You can eat chocolate for a child 4 months old. Chocolate in children's nutrition

Chocolate is a confectionery product based on cocoa butter obtained by processing cocoa beans, the seeds of the chocolate tree. Tiles in colorful wrappers, bars with different names and ingredients, sweets, cakes and cookies are very popular treats for children.

Many parents associate giving their child chocolate with a happy childhood. Other fathers and mothers, considering it an absolutely harmful delicacy, completely exclude it from the children's diet, impose a "taboo" on chocolate in any form. Is there a golden mean and who is right? Can and should children be given chocolate, and at what age? Parents have a lot of questions.

The birthplace of chocolate (that is, the cocoa tree) is America. The Mayans and Aztecs roasted ground cocoa beans for many centuries and, mixing them with water and pepper, consumed them as a cold bitter drink with a high fat content.

In Europe, he appeared at the beginning of the XVI century, and already in the XVII century. the drink turned sweet and hot. Now chocolate is widespread and popular all over the world.

Chocolate can include different constituent components, which makes it possible to distinguish its types:

Bitter, or dark, chocolate contains grated, powdered sugar and cocoa butter. Changing the ratio of the components allows you to get different taste characteristics of chocolate options - from sweet to bitter. Increasing the content of grated cocoa (more than 60%) improves the quality and enhances the bitter taste. Dark chocolate has a pronounced flavor and melts well in the mouth. This is a natural healthy product. Its elite types are black and extra-dark chocolate.
Milk chocolate is obtained by introducing powdered milk (2.5% fat) or cream into the composition. Its taste does not have bitterness, more delicate, so this type of chocolate is the most favorite delicacy of children. The aroma is created by cocoa, and the taste is created by milk and powdered sugar. Chocolate has a light brown color. It melts not only in the mouth, but also at high air temperatures.
White chocolate contains only sugar and cocoa butter, milk powder and vanillin. There is no grated cocoa in it, so it has a white color with a creamy tint. Milk gives it a caramel flavor. White chocolate also melts easily in the mouth and under the influence of high ambient temperatures. This type of chocolate has no special value for the child's body.
Ruby chocolate (new on the market) is made from cocoa beans grown in Brazil or Ecuador. Despite the fact that it does not contain any dyes or berries, chocolate has a berry flavor and a bright pink color.
Diabetic chocolate is a special option for diabetic patients. It uses sugar substitutes - isomalt, fructose, xylitol, sorbitol.
For persons with a special version of the product is produced - vegan chocolate. It can be regular dark chocolate without milk or with the inclusion of soy, rice, coconut, almond milk.

The composition of high-quality chocolate, in addition to fats (27 g/100 g) and carbohydrates (57 g/100 g), also includes:

vitamins (provitamin A, PP,);
minerals (potassium, sodium, fluorine,);
essential amino acids;
biologically active substances caffeine and theobromine (from the group of alkaloids).

The composition of the dessert may also include nutritional supplements: raisins, candied fruits, waffles.

Useful properties of chocolate

There are different types of chocolate, differing in the content of cocoa beans, sugar and other substances.

High-quality chocolate has a beneficial effect on the body:

The amino acid tryptophan stimulates the production of serotonin in the body (a biologically active substance called the hormone of joy and happiness). It improves mood, protects from stress. Therefore, chocolate can be called a "medicine", which is necessary for a bad mood. In addition, serotonin activates certain areas in the brain and thereby increases intellectual abilities, interest in knowledge.
The amino acid phenylalanine improves memory, perception and thinking, concentration. Therefore, before a difficult exam, eating chocolate will help the child think faster.
Caffeine and theobromine (similar to caffeine) contained in chocolate have a tonic effect on the body.
Chocolate antioxidants activate metabolic processes, help cleanse the body of toxins, and increase the child's resistance to infections.
Vitamins of group B are involved in ensuring the functions of the nervous system, vitamin A improves visual acuity.
Trace elements of a delicious treat are no less important for the child's body: calcium - for the development of the skeletal system, potassium - for cardiac activity, magnesium and copper - for the transmission of nerve impulses, iron - for supplying oxygen to the brain and other organs.
Chocolate serves as a source of rapid replenishment of energy reserves, which is important, for example, when.

