making them prefer sugary options over healthier, less sweet foods like vegetables and fruits.
- Nutrient Density: Foods high in added sugar, like cake, often lack essential nutrients that babies need for rapid growth and development. Calories from added sugar can displace nutrient-rich foods.
- Health Concerns: Early and regular consumption of added sugars is linked to potential future health issues, including weight gain and dental problems.
Therefore, while a first birthday is a major milestone, the focus is on celebrating in ways that support the baby's health rather than introducing foods that go against current dietary recommendations for this age group.
Focus on Added Sugar
The key term in the guideline is "added sugar." These are sugars and syrups that are added to foods or beverages during processing or preparation, not the natural sugars found in fruits or milk. Cake typically contains significant amounts of added sugar.
