No sugar the first two years?

Our pedi said some of the doctors are suggesting to parents not to give sugar to children under the age of 2, which includes juice. She said there is not a lot of research, but they think children who do not receive sugar the first two years are less likely to be overweight in the future.

Any of your pedi's make the same suggestion? What are your thoughts?

 

My pedi hasn't said that - but honestly, I think it's a great idea. I can tell you from personal experience, once they have tasted juice/other treats they turn into a sugar crazed mob! H & N normally just get milk or water still, but once I gave them some watered down juice when we were out of milk, since then they frantically beg for DD1's OJ every morning! Until you give it to them, they have no idea it exists.

 

Mine has not suggested it. We don't give a lot of sugar. We don't give juice or treats so they basically get whatever sugar is in their fruit (naturally) and yo-baby. I'm no Dr., but I do believe that we as parents can use common sense to keep our kids from childhood obesity. In our home we eat whole food, whole grains, fruit, veggies, healthy lean protein and good fats. We eat a reasonable amount of food and we don't eat crud. We are hoping these rules will help our children create good eating habits and stay lean and healthy.

ETA: They'll for sure get a cupcake on their b-day and can have treats on special occasions. If you eat well on a daily basis the treat every once in a while will do no harm.

 

I think this is great advice and plan to follow. My sister didn't really give sugar to her kids for the first 3-4yrs, we could take them out and they would see all the candy and chocolate bars and have no idea what they were, so they never had tantrums because they wanted it.
Now, I think it can go a little far, as my sister kept them away from it for so long, now that the kids are older (5 & 7), they go a little crazy for sugar, and try to sneak it at every opportunity, whatever the treat is. So, I think there is a healthy balance in there somewhere.

 

Our Pedi does not recommend juice at all. However on occasion I do give diluted juice like at Disney when its really hot and I want them to drink alot. But they drink their fair share of plain water and milk too. I dont feed them junk besides an occasional pudding for calories and fat if we are having a slow meal day, but they do get whatever sugar is in their foods already.

I too, am of the camp that if you teach them good eating habits early an occasional slice of cake or brownie will not corrupt them.

 

My ped hasn't suggested, but my mom did this for my brother and I. I think it is a great idea. We never knew what we were missing anyway. It really helped to us to like vegetables and fruits instead of candy and cake.

 

No, I haven't heard that and I wouldn't try to give my kids absolutely zero sugar. My opinion is everything in moderation.

ETA - I know some of the baby foods have sugar added in them and sometimes my girls have shared a container, but other than that they've had no sugar up to this point. They're really picky eaters right now and I don't think they'd take juice if I offered it, I only give them water in their sippies.

But I'm guessing that for their first birthday, we are going to have birthday cake.

 

While my pedi hasn't said that I don't give the girls juice. I just don't see the point when they like water and milk. After they turned a year old they have had some sugar though. They eat the occassional cookie, pudding, or ice cream. I think everything in moderation... this is how I eat so I will pass that on to them too.

 

I personally think it is a good idea, although was not recommended by my pediatrician. My DS had very limited amounts of sugar for the first 3 years of his life. Only occasionally he would get special treats. In fact one time his Grandma tried to give him a 7-UP (I almost had a heart attack when she was telling me the story, but it ended up good), and my DS told her, no, that is an adult drink, I only drink water or milk. Good boy! He is 5 now, and fully understands sugar and how good it tastes. It is much more difficult at this age to try and get him to make healthy choices.

 

My pedi doesn't push that (he actually suggested giving them some juice relatively soon to see how they did with the sippy cup); but I plan to avoid it as I can. Most of my mom friends around here don't give their kids anything but milk and water. Some of them call the water "juice" to avoid their toddlers thinking that they are getting something different from other kids they are around--they don't know the difference, right?

 

i haven't heard that, but i'm going to tell my IL's that!!! they want to feed them everything junky/sugary and in large amounts (i've seen them in action w their other granchildren)

 

Never heard it, but it is a great idea.

As little sugar as possible is best for them - especially when they are young. They do not need it.

I personally dislike juice. It has little to no value and is bad for their teeth if you do not watch. People are much better off eating fresh fruit.

 

When I told my Ped I was going to make a banana cake for their birthday without any sugar, she laughed. She told me to stop being so uptight and to let them enjoy their first cake.

I ended up making a cake mix cake with full sugar and the loved it.

We do not ever have juice as it makes the reflux act up, but we have on occasion given another treat with sugar.

 

Hmm this is interesting.

I have only given juice to help with constipation, (and she doesn't like it).

