Sugar

Sugar comes from plants such as cane, beet and agave. Breast milk, formula and cow's milk carry natural sugar too. Refined sugar is now among the most used ingredients in the world.

A baby's food does not need added sugar. When and how much to offer differs from country to country. Follow the market note on this page. Regular, large amounts raise cavity risk. They can also make a child less keen to try other foods.

Your baby does not need sugar added to food to grow. Shared dishes, baked goods and sauces can also hold added sugar. Check the market note on this page before offering them. Try not to serve food with added sugar on a regular basis. Stay away from honey and sweeteners such as stevia. Research on their effects in babies is limited. Do not give sugary drinks such as juice before the first birthday.

Keep added sugar as low as you can. Offer your baby a range of colors, flavors and textures.

As your child grows, family meals that include sugar can be shared. Time the start by your country's advice and the market note. Do not make dessert a big event. Cut up pieces that pose a choking risk. Avoid using sweets as a prize for finishing other food. Do not hold them back as a punishment either.

Sugar as an ingredient is low risk. Candy, sugar cubes and hard or sticky foods that contain sugar carry a choking risk. Prepare food to suit your baby's age and development. Stay within arm's reach during meals.

Sugar allergy is rare. Baked goods and desserts, though, often contain common allergens. Try milk, egg, wheat and peanut one by one, and rule out allergies first. Only then consider prepared sweets. If a reaction happens, you can narrow down which food caused it.

Start with a small amount for the first servings. If there is no reaction, increase it slowly.