Feeding baby nothing but processed foods?

[bubblychick]

LO is 9 and a half months and I try to give him a large variety of foods, but sometimes if I'm in a rush I do just give him spaghetti hoops or macaroni cheese from a tin. I try to be careful I read the ingredients first, the salt content etc and obviously he only has a few spoonfuls not a full tin.

My niece who is 10 months seems to have nothing but tinned food for her dinner, she will have spaghetti hoops, shapes, soup and I don't know if this is right. She has formula too in the morning and night but juice throughout the day, porridge for breakfast and 2 full sized kids yogurts for a snack.

Its not my place to say anything as she's not my daughter and she is a healthy baby. I just couldn't feed my child nothing but processed foods :/ i wouldn't eat tinned food everyday so why would I feed my child. I know sometimes it is cheaper but me and OH live on a very tight budget and seem to feed DS fruit and veg and pasta and fish etc;

 

[Joybell]

Each to their own! As you say, she's not your daughter...

 

[Scottish mum]

Every parent is different and your right its not your place to say anything! I try not to give my lo too much processed things but there are still occasions when he gets baby food or mac from a tin as we both work full time. We do try out best to cook though!

As long as there lo is being fed! X

 

[bubblychick]

I know every baby is different and this obviously works for them. She is a happy, healthy baby.

 

[Annie77]

My sister in law is very similar in that she feeds her kids food which, in my own opinion, aren't nutritionally fantastic. However I also have a friend who makes all her child's own food - nearly all of which is organic, steamed and she uses only her own breast milk in it.

I think I am in the middle ground with the majority of parents. I make veggie and fruit purrees but use formula for big batches, feed my older babies our own homemade dinners mashed up but also have the odd jar when I am out an about etc. I buy reduced sugar and salt baked beans but have to confess that is the only tinned food I have fed my babies under 1.

It's each to their own really and I think it's best that you don't say anything.

 

[chezababy]

I personally wouldn't do that but it depends on their circumstances. They might not have the time, space (kitchen wise) or money to do anything else. And are you sure its everyday. When my nephew visits he is given tinned food but I know he is definitely not at home. He also has processed snacks and yogurts when out but loves oranges and grapes at home.

 

[ktod]

I know a lot of people are quick to just say "each to their own" but in reality that is not a healthy diet.

If the mother knows that and chooses that then fine, let her get on with it.

but it's surprising how many people dont have a clue about what they are eating. I personally don't think it's wrong to offer dietary advice. She might not realise things like salt content etc. I'm not sure how you would do it in a non-offensive way though LOL!!! (But TBH if it was one of my family I'd just tell them straight, they wouldn't care)

Let's use a BnB classic example of ERF, I'd never heard of it until I came here. If I didn't use this site and I was Forward facing at 7 months I would appreciate the information rather than people just letting me get on with it so they didnt appear to be judging me.

 

[bubblychick]

I'm not 100% sure but that's all I ever see her eat and i see her quite often. She has a banana here and there and baby porridge for breakfast even when she has veg like potatoes they are smothered in thick gravy, (I do give my son gravy with his veg or mash but a pinch and it is watered down considerably)
Her mother is an extremely fussy eater so I suppose that has something to do with it.

I know there is no such thing as a perfect parent and I do things that others will disapprove of myself.
Neither of her parents are working at the moment so it's not a time issue. Financially maybe it is cheaper but how expensive is it to buy fresh or even frozen veg?

 

[lpjkp]

In my personal opinion,I don't think it's appropriate to say anything.

We all have our own ways of doing things,and if our children are happy and healthy,shouldn't that be all that matters?

I hate to feel like we live in a society where everything we do gets judged. Parenting is a hard enough job as it is without questioning everything we do. Some families (ours included) simply weren't educated in terms of diet by our own parents who,through no fault of their own,had big families,low paid jobs and no money or education themselves on how to feed correctly. We,too, are struggling financially and unfortunately realise that the luxury of fresh food comes at a cost. Of course ill try and give my child the best that we can afford,but I'll always bear in mind that my parents didn't have that pressure,and I've turned out just fine.

Sorry if that sounds like I've gone on a little,but I feel really strongly that all parents are individual. No parent is perfect,but choice of food doesn't dictate successful parenting and happy children.

 

[shanny]

In my personal opinion,I don't think it's appropriate to say anything.

We all have our own ways of doing things,and if our children are happy and healthy,shouldn't that be all that matters?

