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Are Chocolates Helpful to Babies?

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Rachitaa Singh
Are Chocolates Helpful to Babies?

Most people love chocolates. Babies are no exception. Give them chocolates, and they will gobble it up in no time. However, the question remains if chocolates are safe for children. There are conflicting reports regarding chocolates. While some say that chocolates help the baby’s development, pediatric associations worldwide agree that you should not introduce chocolates to babies below the age of two. However, many nutrition drinks for babies come in the chocolate flavor. Research so far has not shown any benefits related to the consumption of chocolates and the baby’s development.


Why should you not give chocolates to babies younger than two years of age?


American Association for Pediatrics and other significant pediatric associations across the world recommend not giving babies chocolates. However, the truth is that most kids get their first taste of chocolate before the age of two. Kids love chocolates, and adults love indulging kids with different chocolates. Therefore, it is difficult to keep your child away from chocolates that they receive as treats from adults.


The reasons why you should avoid giving chocolates to your babies include:


  • Chocolates have high quantities of added sugar. Kids are usually never given bitter dark chocolates. Most commercial chocolate bars contain refined sugar, preservatives, and other synthetic products that can cause health concerns.
  • Chocolate contains caffeine, a potent stimulant that can affect the central nervous system of your baby. As adults, we are capable of tolerating caffeine. However, babies have a central nervous system that is still developing. Too much caffeine can disturb the development of their nervous system and make them restless and hyperactive. If a child has been diagnosed with ADHD (attention deficit hyperactivity disorder), they should be kept away from chocolates.
  • Too many chocolates can also drastically increase your child's heart rate. Chocolates can increase your baby’s blood pressure and make it difficult for them to fall asleep.
  • Chocolates can cause tooth decay. As chocolates contain added sugar, they can decay your child’s enamel and gums and cause cavities.
  • Some babies are allergic to cocoa. As the primary ingredient in chocolate is cocoa, it can cause severe allergic reactions in your baby. Chocolate bars are also often loaded with nuts, wheat, and milk. If your child is allergic to nuts, lactose, or gluten, it is best to avoid giving them chocolates.
  • If your child suffers from colic or bloating, avoid chocolates. Chocolates are acidic and can trigger acid reflux and other gastroesophageal reactions.


Should I avoid chocolates altogether?


As a parent, you may feel worried about giving chocolates to your child. However, anything in moderation is fine. Try to introduce chocolates after your child turns two. Give them a small number of chocolates as a treat only when their tummy is full. Do not give chocolates before bedtime.

 

Conclusion


Chocolates in small quantities are fine. Introduce your child to chocolates with milk chocolate, as it contains less caffeine. Chocolate in itself is not harmful. The added sugar in chocolates increases the risk of obesity and type 2 diabetes. Therefore, it is better to avoid eating excess chocolates.


Author Bio:


Rachitaa Singh is a freelance content writer by her profession and has over 6 years of experience into blogging and article writing. Over the years, she has gained popularity as a content creator who specialises on topics such as parenting, pregnancy and new-born childcare. However, her forte is on writing articles on baby's cord blood stem cells preservation, stem cell therapy and research.

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