Most people know that soda is not the healthiest drink choice, but did you know it can also cause diaper rash? In this article, we’ll explore the link between soda and diaper rash, and give you some advice on how to keep your baby healthy and comfortable.
Should babies drink soda?
No, they should not be given soda or any carbonated drinks. You should not give your baby soda drinks or flavored milks. Your baby’s emerging teeth may be damaged by soft drinks that are sugary and acidic. These problems can develop over time if you allow your baby to drink beverages such as sodas on a daily basis. Parents need to start teaching children healthy habits from a young age to reduce the chance of developing serious health problems in the future.
Why soda is bad for babies?
Drinking soda as a treat is unlikely to be harmful to your child. A large amount of soda, however, is clearly harmful biochemically. Before you let your child overindulge in soda, you need to know a few potentially harmful facts about it. So even if your baby is ready for solid foods, there are no upsides to giving your baby soda.
Too much sugar
The sugar content of soda is too high. Around ten teaspoons of sugar are in an average 12-ounce can of soda! The sugar enters the bloodstream too quickly, causing the behavior to fluctuate like a roller coaster. High fructose corn syrup is a type of sugar that is found in many sodas. There is new evidence that it has adverse health effects. In sweetened beverages, high fructose corn syrup (HFCS) has almost completely replaced cane sugar due to its lower cost. HFCS is chemically extracted and processed from corn and is cheaper than sugar.
Too much caffeine
There is too much caffeine in soda. Although some carbonated drinks do not have caffeine, most sweetened beverages with cola flavors do. Children’s brains buzz when they are exposed to caffeine at a time when many of them are already hyperactive. Following a caffeine high, children often experience a low with subsequent mood swings for the remainder of the day. Due to the sugar content and acidity of these drinks, too many sweetened caffeinated drinks can cause dental cavities and erosion of tooth enamel. Additionally, too much sugar can alter the composition of a baby’s stool so when it comes in contact with sensitive skin it can cause a diaper rash.
Does soda cause diaper rashes?
Your baby should not be drinking soda, to begin with. But if you are wondering if soda can cause diaper rash, yes it might.
Chemically, soda contains ingredients that can potentially cause diaper rash. Most sodas contain too much sugar. Foods and beverages that have too much sugar contact can cause diaper rash symptoms.
Additionally, sodas are acidic. In addition to being high in sugar, sodas have an extremely low pH. Most sodas have a pH between 2.5 and 3.5. Certain foods especially the ones that are considered acidic should be avoided because a baby’s digestive system is still developing and it could lead to a rash. Moreover, anything acidic in your baby’s diet can potentially cause loose stools and diarrhea which could then lead to bouts of diaper rash symptoms.
Diarrhea can also result if you give soda or carbonated drinks to your baby, which can even lead to dehydration. When they are dehydrated they can become cranky and irritable, which can make them difficult to deal with.
Treating diaper rash should be at the top of your priority as soon as they appear. Untreated diaper rash can become severe and you don’t want a severe diaper rash. Frequent diaper changes help calm down the diaper rash. Apply a diaper rash cream with zinc oxide or any baby-appropriate barrier cream to the irritated skin in the baby’s diaper area at every diaper change. Alcohol-based baby wipes should be avoided and instead use warm water and mild soap to relieve any diaper rash symptoms.
Use disposable diapers that are extra absorbent to prevent moisture build-up in your baby’s bottom. Let the inflamed skin area of the diaper rash dry completely and it is even recommended to let your baby go without a diaper for a few minutes.
Takeaway
Soda drinks can lead to a variety of adverse health effects for little kids, both in the short term and long term. Young kids should not be drinking soda at all – but if they are going to have it, parents can consider limiting consumption or avoiding certain types of sodas altogether. In order to keep your baby’s skin healthy and happy and avoid rash, you’ll need to avoid overindulging them with carbonated beverages from an early age so that their body can develop properly without being exposed to too much sugar or caffeine.
Most people know that soda is not good for babies, but did you know that it can also cause diaper rashes? Soda is high in sugar and acid. Both of these ingredients can cause diaper rash. You should avoid giving your baby soda altogether. And any symptoms of a diaper rash should be treated immediately.