I think my biggest hurdle is going to be family. My gma has given french fries, ice cream, soda to my 11 month old cousins baby.

She was actually making a face when I gave the girls pureed zuchinni. I had to remind her that the girls have never eaten it so how will they know what is "gross" or not. Then she said, "oh, are you going to be one of those mothers".

I also don't want the girls watching tv but thats a whole different post (but she doesn't agree)!

 

Oops. I've given them a couple of ounces of juice in sippies three or four times. Our dr. never said anything, but we didn't ask either. I guess water from now on. Thanks ladies!

 

My girls never had any sugar their first year except for what was in regular fruit. They didn't get any of those "desserty" type baby foods or any juice.

When I made their birthday cakes i used regular cake but did real whipped cream with a bit of sugar.

Now is another story! They get special "treats" like 1/2 a cookie after dinner, or icecream if we go out or somethign like that. Everything in moderation I figure!

Oh, i still don't give them juice. Just water and milk. If they are happy with that I dont' see why I need to add it!

 

Ok, I just don't get why everyone is so against juice. It not refined sugar. I give 100% juice. Not the stuff with sugar. In fact, I make my DS#1 to drink it. It has wonderful vitamins. What do you all give when they are sick and CANNOT have any milk products and water is too hard on the stomach. Honestly, that's why I make him drink some. So he will be willing when it's necessary. Unfortunately, the twins don't like it too much either. But with constant constipation I have to give it too them. Would I rather put them on prescription meds daily? No way.

But as for refined sugar....we try to stay away from it if at all possible. But why avoid it totally? There are plenty of people out there that are not overweight and have had sugar. Everything in Moderation. Even dark chocolate has some benefits. Red Wine too. (unless your allergic like me )

I guess I'm venting a little. I just don't get why everyone is so against their children having juice. Seems strange to me that a Dr wouldn't recommend moderation.

edited to add: You know I should say that I understand only nursing with a tiny newborn when they are sick. I was referring to the older babies. ( I thought this was a 1-4 thread-sorry) :blush:

 

QUOTE(Kellytwinmom @ Jul 24 2008, 11:52 AM) [snapback]893718[/snapback]
Hmm this is interesting.

I have only given juice to help with constipation, (and she doesn't like it).

I think my biggest hurdle is going to be family. My gma has given french fries, ice cream, soda to my 11 month old cousins baby.

She was actually making a face when I gave the girls pureed zuchinni. I had to remind her that the girls have never eaten it so how will they know what is "gross" or not. Then she said, "oh, are you going to be one of those mothers".

I also don't want the girls watching tv but thats a whole different post (but she doesn't agree)!

Are you one of those moms that give her kids vegetables? What is this world coming too??

DD1 gets OJ (which is half OJ & half juice) for breakfast. It has viamin C and is fortified with calcium and a few other vitamins. I don't see anything wrong with that but I do think limiting treats is a very good idea. It seems everywhere we go ther is a kid with a sucker or fruit snacks It makes me crazy because then they want the same!

 

QUOTE(ddancerd1 @ Jul 24 2008, 09:39 AM) [snapback]893528[/snapback]
i haven't heard that, but i'm going to tell my IL's that!!! they want to feed them everything junky/sugary and in large amounts (i've seen them in action w their other granchildren)


My IL's do the EXACT same thing. That is why one of their grandchildren is super obese! It is so sad!

I would like to avoid giving our boys sugar. My family will support us, but I know my il's wont!

 

QUOTE(NINI H @ Jul 24 2008, 02:55 PM) [snapback]894242[/snapback]
Ok, I just don't get why everyone is so against juice. It not refined sugar. I give 100% juice. Not the stuff with sugar. In fact, I make my DS#1 to drink it. It has wonderful vitamins. What do you all give when they are sick and CANNOT have any milk products and water is too hard on the stomach. Honestly, that's why I make him drink some. So he will be willing when it's necessary. Unfortunately, the twins don't like it too much either. But with constant constipation I have to give it too them. Would I rather put them on prescription meds daily? No way.

But as for refined sugar....we try to stay away from it if at all possible. But why avoid it totally? There are plenty of people out there that are not overweight and have had sugar. Everything in Moderation. Even dark chocolate has some benefits. Red Wine too. (unless your allergic like me )

I guess I'm venting a little. I just don't get why everyone is so against their children having juice. Seems strange to me that a Dr wouldn't recommend moderation.

edited to add: You know I should say that I understand only nursing with a tiny newborn when they are sick. I was referring to the older babies. ( I thought this was a 1-4 thread-sorry) :blush:



Sugar is sugar...no matter what form. Yes, refined is the worst, but all sugar is bad for you. A little is fine, but I know for my son when he started having a "little" juice he wanted it all the time. The girls won't have juice. It's just not necessary. Water isn't hard on tummy's as far as I know.

