Babies under one year old should have less than 1 gram of salt per day. It's crucial to limit salt intake for infants as their kidneys are not yet fully developed and cannot process large amounts of salt efficiently.
Recommended Daily Salt Intake for Children
The NHS provides specific guidelines for daily salt intake across various age groups, emphasizing lower limits for younger children. Adhering to these recommendations helps protect their developing systems.
| Age | Daily Salt Intake Limit |
|---|---|
| Under 1 year old | Less than 1g |
| 1 to 3 years old | No more than 2g |
| 4 to 6 years old | No more than 3g |
| 7 to 10 years old | No more than 5g |
(Source: Salt in your diet - NHS)
Why is Limiting Salt Important for Babies?
Babies' kidneys are immature and less efficient at filtering out excess salt from the bloodstream compared to adult kidneys. A high salt intake can place a strain on their kidneys, potentially leading to health problems over time.
Practical Tips for Reducing Salt in a Baby's Diet
To ensure your baby stays within the recommended salt limits and maintains good health:
- Avoid Adding Salt: Do not add salt to any foods you prepare for your baby, including purees, mashed foods, or finger foods.
- Check Food Labels: When buying pre-made baby foods, cereals, or snacks, always check the nutritional labels for salt (sodium) content. Opt for products with the lowest sodium levels or those specifically designed for babies with no added salt.
- Be Mindful of Processed Foods: Many processed foods, even those not typically thought of as salty, can contain hidden salt. This includes certain breads, biscuits, cereals, and ready meals.
- Choose Fresh Ingredients: Prepare meals from scratch using fresh, unprocessed ingredients. This gives you full control over what goes into your baby's food.
- Use Herbs and Spices: Instead of salt, add flavour to your baby's food using mild herbs and spices appropriate for their age, such as a pinch of cinnamon, nutmeg, or very mild paprika.
By being vigilant about salt intake, parents can significantly contribute to their baby's healthy development and well-being.
