interpoint (interword separation)Less than 1 year oldBrown sugar should not be given to infants with (because of the risk of infant botulism).
interpoint (interword separation)Over 1 year oldIf it becomes a "sweet treat," there is no problem in using a small amount as a sweetener, but it is necessary to be careful about the "amount, frequency, form of feeding, and content of the snack.
Brown sugar has good characteristics in terms of minerals and flavor, but because it is a type of sugar, it is important to consider the risks of tooth decay, obesity, and excessive sugar content when feeding it.
This is the kind of article we want people to read:
Parents of weaning and toddler children who want to use brown sugar as a sweetener but are concerned about its safety.
・People who are worried about the sweetness or quantity of snacks, or who are concerned about their children's tooth decay or weight.
Those who want to know how to use brown sugar in a health-conscious way while taking advantage of its benefits.
Guideline and notes by age
| age bracket | When to give/when to start | Recommended dosage and frequency | important point |
|---|---|---|---|
| 0-11 months (Infancy) | Don't give it to him. | - | Risk of infant botulism/immature digestive system/no teeth or weak teeth, making it difficult to prevent tooth decay |
| 1 to 2 years old | Can be introduced gradually in small quantities | Degree of sweetening: very small amount per serving (e.g., 1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon of brown sugar pinky finger) / Frequency should be no more than a few times per week. | Pay attention to the form of preparation (avoid chewing solid food directly, etc.) / Know the amount of sugar in the entire snack / Establish the habit of brushing teeth as early as possible. |
| 3 to 5 years old | More flexible use, but continued attention | 5-10 g as sweetening per serving is often the upper limit (within the range of total sugars, including snacks). | Avoid sugar overload in total with other sweetened foods such as juice, sweetened beverages, and confectionery / Devise the time and content of snacks. |
| 6 years old and up (school age) | Normal sweeteners available | Adjust based on total calories, activity, and dental development. Follow guidelines to keep total sugars under 5-10% of energy intake. | Be careful in terms of cavity prevention, obesity prevention, and blood sugar control. Make it a rule at home to have sweet snacks after meals, brush after eating, limit snacking, etc. |
0-11 months: risk in infancy
Infants (especially around 6 months of age) are Underdeveloped intestinal microflora and because of insufficient resistance,Botulinum sporesThere is a risk of "infant botulism" due to It has been pointed out that brown sugar is less refined and contains more naturally occurring sugars, which may not completely eliminate the bacteria.
Also, since they are still teething or have weak tooth surfaces, giving them sweet foods increases the risk of developing cavities. Furthermore, since their digestive functions are also immature, solid or sticky foods can pose a choking hazard, so be careful about their shape.
1 to 2 years old: phase of gradual introduction
At this age, the intestinal environment and immune system are developing. Brown sugar. Sweetening aid It is also acceptable to introduce it in small quantities as For example, mix a tiny bit into steamed bread or sprinkle it over yogurt.
However, solid brown sugar should not be given as-is, and should be given in powder form or mixed in with other foods as much as possible.
It is effective to make rules at home, such as being mindful of the amount of sugar in overall sweeteners (snacks, drinks, etc.) and limiting the frequency of giving them to a few times a week.
Ages 3-5: Use as a snack and habit building
As their teeth grow strong and their chewing ability improves, they can use brown sugar for sweets and snacks. As for quantities, it makes sense to aim for 5-10 g as sweetener per serving. This is often equivalent to about 1 teaspoon if it is as brown sugar (but should be included in the overall sugar intake).
In addition, the timing of eating should be determined, such as "snack time" or "after meals," to make it a habit to brush one's teeth. Snacks should also be "not too highly processed" and "not too sweet.
6 years old and up: School age and onward
Although energy consumption increases with school and physical activity, too much sweetening increases the risk of obesity, tooth decay, and lifestyle-related diseases, such as WHO guidelines for free sugars, which recommend that the ratio of sugar to total energy be kept below 10%, preferably below 5%.
Brown sugar is also a part of the sugar family, so control the amount of brown sugar in combination with other sweets and sweet drinks to avoid excess. Be especially careful of "invisible sugar" in juices and soft drinks.
Effective ways to create habits at home include "sweetening after meals," "brushing teeth every time," and "deciding on the number and amount of snacks.
summary
interpoint (interword separation)Infants under 1 year of age should not be given brown sugar.: risk of infant botulism and digestive, dental, and safety considerations.
interpoint (interword separation)From 1 year old onward to toddler agecan be introduced gradually as a sweet-tasting supplement starting with small amounts, but be careful with solid direct chewing, frequency, amount, and content of snacks.
interpoint (interword separation)After school ageallows for more flexibility in the use of sweeteners, but the amount of "total sugars" should not exceed the free sugar guideline (less than 5-101 TP3T of total energy).
The common and important things for all ages are to control sweetness, brush teeth and take good care of the oral cavity, and balance nutrition with non-sweet foods. It is safe to create rules for giving sweetened foods at home.
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