 

Mine didn't say that... but if they had I wouldn't do it anyway.

If you are going to be over weight later in life, then they are. Plus the fact that if you watch what they eat and if they get exercise then it should be fine... sugar isn't the only thing you need to watch our for.

 

QUOTE(NINI H @ Jul 24 2008, 07:55 PM) [snapback]894242[/snapback]
Ok, I just don't get why everyone is so against juice. It not refined sugar. I give 100% juice. Not the stuff with sugar. In fact, I make my DS#1 to drink it. It has wonderful vitamins. What do you all give when they are sick and CANNOT have any milk products and water is too hard on the stomach. Honestly, that's why I make him drink some. So he will be willing when it's necessary. Unfortunately, the twins don't like it too much either. But with constant constipation I have to give it too them. Would I rather put them on prescription meds daily? No way.

But as for refined sugar....we try to stay away from it if at all possible. But why avoid it totally? There are plenty of people out there that are not overweight and have had sugar. Everything in Moderation. Even dark chocolate has some benefits. Red Wine too. (unless your allergic like me )

I guess I'm venting a little. I just don't get why everyone is so against their children having juice. Seems strange to me that a Dr wouldn't recommend moderation.

edited to add: You know I should say that I understand only nursing with a tiny newborn when they are sick. I was referring to the older babies. ( I thought this was a 1-4 thread-sorry) :blush:


QUOTE(girls! @ Jul 24 2008, 10:24 PM) [snapback]894496[/snapback]
Sugar is sugar...no matter what form. Yes, refined is the worst, but all sugar is bad for you. A little is fine, but I know for my son when he started having a "little" juice he wanted it all the time. The girls won't have juice. It's just not necessary. Water isn't hard on tummy's as far as I know.



This is such a hard one to explain - I could verbally tell you in detail so be patient with me.

Fruit juice - even 100% juice is full of sugar.

A small juice box has up to the equivalent of 40g of sugar in it. Why does something with no added sugar have so much in comparison to the actual apple it came from? Good question Glad you asked B)

Take 1 medium apple - an appropriate food serving size and an excellent choice of something to feed your child (Tip: grate the apple when your little ones are small and avoid the choking hazard) - squeeze the juice out of it and see how much you get. Not very much juice. The apple has lots of fiber & is filling and satisfying - the amount of natural sugar is reasonable.

Now how many of those apples would it take to fill up a juice box? An awful lot of them. No one would feed their child 6 or 8 apples. That would not be a good choice - even though the apple itself is good. Juice takes out so much of the stuff that makes the apple good for you.

Sugars, even natural ones, are harmful when left on teeth (take a sip and teeth are coated for a period of time). That is why it is never recommended that you allow children to walk around with any drink in their hand sipping away (water would certainly not be harmful). If a child walks around with a sippy cup and takes a sip here and there, their teeth are constantly being coated - just like if you were to give them a bottle of juice in bed and they fall asleep and juice is still pooled in the mouth.

Children are having more tooth decay at early ages and avoiding most or all juice is something that can help prevent it.

I hope this explains it a little. I know it doesn't seem to make sense, but once it is explained properly (not saying this did it :laughing: ) you can see why it is better to raise a water drinker than a juice drinker.

 

My kids drink a bit of juice with lots of water mixed in, 1 sippy a day. They also drink water and milk and so far they could take it or leave it. We use it to balance out the dairy in their diet. It's the only thing we've found that will keep them unconstipated..I could quit anytime and they wouldn't care. Guess they aren't "addicted" to this bad, bad, thing!! THey had bday cake and the occasional sweet. THis is all very interesting. What scares me is that there's something new we "shouldn't do" everyday...good today, bad tomorrow..etc. What's next??! I can't keep up!

 

This has been a very interesting thread. Thanks for the explanation, Callen. It makes sense to me.

 

I would never let my children walk around with sippy's of juice all day. Just like I wouldn't let them walk around with milk either. That's not moderation. Tooth decay can be caused by other things too.

All I'm saying is that some juice (moderation) should be fine. Your body actually needs some sugar (natural- not refined). That's why pedialyte has some, so that when you are sick and you loose the natural balance you need, it can be replaced. Yes, your right juice has more. One of the reason's I dilute juice for the babies, not my older children. The apple juice we use has 26 g of sugar per 8 oz. And since my two never take more than 2 oz of juice with 2 oz of water, that's only 6.5 g of sugar. That's not an overwhelming amount. My whole point was just, if you use moderation (unless you have underlying health issues like diabetes) it won't cause obesity. There are plenty of other things out there that can.

