Watching your children taste and experience foods for the first time is always exciting, and it's not long before you work out their favourite snacks and the one that will cause a massive meltdown. But one mum has found herself in an awkward situation at recent playdates after noticing her two-year-old son's diet is very different to other children his age.
She found herself having to decline an offer from another mum to share food, but claims that left her concerned they thought she was "snooty".
Seeking advice on Mumsnet, she explains that her little boy has milk and water, as well as lentil chips, oat bars and fruit and vegetables. However she says many of her other parent friends opt for more sugar, including cupcakes and biscuits.
She writes: " So at a recent two-year-old's party I noticed other kids eating and drinking stuff that my dc [darling child] doesn't. I've noticed it a lot on playdates recently too.. My dc is 2.5 years old. We just give him milk and water to drink and veg puffs lentil chips and baby oat bars as snacks lots of fruit and veg. Occasionally chips or a slice of margarita pizza. The odd mini milk or lick or bite of our ice cream.
"I've noticed children same age snacking on walkers crisps, drinking strong ribena, eating cupcakes, grown up biscuits like bourbons and nice's, midget gems etc.
"I've also noticed my two-year-old being offered sugary biscuits and mini Cheddars at playgroups and when I decline I can tell people think I'm snooty. I'm not, I just thought I was supposed to follow guidelines. I'm a first time mum so enlighten me.. do most people let their kids eat whatever? Tbh it would make my life a lot easier."
Other parents were quick to offer supportive feedback in the comment section.
One wrote: "There are no guidelines after 18 months. They can pretty much eat anything and it won’t hurt them to have mini cheddars or walkers crisps. It’s all about balance."
Another said: "A baby oaty bar and a burboun biscuit will have the same sugar value honestly it's fine to give them a biscuit and a mini cheddar now and again."
A third commented: "My two-year-old has all of that stuff. Apart from the drinks. Once they start getting little mates at the playground it just kind of happens! Especially when they're all trying to learn about sharing together. Obviously she gets offered a range of healthier things as well."
The NHS website states thats young children should eat a variety of foods.
On sugar, it explains: "It's important to keep the amount of added sugar they have to a minimum. Added sugar is found in fizzy drinks, juice drinks, sweets, cakes and jam.
"It's best to offer your toddler water or whole milk to drink. Semi-skimmed milk can be introduced once they're 2 years old.
"You can also offer diluted fruit juice (1 part juice to 10 parts water) served with meals. Serving it with a meal helps to reduce the risk of tooth decay.
"From age 5, it's OK to give your child undiluted fruit juice or smoothies, but stick to no more than 1 glass (about 150ml) a day served with a meal.
"The sugar in raisins and other dried fruits can cause tooth decay. It's best to give these to your toddler with meals rather than as a snack in between."