I hate to feel like we live in a society where everything we do gets judged. Parenting is a hard enough job as it is without questioning everything we do. Some families (ours included) simply weren't educated in terms of diet by our own parents who,through no fault of their own,had big families,low paid jobs and no money or education themselves on how to feed correctly. We,too, are struggling financially and unfortunately realise that the luxury of fresh food comes at a cost. Of course ill try and give my child the best that we can afford,but I'll always bear in mind that my parents didn't have that pressure,and I've turned out just fine.

Sorry if that sounds like I've gone on a little,but I feel really strongly that all parents are individual. No parent is perfect,but choice of food doesn't dictate successful parenting and happy children.

i agree -- we are so judgemental these days with everyone and the government telling us how to live we need to make these decisions for ourselves

 

[Athena]

I knew from the title of this thread it would be about someone else and the parenting choices they have made! Obviously in an ideal world we would all feed our children organic veg grown from our own garden and yogurt we had made ourselves but that's not the reality for most people. Maybe this mum is poorly educated about the proper nutritional value of foods or maybe she just can't be arsed to make a proper dinner for her LO. Like you said it has nothing to do with you!

 

[stephie_corin]

I think we all agree that processed food all the time is not healthy for a little one. I don't think it's such a big deal to try and help a family member make better choices for their children.

You could print off some information about the food pyramid or whatever they are using these days and drop it off and say something like 'my doctor gave me this, it's really interesting and thought you guys might be interested too'. You could make some homemade baby food and drop it off. You could buy some fresh fruit and leave it as a gift. There's lots of ways you could try to help without having an awkward confrontation.

 

[CatherineK]

I'd leave her alone. It's her choice. We need to stop being so judgemental. Yes, it's not best. But what ever is? I cook lots of fresh foods for my family, but Mac and cheese or McDonald's or spaghettios once in a while aren't going to kill them!

 

[Meganmae]

Let her get on with it, do what works for you and vies versa, I do a bit of both u use jars/ pouches and cook for my dd depends whats happening , I don't give a monies if someone judges me for using a jar, get on with your own life , people have far to much time on their hands when they judge people

 

[MrsPear]

We all know that it isn't the healthiest diet, but as you say it isn't your child and it isn't your place to comment. The baby is fed and happy. Good for you that you wouldn't give your baby that diet but then again there'll be someone who never ever gives processed food looking at you and thinking you could also do more.

I think the best you can do, if you want to help, is share a simple recipe or two, and say how much your LO enjoyed it and it wasn't any hassle to make. Other than that, just leave her to it.

 

[nevernormal]

Probably the only thing I would do is ask her what brands she buys , as you're "looking" for ones with better salt contents or something (so like you're asking for advice), since babies under 1 should only have 1 g of salt a day. I think her response will give you an idea of whether or not she knew that information, or whether or not she even cares. If she didn't know it and is interested in it more, then you can tell her more. If not, then just drop it.

 

[mrstrouble]

I think there's a difference between being judgy and rude and reaching out to someone because you care. As long as you mind her feelings and respect her choices there's no harm in giving some friendly advice. If you can't rely on family to try and help, we're all lost! nevernormal's advice is great imo.

 

[BabyDragon]

I would just leave her alone. Offer her kids whatever your kid is having when you're feeding your kid, then 'hint' at it, by merely cooing, oh, so and so was eating steamed carrot sticks and he LOVED it! You never know. She may just be doing what is easiest and what she thinks her kids will enjoy, and will start replacing poorer choices with healthier ones.

That's what I do with my niece who is over half the week straight. I don't blame them though, because their baby is a very picky eater....she's 13m and haven't really eaten 'properly.' Ever since LO started weaning, (she's 7 1/2m now.) I've been feeding my niece whatever I was feeding LO, and I'm happy to say, yesterday SIL, dropped off a box of Plum fruit pouches, and oatmeal cereal.... A huge step up. I don't think it was a lack of trying, but more like... That little girl refused to eat period. I guess monkey see monkey do, and she sees my LO enjoying her food, and she wants in.

 

[barefootnpreg]

I think its really bad to give babies processed food all the time. I was fed a lot of processed food as a child and I was also underweight, looked malnourished, and had a lot of stomach issues. I think my diet had a lot to do with it.

but unfortunately there isn't a lot you can do about other people feeding their kids unhealthy foods. I think education has a lot to do with it - I've done a lot of reading regarding diet and food but many people have not, therefore they may not make the same healthy food choices I make for my son. There just isn't a way to educate people without coming off as pretentious and nosy.

The best thing you can do is feed your niece healthy foods when she visits with you and, when she's older, educate her about her diet. Give her fruits, veggies, and whole grains and tell her how they're good for her and will help her to grow up healthy and strong.