To properly hydrate children who are reluctant to plain water, syrup seems to be a good idea. How to choose it well? From what age to give it and at what dose? We take stock with Ysabelle Levasseur, dietitian nutritionist.
Grenadine, mint, raspberry… Syrups give water a delicious flavor and make us drink it in all its colors. They are especially the darling of the little ones! But is it a good idea to hydrate so sweet? We take stock with Ysabelle Levasseur , dietician.
From what age can you give syrup?
As parents of glass-resistant kids, syrup is a magic formula. We can therefore be tempted to serve it at all meals. However, Ysabelle Levasseur is formal, it is necessary to give it to the children as late as possible and on an occasional basis. Indeed, a daily glass of grenadine may accustom your little one to the sweet taste. In addition, too much consumption can promote the appearance of cavities .
Syrups, to be consumed in moderation
You will understand, syrups should not be invited to all meals. “ It must be an exceptional drink , so it should be consumed very occasionally, for a birthday party for example. “, Thus recommends the nutritionist. However, if your child is already well used to his water mint, make it as diluted as possible, and in a small glass of about 125 ml. It may be that the color is a “magic” effect on the taste in the eyes (sorry to the taste buds) of your child. But even in this form, this drink must remain rare!
Is it a good idea to give a baby syrup to hydrate it?
It’s hot, and baby refuses to drink his bottle of water … Is it a good idea to give him syrup? For Ysabelle Levasseur, this is a big no: “ A little one has water intake through milk. He can have extra bottles of water, but in no case is syrup given. » To hydrate baby during the summer, add water to his milk or give him, depending on his age, pieces of fruit soaked in water such as melon or watermelon for example (without the seeds!) .
How to choose the right syrup?
From a nutritional standpoint, not all syrups are created equal. Making the right choice at the supermarket is not always easy. According to Ysabelle Levasseur, the ideal is to lean towards the most natural product possible, therefore with few artificial colors and flavors. Opting for an organic version is also a good idea, to avoid the presence of possible pesticides. Unfortunately, an organic and natural syrup no longer presents the live colors so popular with children. So maybe take the time to explain that the taste will be the same, or even better. You can also organize a game, eyes closed / blindfolded: so that your child tries to guess which is his favorite syrup, and understands that the clothes do not make the monk.
A recipe for making your own homemade syrup
Nothing better than to prepare your own syrup to be sure of its formulation. Our expert gives us an express syrup recipe, perfect for parents in a hurry . To make it, you need very ripe mixed strawberries, to sweeten with a teaspoon of cane sugar. Dilute everything in a 125 ml glass, and you’re done! To consume the same day of the preparation.
For or against light syrups?
Most light syrups are based on sweeteners, in other words fake sugars . These are very controversial. A study published in 2014 in the American Journal of Public Health concerning the consumption of low-fat drinks shows that overweight and obese people eat more when they drink “light”. Indeed, the consumption of these beverages would whet the appetite. You will understand, light syrups only offset the problem, and it is not ideal for children.
To choose, is it better to have flavored water or a syrup?
Depending on the way the water is flavored (chemical flavors, fruit extracts, etc.), it can also contain a lot of sugars. However, the dosage is chosen by the brand. It all depends on the choice of this one! Whatever it is, it is necessary to remain on an occasional consumption. The ideal is to bet on a reasonable amount of 125 ml, or about a glass, and avoid drinking it every day. ” Drinking half a bottle of flavored and sweetened water ultimately contains far too many sugars!” “, Concludes the specialist.