The negative impact of chocolate

Chocolate can cause harm to the health of children if age restrictions are not observed, if the child has contraindications for its use, or if the delicacy is excessive. Moreover, the risk is higher, the younger the baby.

Many parents associate the harm from chocolate only with its high calorie content (550 kcal per 100 g) and the threat of development. But, unfortunately, when eating a delicious dessert, other problems may arise:

Chocolate is a highly allergenic product. With extreme caution, it should be given to children with a tendency to, in the presence of chocolate intolerance in parents. It should be borne in mind that any additives, whether nuts, waffle crumbs, raisins or caramel, increase the risk of developing allergies. The occurrence of an allergic reaction contributes to the immaturity of the digestive system in babies, increased permeability of the intestinal wall. Insufficiently digested proteins easily penetrate the bloodstream, become antigens and cause allergy manifestations.

When a child is overly fond of chocolate, the stimulating effect of theobromine is manifested:
- disturbed sleep (insomnia);
- the child becomes irritable;
- anxiety appears;
- behavior changes: slight excitability, hyperactivity appears;
- worried about dizziness and headaches;
- increased heart rate, possible violation of the rhythm of heart contractions.

The content of fats and fast carbohydrates in a treat creates a load on the digestive system, especially on the pancreas and liver. The harmful effect is increased by the presence of palm oil in the composition.

Chocolate can cause tooth decay in a child if the treat is consumed in large quantities. True, chocolate damages teeth less than other sweets, since it does not stick to the teeth, it does not need to be chewed for a long time (that is, there is no long-term contact with tooth enamel).

Chocolate contains a substance with an antiseptic effect that suppresses the vital activity of microbes in the oral cavity. Therefore, moderate consumption of chocolate for tooth enamel is not dangerous.

Contraindications

Overweight children should not consume chocolate

You should not give chocolate to children in such cases:

family members are allergic to chocolate;
metabolic disorders in a child, obesity, sedentary lifestyle;
diabetes;
lactase deficiency (milk sugar intolerance) in a baby.

How to choose and store chocolate

All types of chocolate are delicious treats. But not all of them are suitable for children:

White chocolate is the least allergenic. However, it is also the least useful.
Dark chocolate might be the most beneficial, but it has a strong stimulating effect on the children's nervous system.
Therefore suitable for children milk chocolate Plus, they like it better.

It is advisable to choose a top quality product from well-known manufacturers. Be sure to carefully study the composition of chocolate: it should contain only cocoa mass, cocoa butter, sugar.

In order to maximize profits, some manufacturers allow changes in the composition of the product.

The list of possible ingredients is quite extensive:

trans fats (usually coconut or palm oil);
condensed milk with sugar;
butter;
fruit puree;
acidity regulators;
preservatives;
starch syrup;
flavors and other harmful impurities.

Cheaper cocoa powder is used instead of cocoa liquor. Similar changes in the composition are found in chocolate bars, and in sweets, and in icing on confectionery.

There should be no vegetable fats, flavors, emulsifiers and other additives in chocolate. Otherwise, the product has a high calorie content, but it does not bring benefits, but harm.

It is impossible to give children a product of a dubious appearance. If the surface of the chocolate bar is matte, then it contains soy. White plaque covering the tile indicates improper storage of goodies. It also should not be used by a child.

High-quality chocolate crunches when broken, melts quickly in the hands and in the mouth. Swiss, Belgian, French chocolate has received recognition for quality all over the world. In Russia, high-quality products are produced by the Rot Front and Krasny Oktyabr factories, in Ukraine - Lvov's Svitoch, Kyiv's Roshen.

