Can sugar cause a diaper rash? If so, when and how? If not, why? Keep reading to find out whether sugar can really cause a diaper rash.
We’ve done a whole series on foods which can cause diaper rashes, but also on natural remedies to treat diaper rashes and on soothing baths to treat diaper rashes.
Is sugar healthy for babies?
Sugar is deficient in the protein, fat, and nutrient density that your little one requires. Sugar intake that is excessive can increase the risk of overweight, high blood pressure, and dental caries.
In addition, babies are naturally drawn to sweets, which is why it’s crucial to allow them enough time to establish a palate for healthy food items that don’t contain added sugar.
Eliminating added sugars and sweeteners in the first few years can aid your little one to develop a love for delicious flavors and natural sweet whole foods such as fruits and vegetables.
If you’re looking to sweeten the baby’s food think about using fresh fiber-rich fruits like bananas, figs, or strawberries.
Many drinks contain lots of sugar added to them. So, avoid sweet drinks and offer your toddler water and non-sweetened milk instead. Remember, children who are younger than 12 months of age should have formula, breast milk, or very little fluids to drink.
When can babies have sugar?
Most foods you can introduce when your baby’s digestive system is ready for solid foods. This usually happens at 6-8 months. However, sugar is one of the ‘solid foods’ that you should not add to the diet of your baby even if she is ready for other solid foods.
Although it is safe to introduce sugar into a baby’s diet after 12 months old. However, it may be better to wait until the 2nd birthday when you can introduce sweeteners and sugar.
Too much sugar and sweeteners can decrease the variety of foods children are interested in eating, which can increase the likelihood of obesity and type 2 diabetes. They can also increase the chance of developing dental caries and could even affect the health of the cardiovascular system. New foods tend to cause an allergic reaction so be ready.
How do introduce sugar to your child’s diet?
Each baby’s development is on its own schedule. The suggestions for preparation below are only for informational use and do not constitute an alternative to professional individual guidance from your child’s medical professional or health expert, nutritionist or dietitian, or other experts in food and nutrition for babies. Do not disregard medical advice from a professional or delay getting it because of what you’ve read on the internet.
Can babies and toddlers be allergic to sugar?
A food allergy is common. However true allergy to sugar is very rare. A doctor or allergist can help you figure out if your baby has allergies or intolerances to other foods.
In sugar intolerance, there may not be enough sucrase and isomaltase enzymes in your child’s body, two enzymes necessary for the digestion of some sugars and starches
Signs and symptoms of sugar intolerance include loose stools, diarrhea, vomiting, bright red skin rashes, and inflamed skin.
Does sugar cause diaper rashes?
No, sugar does not directly cause a baby diaper rash and is not a common cause of diaper rash. However, a diaper rash can be aggravated by foods with high fat and sugar content.
Certain foods like acidic foods in the diet can irritate a baby’s sensitive skin (acidic poop can cause severe diaper rash). Even worse, these foods can make a baby diaper rash worse. Citrus fruits, as well as citrus juices, are healthy but they too can cause diaper rash and other symptoms like diarrhea, loose bowel movements and can aggravate yeast infection.
Treating diaper rash should be your priority when they appear on your baby’s skin. Frequent diaper changes help so does applying diaper rash cream or ointment that contains zinc oxide in the diaper area of the baby at every diaper change.
Washing cloth diapers of your baby with hypoallergenic mild detergent will also help the diaper rash. Clean the baby’s diaper area with warm water instead of baby wipes that contain alcohol and keep them dry and cool especially if your baby has diarrhea.
The skin of the baby is delicate and sensitive so you should be very careful with what things it comes in contact with. For instance, disposable diapers may cause a diaper rash.
Look out for other signs and symptoms and call your doctor immediately if the rash is not showing signs of healing.
The Bottom Line
Do you know the link between sugar and diaper rash?
A lot of parents are curious about the link between sugar and diaper rash. The bottom line is that sugar-rich foods may aggravate a diaper rash or cause it. However, the direct relationship between sugar and diaper rashes has not been scientifically proven.
