What is recommended regarding sugar in snacks for 0-12 month children?

What is recommended regarding sugar in snacks for 0-12 month children?

• A. No added sugar in snacks
• B. Limited sugar in snacks
• C. Sugary snacks allowed occasionally
• D. Sugars only from fruit

Answer: (A)

For infants 0–12 months, added sugars are not needed and should be avoided to protect developing teeth. Exposing young mouths to added sugars in snacks increases the amount of fermentable carbohydrate that bacteria can feed on, which raises the risk of early dental caries because saliva is limited at this age and clearance of sugars is slower. So the best approach is to keep snacks without any added sugar, focusing on unsweetened, nutrient-dense options and continuing primary nutrition from breast milk or formula. If solids are introduced, choose plain, unsweetened foods and avoid sweetened snacks; whole fruit is preferred over fruit juice, and added sugars should be avoided.

For infants 0–12 months, added sugars are not needed and should be avoided to protect developing teeth. Exposing young mouths to added sugars in snacks increases the amount of fermentable carbohydrate that bacteria can feed on, which raises the risk of early dental caries because saliva is limited at this age and clearance of sugars is slower. So the best approach is to keep snacks without any added sugar, focusing on unsweetened, nutrient-dense options and continuing primary nutrition from breast milk or formula. If solids are introduced, choose plain, unsweetened foods and avoid sweetened snacks; whole fruit is preferred over fruit juice, and added sugars should be avoided.