When it’s time to introduce solid foods to your baby—whether through homemade purées or baby-led weaning (BLW)—a common question often comes up:
"Should I add a little salt or sugar so my baby will enjoy the food?"
👉 The answer is clear: that’s a myth!
Why avoid salt in baby food?
Infant nutrition specialists recommend never adding salt to baby food from 0 to 12 months, and to limit it as much as possible until 24 months.
A baby’s kidneys are still too immature to handle excess sodium.
Early exposure to salt can also create a long-term preference for salty foods, increasing the risk of hypertension and cardiovascular disease later in life (Action on Salt).
Even if you prepare homemade purées or offer safe finger foods, baby meals should always be served with no added salt.
Added sugar: unnecessary before age 2
Just like salt, added sugar should be avoided in a baby’s diet. Both the OMS and the CDC recommend that no sugar be introduced before the age of 2.
Why?
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Sugar shapes food preferences and can create a strong attraction to sweet foods.
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It encourages snacking and increases the risk of obesity.
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Babies simply don’t need it—fruits and vegetables already provide naturally sweet flavors perfect for them.
Fruit purées like apple or pear, or naturally sweet vegetables like carrot or sweet potato, offer all the sweetness your baby needs—no added sugar required.
Nature is enough for baby’s taste buds 💛
Did you know babies have two to three times more taste buds than adults?
That means they already find naturally flavored foods delicious! Offering a variety of healthy foods is the best way to develop their curiosity for food and build good eating habits for life.
The Belov Approach: Healthy Meals, Designed for Babies 🌱
At Belov, we believe babies don’t need added salt or sugar to enjoy their food. That’s why our baby meals are designed with their needs in mind:
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Balanced recipes
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No added salt or sugar
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Simple, natural flavors little ones love
By offering your child convenient and nutritious options, you can feel confident knowing they’re getting meals aligned with the best recommendations in infant nutrition.
In summary
Myth: Babies need salt and sugar to enjoy their food.
Reality: Babies only need the natural simplicity of wholesome foods.
✨ With Belov, you can count on healthy, nutritious meals that follow these principles—making life easier for parents every day.
👉 Discover our products HERE
