Not everything you see is great for your kids or great for their health. So today, we are going to talk about the use and the effects of maple syrup. It’s totally okay to feed them occasionally, but if you want to include this in their regular diet, then you need to question your decision. Today we are going to discuss everything you need to know, which concerns your child’s health, so stick around till the end.
Can Babies Have Maple Syrup?
Primarily the answer to this question is YES. After a certain age, babies can have maple syrup. Make sure you don’t feed your child maple syrup if they are below 12 months old. After that, occasionally, they can intake maple syrup but not regularly. You may already know that these go through a lot of synthetic processing and might contain artificial colors or artificial ingredients as well to enhance the taste, which is not good for babies. You may already know that having something within a limit is bearable, and that doesn’t affect much. I’m talking about synthetic maple syrup here.
But if you can hunt a particular brand that makes pure maple syrup without adding synthetic sugar or artificial sweeteners, then go ahead and include that, as this is a good alternative for normal sugar( the one in our household). Maple syrup is considered vegan as well, so it’s also a good alternative for honey.
The sugar that we generally use is not that good for health, and thus we use alternatives like jaggery powder, maple syrup, and honey, as these are natural alternatives derived from plants or nature.
If Maple Syrup is good, then why is it?
Maple syrup comes with a nutrient boost with different kinds of nutrients like calcium, potassium, magnesium, and zinc. Comes with added minerals as well, which definitely adds a plus point. Maple syrup doesn’t come in contact with soil and also air, so there’s less chance of it getting contaminated. 100% pure maple syrup is sweetened naturally, so a good natural sweetener is always good for babies and not only for babies but adults as well.
How is maple syrup obtained?
Well, maple syrup is obtained from maple trees. They are obtained from the xylem sap of the tree. It is basically stored in the trunk, and later it is converted into sugar. The secreted juice is later derived from the tree in later spring or winter. A few holes are made in the trunk by drilling, and the juice is collected. Later the juice is heated, where the water evaporates, leaving a syrup. That syrup is maple syrup.
Hence, it is completely derived from plants (good quality maple syrup).
Is maple syrup common choking Hazard?
Though the answer to this is NO. But as it is sticky, it can create hassle anytime. Not like it will, but it may. So for safety purpose, stay nearby or in reach of one hand distance when your baby is having her meal.
Who Discovered Maple Syrup?
Maple Syrup was discovered by the Indigenous people of North America on a whim. A person threw a tomahawk at a tree, and later the sap got warm by the rays of the sun, and it led to a new sweet syrup. Which was later developed with the help of technology, and later a lot of companies started manufacturing maple syrup.
Variation of Maple Syrup
Try introducing your child to lighter maple syrups, as it is sweet but not that intense. It is generally available in four varieties golden and amber in light variations. Dark and very dark are quite intense and are sweeter. Go for golden or amber if you are buying it for your baby especially.
Is Maple Syrup Allergen In Nature?
You can get allergic to maple Syrup if you have pollen food allergy syndrome. Though it can occur when you intake raw or unprocessed syrup. But there shouldn’t be much problem with processed and properly manufactured maple syrup.
The general symptoms of these allergies are itching, burning inside the mouth, and discomfort. It may increase and can cause you trouble. If that occurs, consult a physician immediately.
While introducing this particular food item, introduce it in a small portion or quantity. Later increase, the proportion.
Can Syrup Cause Botulism?
A very common and concerning question that is often asked. Well, honestly, this risk often creates when you are feeding honey to your child. Botulism is caused by clostridia Botulinum. With maple syrup, there is no such risk. Though you need to be careful that you should not offer raw maple sap to your child or it may cause Botulism. As long as you feed them properly packaged maple syrup, you don’t have to worry.
How to Introduce Maple Syrup to them?
In case you want to introduce maple syrup to your kid, you can try out this easy recipe. You should introduce maple syrup to kids in different ways. Age-wise.
Months 6 to 12 – you don’t have to introduce any foreign sweetener in this stage. Avoid this.
Months 12 – 24 – you can introduce maple syrup to them during this stage, but only once in a while.
Months 24 and on – without any hesitation, go ahead and feed your child with maple syrup. Don’t let him/her develop a habit of it, though.
Lemon Maple Pancakes
To make this super easy and tasty recipe for your baby, follow the step-by-step process.
Ingredients–
- Flour
- baking soda
- baking powder
- lemon juice
- lemon zest
- salt
- egg
- avocado oil
- maple syrup
- Vanilla
- milk
Procedure –
Prepare the dry ingredients in a bowl. On a bowl, add flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. Whisk all the ingredients and keep them aside. In a separate bowl, add all the wet ingredients like milk, Maple syrup, vanilla extract, lemon juice, lemon zest, and egg and avocado oil together.
After you are done, mix your dry ingredients with the wet ingredients. