Although it is recommended to avoid sugar in complementary foods, it does not mean not to give your little one sweet food at all. Moms, you can still introduce sweetness to your little one by using natural sweeteners.
Here are five natural ingredients to replace baby’s complementary foods:
Honey
Unheated honey contains antifungal, antibacterial, and antiseptic properties. When not heated, the active enzymes in it such as amino acids, vitamins, and minerals are good for children’s immune development. But, keep in mind, honey should only be given to children over the age of 1 year.
Use raw honey as a natural sweetener for complementary foods because it contains many nutrients for babies. Raw Honey is still very pure and has many nutrients, ranging from 22 amino acids, 27 minerals (iron, zinc, potassium, calcium, phosphorus, magnesium, etc.) and 5000 enzymes. However, honey is feared to contain the bacterium Clostridium botulinum which causes botulism. Where babies under one year do not have enough immunity to fight it.
Maple syrup
Just like honey, maple syrup should only be given to children who are above 1 year old. There is a unique fact, Bun, about this syrup. Maple syrup is only produced in North America with special weather condition.
Apple
Apples can be introduced since the baby is 6 months old. This fruit can be an ideal sweet food for babies because it contains fiber and various nutrients. Mother can process apples by peeling, cutting, and then mashing them.
How to make apple puree: Steam apples for 10 minutes, then puree. This puree can last for 2 to 3 days.
How to serve apple puree as a sweetener: Mix apple puree with other vegetable purees that have a bland taste such as baby chickpeas, broccoli or other vegetables.
Palm sugar
Palm sugar has number of minerals, such as potassium, iron, magnesium, vitamins, and phytonutrients. Palm sugar can be given to babies who are 6 months old. Tuan Kelapa’s Organic Palm Sugar is made from 100% organic from palm tree’s sap which is hand-cooked with a less process.
In addition, our Organic Palm Sugar also rich in antioxidants, iron, potassium and calcium. Tuan Kelapa’s Organic Palm Sugar can be an excellent alternative to sweeteners because it is healthier and does not go through the refining process that granulated sugar goes through.
Coconut sugar
Just like Tuan Kelapa’s Palm Sugar, Tuan Kelapa’s Coconut sugar also has a lower glycemic index than refined sugar. Hence, coconut sugar is said to be more nutritious. This type of sugar can be an alternative when you want to make cakes or puddings for your little one.
Few ways to consume Tuan Kelapa’s palm sugar or coconut’s sugar for baby and toddler
- Can be added in baby’s puree, porridge, etc
- Mix with milk or tea as it easily dissolve and offer as a health drink to your toddler
- Healthier refined sugar substitute for baby’s dessert, pudding,
- Natural sweetener for cakes and cookies