The quality of chocolate is influenced by environmental factors:

Contact with light and air leads to oxidation, a change in the properties of fat, which affects the appearance of an unpleasant taste and smell. Dark chocolate is less susceptible to oxidation processes, as cocoa contains substances that slow them down. White chocolate, which does not contain cocoa, is most sensitive to the influence of light and air.
Chocolate readily absorbs water, which can cause cocoa butter to crystallize, forming white spots on the surface of the treat. With temperature fluctuations, this process is accelerated. An increase in water content can lead to the appearance of mold and other microflora.
Chocolate easily absorbs the odors of other foods. Volatile fat-soluble substances from meat, fish, cheese are absorbed especially quickly, which also leads to a change in the taste and smell of chocolate. White chocolate absorbs foreign flavors faster.
An increase in the ambient temperature leads to a violation of the crystalline form of cocoa butter, a change in the melting point of chocolate, which affects the taste of the treat.

To avoid the impact of these factors, you should follow the rules for storing chocolate:

A prerequisite for storing chocolate is hermetic packaging (hermetic container).
Freezing is the best way to store the product. In the freezer (at -18 0 C) chocolate can be stored for years.
Unopened tiles can be stored in the refrigerator for several months.

If the package has already been opened, then the chocolate must be kept to exclude contact and the influence of air in an airtight container.

Studies have shown that it is better to store chocolate in the refrigerator than in a room at a temperature of +20 0 C and above.

Can or should children be given chocolate?

On the one hand, chocolate is not particularly important and indispensable in a child's diet. The nutrients contained in it can be obtained from other products, that is, chocolate can be dispensed with.
On the other hand, eating chocolate will not only provide the body with the necessary carbohydrates and proteins, but will also bring joy to the child.

It is not worth depriving a child of such pleasure. It is desirable to make the most of this. According to experts (academician I. Kon, well-known pediatrician E. Komarovsky), chocolate can be given to children, but this must be done correctly, observing age norms.

According to doctors, fidgets need carbohydrates more than adults, both as a source of energy and for the formation of tissue cells, the synthesis of hormones and enzymes.

Chocolate is not only possible for schoolchildren and child athletes, but it should also be given. Its reasonable use activates metabolic processes, has a beneficial effect on the intellectual abilities, mood and immune defense of the child.

When and how to give chocolate

Children under 2-3 years old are not recommended to eat chocolate. This can lead to overexcitation of the baby's immature nervous system, as well as a severe allergic reaction in the future.

Pediatricians do not advise giving chocolate to a child before 2 or even 3 years. This is due to the presence of theobromine and caffeine in the delicacy with their stimulating effect on the nervous system. Additional stimulation of an insufficiently mature CNS is undesirable.

In addition, the significant content of fat and sugar in chocolate is a burden for the still weak enzymatic system of the baby.

The use of a potentially allergenic product at an early age is highly undesirable. The older the child, the lower the risk of developing allergies.

It is not uncommon to meet mothers who, already in the first year of life, give the crumbs to try chocolate, then proudly informing their friends or forum participants about it on the Internet. The first test may not cause diathesis. But the child may develop severe allergies in the future.
After 2 years, you can give your baby cocoa in milk in the morning and follow the reaction of the body. If negative manifestations appear (, redness of the skin, itching, stool disorders), a second test should be postponed for several years (at least up to 5-6 years).
If such a reaction does not occur, then closer to 3 years, you can give a small piece of milk chocolate with a small cocoa content. With good tolerance, a child can be given 1-2 slices (5-10 g) from the age of 3 no more than 2 times a week.
A treat should always be given only after a meal and no later than an afternoon snack. For preschoolers, only milk chocolate is allowed. It contains less cocoa products (25-50%), a more pleasant taste for the child, and a lower fat content.
Schoolchildren who do not have contraindications can also be given dark chocolate, but the daily portion should be no more than 25 g. It is allowed to pamper a sweet tooth no more than 3 times a week.

Special types of chocolate are not recommended for children.

Summary for parents

From what age to give a child chocolate and whether to give it at all, parents have the right to decide for themselves. It should only be remembered that the responsibility for the health of children lies with adults.

In the absence of contraindications, chocolate can be given to children. Just do not rush to introduce it into the diet. Schoolchildren will benefit from this delicacy more than kids.

It is important to choose high-quality chocolate for a child, without harmful additives, and adherence to the age doses recommended by nutritionists.

