No, sea salt, like any added salt, is generally not recommended for babies under one year old. Their kidneys are still developing and cannot effectively process high levels of sodium.
Why Avoid Extra Salt for Babies?
- Kidney Development: Babies' kidneys are immature and haven't fully developed the capacity to handle significant sodium intake. Adding extra salt can strain their kidneys. (NHS, Solid Starts, Healthline)
- Increased Risk of Health Problems: A high-sodium diet early in life may increase the risk of high blood pressure and heart disease later on. (Lily Nichols RDN, Healthline)
When Can Babies Have Salt?
Babies naturally ingest small amounts of sodium from breast milk or formula and later from varied foods. After their first birthday, they can tolerate small amounts of additional salt, but their overall salt intake should remain low. (Solid Starts, Veggies & More, Boom Baby Food)
Important Note: Naturally Occurring Sodium vs. Added Salt
It's crucial to distinguish between naturally occurring sodium in foods and added salt. Babies obtain some sodium from breast milk, formula, and naturally salty foods. The concern is with adding extra salt to their food.
