Babies Do Not Need Salt In Their Foods

Every once in a while parents write to ask about adding salt to their babies foods.  Adding salt to babies' foods is not a good idea and is just not needed!

Why is adding Salt to your homemade baby food recipes not recommended?

There are a few reasons why adding salt to baby food is bad:

Added salt in baby food recipes may lead to a series of health issues including high blood pressure and kidney failure.

Adding salt to baby food recipes is just not necessary and there is no need to begin unhealthy eating habits by relying on salt as a flavor enhancer.

Salt Already Added In Foods Or Recipes

There are many soups, casseroles and other dishes that call for a “dash” of salt or 1/4 teaspoon to 1 teaspoon of salt. While we seldom add salt to any of these types of recipes (personal preference), offering your baby a bit of broccoli/cheese casserole that had 1/2 teaspoon of salt in the whole recipe should pose no harm. As with baked goods, remember that the salt is spread throughout the recipe. Don't forget, it is important to discuss the use of salt in baby foods (and feeding your baby) with your pediatrician.

The most important thing to remember is that you should not add salt to baby’s foods as a seasoning or flavor enhancer.

For example, do not add salt to baby’s pea puree to give it more flavor. Baby does not need a shake of salt with her veggies or meats. A shake of salt directly on baby’s peas is far different than a shake of salt in the family’s casserole dish.

Add Flavor Without Using Salt

If you want to add more flavor to your baby food recipes, try adding some spices or try mixing up some fruit and veggie combinations.   Yogurt is another way to add a new flavor to baby food and it also makes for a yummy creamy texture that many babies adore.

If you want to learn more about spices, visit our Spicing Up Your Baby's Food  page.  You'll learn that 8 months old is the typical age that spices are recommended to be introduced.  You'll also learn that when you begin to add spices that your family regularly uses in cooking, your baby will have an easier transition to family meals (table foods)!