Program "Live healthy!" with Elena Malysheva, a video on the topic “What is the use of chocolate” (see from 20:16 min.):

First of all, let's say right away that we are talking about real chocolate, i.e. about grated cocoa with cocoa butter and sugar. This is the real composition of dark chocolate. Dark chocolate has a sharp bitter taste, but at the same time it is a healthy and natural product. When cream or milk is added to this product, it becomes milky. But the content of cocoa powder at the same time becomes much less. It is milk chocolate that is the most favorite delicacy among both children and adults. White chocolate is no longer chocolate. It retained its name only due to the content of cocoa bean oil, but there is no cocoa powder in this product at all.

Which of these types of chocolate will be the most beneficial for a child? In fact, anyone, because all the benefits are in cocoa beans and cocoa powder. Natural chocolate contains tryptophan, which causes the production of serotonin (due to which, chocolate is considered a good antidepressant). In addition to raising mood, serotonin also activates the cerebral cortex, which increases cognitive abilities.

Natural chocolate is also useful because it contains phenylalanine, an amino acid that improves memory and attentiveness. And finally, vitamins - chocolate contains B vitamins (B1 and B2), provitamin A, PP, as well as iron, calcium, potassium, copper and sodium.

If you buy chocolate with nuts, then the benefits of it, of course, increase. But it is advisable to buy chocolate with whole nuts.

It is better to give only milk chocolate to young children, because dark chocolate is a strong test for the digestive system.

At what age can you give chocolate to children?

The benefits of chocolate, of course, are high. But doctors strongly recommend not to give it to children under 1.5 years old. The reason lies in caffeine, theobromine and sugar. These substances excite the nervous system, which is not at all at the time during infancy. The kid is just beginning to learn natural food, he has, therefore, additional stimulation of the nervous system is completely superfluous.

Before you introduce your baby to sweets, you need to introduce him to fruits and vegetables. Then try giving him a cocoa drink diluted with milk or sugar-free water. Just don't give a lot, because cocoa is a high-calorie product and heavily burdens the baby's digestive system.

Pay close attention to how your body reacts to cocoa powder. If a rash, itching, redness appears, this is a signal that acquaintance with chocolate should be postponed indefinitely.

If your baby can easily tolerate cocoa drinks, you can try to give shortcakes and biscuits containing cocoa powder. But with milk chocolate or sweets, start introducing only closer to three years. The daily norm should not exceed 25 grams.

Why can't kids have chocolate?

It is better to refuse chocolate altogether if the child has a tendency to allergic reactions. Chocolate in any form is one of the most allergenic foods.

Also, chocolate should be discarded if the baby had lactase deficiency or problems with the absorption of lecithin in the first year of life.

Chocolate is contraindicated in children with hyperactivity, gastrointestinal disorders, as well as problems with the cardiovascular system and.

Outcome

Chocolate, despite all its benefits, is not an indispensable product. Those. there is nothing in it that cannot be found in other products. Chocolate is just a tasty addition to the main diet, so whether or not to include chocolate treats in your baby's diet is up to you. But if you still decide to pamper your child, then try to take precautions:

give chocolate only in the morning, as caffeine and theobromine, combined with evening fatigue, will create a serious test for the nervous system;
be sure to observe oral hygiene after chocolate, not forgetting that it destroys tooth enamel;
be sure to study the composition of chocolate, it must be natural with a minimum content of additional ingredients.

Undoubtedly, eating chocolate gives us pleasure. And many mothers think that it is wrong to deprive a child of such joy. At what age can dark and milk chocolate be given to a child, is it useful or harmful, what type of treat is preferable, what is hidden behind the bright wrapper of kinder chocolate, and how to prepare a delicious sweet for a baby at home?

Chocolate is the most favorite food for kids. But can it be given to young children? Parents' opinions are radically different. Some people think that this should never be done. Others think that the less scarce the diet of the crumbs, the lower the likelihood of developing food allergies, so they begin to “stuff” the child with sweetness in the first year of life. That is why we decided to find out at what age children can be given this delicacy.

