The truth about baby nutrition: How Paediatricians can educate parents beyond commercial myths

Sonal Babbar Bhardwaj, Co-Founder Viraa Care calls for paediatricians to provide evidence-based guidance to empower parents to make informed decisions to prioritise their child’s health and development

When it comes to baby nutrition, parents are often inundated with advice and product promises. From colourful ads promoting “superfoods” to labels boasting of ingredients that supposedly enhance growth, the pressure to choose the right option can feel overwhelming. Within these choices, paediatricians play a vital role in guiding parents through this chaos. Baby nutrition myths frequently shape parental decisions, diverting focus from what truly matters: balanced, wholesome nourishment tailored to each baby’s needs. While a baby’s nutritional requirements naturally evolve, paediatricians emphasise that breastfeeding remains a crucial element, particularly in the early months. By providing evidence-based guidance and support, paediatricians can empower parents to make informed decisions that prioritise their child’s health and development.

During the first six months, breastmilk supplies all the necessary energy and nutrients, making it an unrivalled source of nourishment. Its specialised composition, particularly the high content of easily digestible whey proteins, ensures effective nutrient absorption and supports healthy development in ways formula often struggles to replicate. However, the benefits of breastfeeding extend far beyond nutrition alone. Breastfeeding has a profound role in safeguarding both child and maternal health.

Figures show that breast milk could potentially save the lives of 800,000 children (1) under five each year while also preventing around 20,000 breast cancer deaths in mothers annually. Even at further stages, as babies progress from six to twelve months, breastfeeding fulfils more than half of their energy needs. During this stage, it becomes essential to introduce complementary foods such as pureed vegetables and fruits to support their growing nutritional requirements. However, the rise of commercial baby food has sparked controversy around this notion, leading to the first prevalent myth about baby nutrition: “Commercial baby food is the best option.”

Baby bites and blunders

Indeed, this myth has been popular as the global infant and toddler food market is experiencing a significant shift, with an increasing consumption of processed baby foods. Projections indicate that this market could reach an astounding $ 120 billion by 2030 (2). However, the concerns surrounding these products’ nutritional quality, safety, and long-term health implications need to be considered. For example, artificial colours and added sugars have been associated with hyperactivity in children and may pose long-term risks. Furthermore, certain preservatives, like sulfites, can lead to allergic reactions, and the cumulative effects of consuming these substances over time raise important questions about their safety for developing bodies.

Marketing plays a significant role in perpetuating this myth. Many parents, while initially inclined toward homemade purees and breastfeeding, are swayed by companies that strategically enlist health professionals to endorse their products. This promotion is so pervasive that, in 2022, 5 1per cent of 8,528 pregnant women (3) reported encountering formula milk marketing somewhere. Over time, these carefully crafted messages subtly influence parental decisions as companies use scientific-sounding language and labels to exploit their concerns and aspirations. Social media further amplifies this effect, with celebrities, paediatricians, and “mom influencers” regularly promoting formula milk and processed baby foods. These influencers have become key drivers in shaping parental preferences, often adding to the pressure to choose commercial products over more natural options.

Another common myth is that rice cereal is the best first food for babies. While rice is rich in carbohydrates, processed rice products like infant cereal contain arsenic, a heavy metal that can harm neurodevelopment if consumed excessively. Instead, healthier first food options, including vegetables, fruits, and whole grains, need to be considered. Choices like carrots, sweet potato, pumpkin, and papaya are full of beta carotene, which the body turns into vitamin A. Lastly, myths about babies needing juice for vitamins are challenged as it often contains too much sugar, leading to tooth decay and weight gain. Water is a far better option for hydration as babies transition to solid foods, providing hydration without the added sugars.

Feeding little ones with facts, not fables

When prioritising a baby’s health, supporting an evidence-based nutrition plan rather than a combination of highly marketed myths and commercial products is paramount. Instead of believing the most sold items, parents should concentrate on consulting healthcare providers or paediatricians. They can provide details about nutrient-dense foods more appropriate for their babies’ growing needs. Additionally, seeking guidance from paediatricians and nutritionists is crucial for making informed decisions based on professional advice rather than advertisements. Having the ability to discern where to acquire reputable information, parents can provide personalised health care, which can further promote a child’s growth and pursue permanency while guiding caregivers toward the best possible choices.

References

1. https://www.who.int/news-room/facts-in-pictures/detail/breastfeeding#:~:text=Breastfeeding%20is%20one%20of%20the,of%20age%20are%20exclusively%20breastfed.
2. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC10140693/
3. https://www.unicef.org/media/115916/file/Multi-country%20study%20examining%20the%20impact%20of%20BMS%20marketing%20on%20infant%20feeding%20decisions%20and%20practices,UNICEF,WHO2022.pdf