Allergen note
Sugar substitutes such as stevia, monk fruit, sucralose, aspartame and sugar alcohols like erythritol are not common allergens, but blends often add cornstarch, maltodextrin or other fillers, so read the full label. Children with phenylketonuria (PKU) must avoid aspartame, and ask your pediatrician first if your child has food allergies.
How to serve
Health experts do not recommend sugar substitutes for babies and toddlers, or diet drinks for children under 5; young children do best learning to enjoy foods that are not very sweet. After age 2, keep sugar substitutes to small, occasional amounts, such as a little in a homemade dessert.
Preparation
Many granulated and powdered sweeteners and sugar-free foods contain sugar alcohols such as erythritol, xylitol or sorbitol, which can cause gas, bloating or loose stools in small children, so keep amounts tiny. For natural sweetness instead, blend soaked, pitted dates into a smooth paste or stir mashed ripe banana into yogurt or oatmeal.
Texture and choking risk
Liquid and granulated sweeteners are not a typical choking hazard on their own, but powdered ones form a fine dust that can be breathed in and cause coughing, so dust them thinly and never serve any sweetener by the spoonful. Cut sweetened baked goods into age-appropriate pieces, and supervise your seated child.
Starting ages are typical guidance for healthy, full-term babies who show signs of readiness. Your paediatrician may advise differently, especially where there is a family history of allergy.
Track first tastes and reactions
Log when your child first tries sugar substitutes, note any reaction and see it in the allergen tracker.
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