The harm of chocolate

The benefits and harms of chocolate have long been proven. Of course, eating sweets improves mood, and treats themselves are an indispensable source of energy. But are these goodies really harmless for a young organism?

What problems can eating sweets at an early age lead to? Eating chocolate between the ages of 1 and 3 can cause obesity. Of course, nothing will happen from a few pieces of goodies, but if the child prefers chocolate to other products, it is time to moderate his ardor and dispense sweetness in minimal quantities.

From now on, diabetes mellitus occurs not only in adults, but also in children. In the long term, eating chocolate affects insulin sensitivity, which can, in turn, cause the development of the disease.
It has been proven that children who often consume sweets are more likely than their peers to suffer from hyperactivity. The pure sugar found in chocolate leads to an increase in blood glucose levels. This increases the production of insulin, and the baby becomes overly active.
The product is a strong allergen. Red cheeks are his "merit". But there are more serious symptoms of food allergies: itching, respiratory failure.
Another harmful side effect is frequent urination. After all, chocolate contains a large amount of caffeine, which has a diuretic effect. The same substance can cause sleep disorders.
A sweet product leads to increased production of gastric juice. Among sweets, digestive upsets, heartburn, and nausea are common.
This delicacy, like other sweets, provokes the development of caries in young children.

Chocolate for small children

Most parents think that a treat with smiling kids on the wrapper is definitely good for their little ones. But in fact, chocolate is not as safe as it might seem at first glance.

In order to avoid allergic reactions and the development of serious diseases, children's sweetness should consist of only four components: cocoa butter, grated cocoa, lecithin and powdered sugar.

Favorite by many kids, Kinder Surprise contains less than 15% cocoa. While according to GOST it should be at least 25%. Surprisingly, the milk chocolate that manufacturers use to make chocolate eggs does not contain cocoa butter at all. Kinder chocolate, positioned as a milk-rich product, contains only 33% dairy ingredients.

Children taste bitter chocolate: video

Give can not be excluded

So where to put a comma in this ill-fated sentence when it comes to children under the age of three? Each parent must decide for himself. There are studies that prove that 7 g of chocolate a day contribute to the improvement of the body. But the experiments were carried out only on adults, so it is possible to speak with confidence about the benefits of chocolate only for them.

As for children, doctors firmly believe that permissiveness and uncontrolled eating of sweets can cause problems associated with weight, digestive and cardiovascular systems. You should not think that if the child is 1 year old, he can safely give harmful sweets.

Often parents give chocolate so that the little manipulator stops being mischievous. Psychologists do not recommend adhering to this approach: food should not be a distraction or consolation for a child.

Is it possible to completely eliminate sugar from a child's diet?

It is this question that interests caring parents who know about the dangers of chocolate for the baby's health. Alas, this is not possible. After all, sugar (lactose) is part of breast milk and in products that a baby begins to consume at the age of six months in a pureed form.

But you can protect the child from excessive consumption of glucose. The daily diet of crumbs should contain no more than 2 tbsp. l. sugar (including those obtained from fruits, berries and dried fruits).

A medium-sized chocolate bar contains over 6 tbsp. l. Sahara!

How old can you

What is the best age to introduce chocolate into children's diets? Pediatricians believe that the later the child discovers the taste of treats, the better for his health. But, of course, it is difficult to refuse the baby when he looks at you with eyes full of prayer. With a strong desire, you can treat him with chocolate, but not earlier than three years. Believe me, it will only benefit him.

What type of chocolate can be given to a child

So what kind of chocolate can sweeten the life of a child? Many parents, confident in the dangers of black and milk delicacies for their child, are interested in whether white chocolate is good for children. Caring mothers pamper their babies with such a delicacy in the hope that it is enriched with milk. But everyone knows how difficult it is sometimes to “shove” a glass of this product into a fidget. But, alas, the so-called white chocolate contains a negligible amount of useful components. It does not contain cocoa or cocoa butter. But this product contains many times more sugar than the classic black or milk sweetness.

Dr. Komarovsky recommends giving young children exclusively milk chocolate. A black product is too much of a shock for an unformed digestive system. In addition, the cocoa content in it is higher, so the risk of an allergic reaction increases significantly.

