The Hidden Risks Of Store-Bought Baby Foods: Study Finds

Even across the bright aisles of supermarkets, shelves heaping with gleaming jars of baby food that promise health and nutrition carry an alarming truth. According to a new study published in the journal Nutrients, roughly two-thirds of the baby foods available on U.S. shelves fail to meet basic nutritional guidelines set by the World Health Organization. With misleading labels, high levels of hidden sugars, and a surprising lack of essential nutrients, the foods marketed for infants and toddlers are more harmful than helpful.

A look at over 650 baby food products across leading supermarkets in the United States gives this research rather a dim tone. Only about 40 percent of the foods meet the WHO recommendations, especially on sugar and salt contents. Many products contain added sugars that are far above the recommended daily limits even for young children. Even more worrisome is that these sugars can be hidden by misleading marketing claims such as "organic" or "no artificial colors," that give parents the impression they are making a healthier choice.

One of the authors, Dr. Elizabeth Dunford, says among the biggest offenders are pouches full of sugar. These convenient on-the-go snacks, up 900 percent in sales over the past 13 years, come at a cost. "Children need to learn how to chew, not just suck down pureed, über-sweet foods from a pouch," cautions top pediatric gastroenterologist Dr. Mark Corkins. "If we continue to feed them these super-sweet, textureless foods, we are setting up a lifetime of poor eating habits."

The study also points out the unnerving lack of regulation in the U.S. baby food industry. There are no laws on labeling, like in countries such as Australia or the UK, that would force manufacturers to disclose the percentage of ingredients and meet minimum nutritional standards; U.S. companies are given full rein to market their products with very minimal regulation. In all, 99.4 percent of the products examined had at least one misleading claim, experts say, creating a "health halo" effect that misrepresents actual nutritional content of the food.

This Wild West approach puts parents in a tight spot. With so many items on the market claiming to be "healthy" or "wholesome," how can they know what's really best for their child?

DIY Baby Food

The good news is that you don't need to feed your little one any doubtful store-bought products. Making baby food at home can be easier than you may imagine, and it puts you in total control of what ingredients and nutrition your child gets. Here's how you can create wholesome, nutritious meals with trusted ingredients:

1. Start with Fresh, Organic Produce: As much as possible, opt for organic produce in preparing your baby's food. The most easily digestible and nutrient-dense first foods include sweet potatoes, carrots, peas, and apples. This means steaming or boiling the produce until tender and then pureeing it with a little water or breast milk to achieve the desired consistency.

2. Gradually Introduce Grains: Whole grains like oats, quinoa, and brown rice make for a fab source of energy and fiber for growing babies. Cook the grains according to the instructions on the packet and then blend into a fine paste. These may be mixed with fruit or vegetable purees for extra flavor and nutrition.

3. Protein Power: As your baby develops, start to add foods rich in protein. These can include lentils, beans, and lean meats. Puree cooked lentils or beans with a little water or blend cooked chicken or turkey with vegetables for a complete meal. Make sure to introduce one new protein at a time so you can look for any signs of an allergy.

4. Healthy Fats for Growth: Avocados and olive oil are some great options for supplying your baby with healthy fats for optimal brain development. Mash up avocados on their own or puree them with some fruits and vegetables. Mix a little olive oil into purees to make them more fatty.

5. Avoid the Saltshaker and Sugar Bowl: Babies don't need any added sugars or salt in their diet. Instead of using sweeteners, try sweetened fruits like bananas and apples. For flavoring purposes, you can offer mildly flavored herbs such as basil and parsley; however, reserve salt until your baby is at least a year old.

In a world where convenience far too often outweighs good nutrition, it pays to be discerning about what we feed our youngest family members. A recent study has also maintained that marketing claims, particularly those which sound too fantastic to be true, need not be taken literally. It simply makes sense that by preparing your own baby food with fresh ingredients of which you are fully confident, you will rest assured that your child has the best possible start in life, without such hidden sugars and other additives that are synonymous with so many store-bought products.

It's extra work well worth your baby's health. So, next time you're in the kitchen, why not whip up a batch of homemade baby food? Not only will you know exactly what's going into your child's meals, but you'll also set a lifelong table of healthy eating.