This is a really common question. As with all nutrition, there is no one-size fits all approach. That’s not me ducking the question. Let me explain.
When does my baby need pudding?
You baby, or toddler, or older child needs pudding when you are not sure they have had enough variety of fruit or vegetable, enough portions of protein, dairy (or dairy alternative), or starchy carbohydrate. Pudding is a great way of getting some extra nutrition in. Children like variety and need variety.
Let me give you an example.
You serve pasta in a cheese sauce with sweetcorn for main course. You could give more if your little one needs it but that would be more of the same nutrients and if they have already had a portion of sweetcorn (a handful – their size hand) then more sweetcorn isn’t going to benefit them as much as giving some fruit for pudding.
Here’s another example, you serve pasta in a tomato sauce with peas. Again, you could give more but your child hasn’t had any dairy or protein with this meal so actually giving them some yoghurt with some fruit and with some nut butter stirred in would give them additional nutrition. It’s about balance though, they may not need more if they have had enough dairy and protein at other times in the day.
When does my baby not need pudding?
As I suggested in my 2nd example, your baby may not need pudding if they have already had enough different portions of food in a day. (If you are unsure about how many portions you need to give, drop me a message and we can have a chat).
Your baby does not need to be offered pudding if they have already had enough food. If they have already shown you the signs they have had enough, don’t override those by offering pudding.
Your baby or toddler doesn’t need pudding if they aren’t suitable for them.
Which puddings are suitable for a baby or toddler?
Before talking some of those which aren’t suitable let’s focus on the ones which are
- Fruit
- Vegetables (yes they can be a pudding!)
- Plain yoghurt or plain yoghurt with added fruit
- Cheese slices (posh I know!)
- Rice pudding made without added sugar
- Pancakes without added sugar or salt
- Flapjack made with fruit and oats
- Nut butter or low salt crackers or oatcakes
This isn’t an exhaustive list but hopefully gives you some ideas.
Which puddings should a baby or toddler avoid?
I am going to come out and say it. Babies and toddlers do not need added sugar. They don’t benefit from it. We are not being mean not offering it to them or not eating it in front of them. Families I have worked with have changed their own eating habits whilst working on role modelling what it is like to have less sugar. They avoid having it in front of their children, offering yummy alternatives for the whole family. And, if they do have it in front of their children on the odd occasion, the language used is neutral not to make a big deal about it.
So which puddings do I suggest we avoid having regularly in our family?
Puddings with added sugar, high levels of salt, or puddings which don’t add much nutritionally.
Here are some simple swaps
Swap sweet yoghurt with yoghurt and frozen summer fruits or frozen mango. Give it a name that describes it – not yummy yoghurt (that’s your opinion) but pink yoghurt or mango yoghurt
Swap biscuits with oatcakes or pancakes and peanut butter
Swap cake with fruity flapjack – drop me a message if you want a recipe
Swap custard with homemade rice pudding
Swap bought jelly with homemade jelly made with fruit juice, gelatine (or veg gel) and fruit
What next?
Why not write a list of possible puddings and stick it on your fridge so when you are lacking inspiration you can look at it.
Get in touch to learn more about feeding your family and have support navigating the challenges.
This article is not personalised dietary advice. It is meant for information only. Please consult a Registered Nutritionist or dietitian for personalised support.