Evgeny Komarovsky about sweets for children: video

Recipes for homemade sweets

Chocolates from baby formula

If you still want to pamper your baby with sweetness from time to time, the beneficial properties of which exceed the harmful ones, we offer a recipe for delicious balls that you can cook at home. Their advantage lies in the fact that there are no dangerous components among the ingredients. Despite the presence of cocoa, you can give your children home-made chocolate after 2.5-3 years.

You will need:

butter - 250 g;
milk - 100 ml;
sugar - 2 tbsp.;
cocoa - 250 g;
a pack of baby formula "Baby".

Mix the butter with sugar and milk, bring the mixture to a boil and refrigerate.
Pour into a container 4 tbsp. l. "Baby", and combine the rest of the volume with cocoa powder, and pour the mass into hot oil.
Mix the mixture well, form neat balls.
Mix a few tablespoons of cocoa with the rest of the consistency, roll the sweets. Send to the refrigerator for several hours.

If the baby is not allergic to nuts, you can hide hazelnuts or almonds in each ball.

homemade chocolate

If your child has already grown up, but you do not want to buy chocolate with emulsifiers and flavor enhancers, we offer a simple and healthy recipe homemade treats that are easy to make.

You will need:

milk - 5 tbsp. l.;
butter - 70-80 g;
high-quality cocoa powder - 150 g;
wheat flour - 2 tsp

Heat milk, add sugar and cocoa.
Melt butter and stir in hot chocolate mixture.
Put the delicacy on the fire and bring to a boil, remembering to stir constantly.
Then remove the mixture from the heat, add the sifted flour to it. Stir the sweetness until the lumps disappear completely.
Put the cooled thick mass on a flat surface 1-2 cm high, and then send it to the freezer.

Even homemade chocolate can be harmful in large amounts, so start giving your three-year-old one or two treats a few days apart.

Chocolate pudding for kids: video

Can children have chocolate milk

This drink is loved not only by toddlers, but also by adults. However, if it does not pose a danger to adults, it is not recommended for children to consume chocolate milk until the age of 1-2 years.

Scientists from the US state of Colorado are of the opinion that chocolate milk is a slow-acting soda. The favorite drink contains the same amount of sugar as Coca-Cola. According to many doctors, the regular consumption of sweets is a key cause of obesity in children around the world.

Now you know about the benefits and harms of chocolate for babies of different ages and you can decide whether you need to feed your son or daughter with treats between meals, or a one-year-old toddler can do without sweets. The main thing is not to feel guilty before the child, breaking off a piece from the tile and sending it to the mouth.

When a small hand reaches for a candy in a beautiful wrapper, one mother will simply remain silent, the other will say a categorical “no” to this. Which of them is right? Can children eat chocolate or not? At what age can you start to please the child with delicious sweets?

Give can't be taken

Where in this sentence to put a punctuation mark, many mothers do not know. So, why can't children have chocolate until they are 3 years old?

Excitatory action

Many parents know about chocolate only that this product is high in calories and very nutritious. The composition of this sweetness includes cocoa beans, cocoa butter, as well as a substance such as theobromine. This element has similar properties to caffeine. Once in a child's or adult body, it has an exciting effect on the nervous and cardiovascular systems. When a child consumes a lot of chocolate, it has an extremely negative effect on his general condition.

The increased content of theobromine in the body of a child causes:

insomnia;

Excitation;

Irritability;

Anxiety;

Headaches and dizziness;

Violation of the heartbeat, arrhythmia, tachycardia.

allergic reactions

One of the reasons why chocolate is not allowed for children is the high likelihood of allergies. A large consumption of such sweets can lead to itching, skin rashes and even fever.

If the child has already had allergic reactions to the use of certain foods, it is worth giving him chocolate with extreme caution. It is better to completely abandon this venture until an older age.

