What Halloween Candy Should Kids Eat?
Find Out What This Nutritionist Has to Say About Your Kid's Halloween Candy
3
Babies: It goes without saying that this completely depends upon your child's age. Safety is more important than anything else. "It's never safe to give a baby anything that could potentially turn into a choking hazard, such as sticky or gummy candies like jelly beans or hard candies like peppermints," Kubala advised. If you're not sure, you can always check with your pediatrician.
Toddlers: Again, anything that can become a choking hazard should be avoided. Here's what Kubala suggested: "Candies that melt in the mouth such as chocolate are appropriate for toddlers. Small children should only be given very small amounts of any candy. Remember, this is the time that children begin to develop their taste for certain foods, so avoiding overly sweet offerings is a good idea."
Teens and tweens: Here's what Kubala suggested: "As your child grows, it becomes harder to control their food choices being that they are out of the house frequently. Whenever possible, limit tweens' and teens' intake of any sugary food (including candy) and teach them about healthy food choices. Make them understand that candy should be an occasional treat, not an everyday snack. Be a role model by following a healthy diet yet showing them that it's OK to enjoy an occasional treat. This will help them feel comfortable around all foods and hopefully set them up on the right path towards following a well-balanced diet as an adult."