Most toddlers love corn crisps. They are one of the most sought-after and popular snacks among children, but are they really healthy? Is it worth it? From when can corn crisps be included in a toddler's diet? A paediatric nutritionist answers these questions.
When giving any food product to a child, always ask yourself first: why am I giving product X? Is it to satisfy the child's hunger, is it to kill boredom, or is it to distract the child from what he or she is currently doing and keep him or her occupied with food?
Are corn crisps healthy?🤔
It is important to remember that corn crisps are not a wholesome product. Whenever possible, replace them with healthier snacks. Fruits and vegetables work best. 🍓🍏🥕 As early as possible, we need to get our little ones into the habit of reaching for such healthy products. 👍
Some facts about corn crisps....
Corn crisps are a safe snack because, thanks to their structure, they dissolve when saliva is present. Even a small child will therefore not choke on them during consumption. Thanks to their rough texture, the crisps have a scratching effect on children's gums, which often relieves teething disorders. But beware! In the case of children who already have teeth, excessive consumption of crisps can help create an environment conducive to the development of caries, as crisps often stick excessively to the teeth. Crunchy foods can be given to children as early as 6 months of age, as long as they do not contain added sugar or salt, are unflavoured and have no preservatives or colourings.
What should the crisps be made of?
Corn crisps should be made from 2 ingredients, i.e. flour and water. If they contain a large number of additives - consider whether they are definitely suitable for your child. In the manufacture of corn crisps, the flour is mixed with water and then subjected to high temperatures. It is therefore a processed product. Crisps are not nutritious and certainly not a substitute for a complete meal.
Are corn crisps calorific?
Corn crisps, if they contain no additives, are low in calories. But it all depends on how much your child eats. Whether a few pieces or a whole packet (and we know that there are really big packets of these snacks available in the shops).
Flavoured, coloured, chocolate-covered crisps we say a definite NO! 🍫❌
Flavoured crisps are calorific and often contain a lot of artificial additives. And the digestive systems of toddlers, because they are still forming, are not adapted to seasoned and distinctive-tasting foods.
I am also well aware that sometimes such a crunch saves the situation. When other methods fail, go ahead and give it to your child without remorse. The important thing is that it is not repetitive. Why❓🤔 Reaching, for crisps when visiting the shop, on a walk or in the playground can be a simple way to teach your child to snack. And that's hardly what we want. There could be a million more attractive things on a walk than food. Let's not teach your child to eat out of boredom.
What is the best way to give crisps to a child?
Want to give your child crisps? Include them in a meal, such as an afternoon snack or breakfast. This is definitely a better option than giving your child crisps between meals. Important! Crisps absolutely must not be a separate meal. They can be given as a snack, but never in an amount after which the child refuses to eat lunch or dinner.
Before you reach for a packet of crisps in the shop:
👉 ask yourself why?
👉 how about finding a more valuable product?
My tips💡:
👉 Always read the composition of food products. A label that a product is intended for children, babies does not always guarantee a good choice!
👉 Choose products without sugar, salt, colours, flavours.
In conclusion, every mum knows that the corn crisps stashed in the pram or bag for the so-called "black hour" are our treasure. 😊 And on more than one occasion this secret weapon in emergency situations has saved us maybe not our lives, but certainly saved a lot of nerves. Because how, for example, when coming back from a walk, can you explain to a terribly hungry toddler that we still have a five-minute walk home and it has to wait for food? And at home it will have to wait another 5 minutes, because the meal has to be heated up?
In theory, one can use a lot of clever arguments or tactics called distraction from the feeling of hunger, but in practice this is often very difficult. Of course, the mother should anticipate that the child will soon be hungry if it has been a long time since the last meal. Unfortunately, when the child is having fun, e.g. at the playground, he or she forgets about his or her hunger and doesn't even think about coming home, but when he or she gets tired and hungry... every mum is in trouble! And that's when the corn crisp is at a premium. Mum rushes home for dinner and the little one munches her corn treat with a smile on her face. 😊
Remember, dear parents! You are the ones who shape your children's good or bad eating habits. And these will stay with them for life.