Load on the digestive system

In addition to the dangerous theobromine, chocolate is also high in fat, which is what makes it such a nutritious food. This, in turn, puts a serious burden on the children's digestive system, in particular, on the liver and pancreas. Chocolate has the strongest negative effect on the digestive tract, which contains a large amount of palm oil. Today, a lot of bars and just chocolates contain this ingredient.

Caries

This item is not in vain worth the very last. Chocolate can cause dental caries in a child only if eaten in very large quantities. Moderate use of this product is not capable of harming the teeth, which cannot be said about other types of sweets. Chocolate contains an aseptic substance that suppresses the action of harmful bacteria in the oral cavity.

If given, how much, how and what?

Sweet-toothed parents will certainly agree that chocolate is one of the tastiest treats of all sweets. It is especially difficult for them to forbid a child to eat sweets. In addition, a baby who has tried chocolate once will ask for more in 95% of cases.

The daily norm of this product for a child should not exceed 40-50 grams. If you consume chocolate in large quantities, it will definitely not bring any benefit to the body. Is your baby active or overweight? Reduce the daily rate at least 2 times.

Do not scold the child if you did not follow, and he ate more chocolate than expected. Be sure to include foods containing iodine in your baby's diet. The ideal solution is to add iodized salt to your food. This substance will help protect both the thyroid gland and children's teeth at the same time.

Since up to 3 years the child has not yet fully formed the liver and pancreas, his nutrition should be sparing. It is better to replace chocolate with marshmallows, marmalade or marshmallow. Any of these products must be prepared without the use of dyes. The baby is allowed to eat no more than 10 grams of sweets per day.

Children over 3 years old can already try chocolate. It is necessary to give it to a child in an amount of not more than 25 g per day. This will help to avoid overexcitation of the nervous system, allergic reactions and constipation. It is very important that the chocolate is of high quality and does not contain palm oil and other harmful ingredients. But even a quality product cannot be eaten on an empty stomach!

Parents who do not want to deprive their child of a happy childhood and start feeding him sweets and chocolate from an early age often do not understand that by their actions they are depriving the child of a happy, and most importantly, healthy, future. After all, the health of our children is in our hands. The kid will definitely try delicious chocolate, you just need to remember that everything has its time!

Every young mother sooner or later thinks about the question: when can I start giving chocolate to my child? We all know that kids of all ages love it. This delicacy can be a kind of reward for obedience and good behavior, or simply a present from your beloved grandmother.

All parents are clearly divided into two categories. The first ones are absolutely sure that it is necessary to start introducing the baby to chocolate as late as possible. The latter, on the contrary, strive to start pampering their child with this delicacy as soon as possible.

With children under one year old, there are no questions about this - babies can only eat breast milk or formula, as well as certain complementary foods, in accordance with established standards. But as soon as the baby turns one year old, parents think about, and in what quantities?

Can you give chocolate to a 1 year old?

In the latter case, adults should remember that a baby aged one to three years should consume no more than 40 grams of sugar daily. In addition, chocolate is not the best way to introduce a child to sweets. This product contains a lot of fat. And since the gastrointestinal tract of a child under three years old is imperfect, this delicacy is very difficult for a child's body to digest!

Chocolate is a very strong allergen! The use of chocolate by young children very often causes various allergic reactions. It can range from a harmless rash, itching, or heartburn, to more serious symptoms such as respiratory problems. There are cases when in patients with asthma the use of chocolate caused attacks of varying severity. Therefore, if your child is allergic, and you can’t answer your question in any way: your answer is obvious! It is forbidden!

It is also necessary for children with pancreatic diseases to refuse to eat chocolate. It is worth noting that even an absolutely healthy child after eating chocolate may experience such consequences as hives, itching, nausea, stomach pain, and problems with stool.

At what age should you give chocolate to a child?

A healthy child can start giving chocolate from the age of three, and white or milk is better. And even then - in strictly limited quantities! Dark chocolate can be eaten by children over five years old.

Thus, it becomes clear that chocolate is only safe for healthy children over three years of age! Be able to find the right answer for yourself to the question: is it possible for one-year-old children to eat chocolate, and try not to give it to your baby at all. Then there will be fewer health problems in children, which means that the nerves of parents will be stronger!

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