QUOTE
Water isn't hard on tummy's as far as I know.
Everytime my children or I have had the stomach "flu", the Dr's always say to avoid water. It's too strong on the stomach. And can actually cause you to "throw up" more. It won't be absorbed as easily as pedilyte. My children won't touch the stuff. So my Dr has recommended sips of juice. When your loosing so much from getting sick, you have to replace it to recover. That's why I make my DS drink it. Because if he didn't on a regular basis, he would never touch it when sick. I don't need to chance anymore ER visits due to dehydration.

That's my biggest point. If it was so horrible, the Dr would never recommend it. Moderation is all it takes. And believe me, 3 of my 4 children would never choose juice over water. And of course, we limit the other.

Thanks for letting me discuss this with you girls. It's nice to see everyone's perspective. Especially without harsh words. :hug99: I really enjoyed finally speaking up. This is where I wince hoping I didn't offend anyone.

 

I think moderation is the key, as with everything!

I started giving my DD a few ounces of 100% organic apple juice each day when she was around one. It helped her stay regular. She still gets one cup of apple juice each day - most days, she gets a cup of milk first thing in the morning, then her next drink is juice. The rest of the day, she drinks water, and a milk with dinner. If we are out, at a playdate, restaurant, etc, I have no problem letting her have another "juice" drink - like a capri sun, juice box, whatever. And, despite 'all' this sugar that she gets regularly, she is one of the LEAST sugar-crazed kids that I know. She's almost 4, and she's never finished a scoop of ice cream, or a whole cupcake - a couple nibbles, and she's done! When she wants a sweet treat, she will eat an apple, plum, peach, etc, rather than a cookie.

Anyhow, I just wanted to point out that a little bit of sugar is not necessarily going to create a sugar monster!!

 

QUOTE(Beth*J @ Jul 25 2008, 02:00 AM) [snapback]894943[/snapback]
This has been a very interesting thread. Thanks for the explanation, Callen. It makes sense to me.


Your welcome.

Juice isn't evil, it just has it's place.......waaaaaaaayyy down the list of things I give my children.

 

QUOTE(girls! @ Jul 24 2008, 10:24 PM) [snapback]894496[/snapback]
Sugar is sugar...no matter what form. Yes, refined is the worst, but all sugar is bad for you. A little is fine, but I know for my son when he started having a "little" juice he wanted it all the time. The girls won't have juice. It's just not necessary. Water isn't hard on tummy's as far as I know.



Actually this isn't true all sugars are chemically different and react in the body and trigger insulin responses in different ways. And sugar is 'bad' for you. I AHTE the characterization of food as good or bad, I like healthy and not-healthy. But I digress....

My pedi (who does LOTS of research for a local and well respected medical school) has point blank told me not to give water when they have GI viruses, as it can contribute to hydration and nutritional problems. You NEED to have certain things in water to absorb the right concentration into the blood stream, umm otherwise Gatorade wouldn't be useful for athletes.... Also my DS needs juice to help him poop! He doesn't eat fruits and veggies, and gets constipated (he was given ONLY veggies for the first foods he consumed and lapped them up, this veggie and fruit boycott started when he started table food)

I think that a blanket statement that all sugar/juice is BAD is short sighted.

 

I think it's a wonderful idea, but unrealistic unless your entire family follows this lifestyle. Of course it's much easier during the 1st year when babies aren't eating a lot of table food yet. I'm all for water and milk most of the time, diluted juices occasionally. However, it gets much harder to control this if you have older children. I don't think my oldest DD had juice until she was a year old, but the twins were grabbing her sippy cups soon as they could get around. Same with snacks, ect. They see her eating something and they want it too. If your entire family lives the lifestyle though, it's definitely possible, but I admit we drink pop, have snacks in the house, eat ice cream occasionally, ect. By the time babies are a year old, they want what they see you eating. I definitely think it's all about moderation and the parent has to try and control this. However in my experience, the people you surround yourself with sometimes don't care as much as you do. I caught my family giving all of my kids tastes of candy, ice cream, ect. long before I would have liked. I did speak up, but it just wasn't worth starting a fight about, especially since this will happen more and more as your kids get older and are around other kids. I have been lucky so far at keeping my oldest from drinking pop, but again I have caught other people giving her sips of it and I've had other parents make comments that they don't see what's wrong with it.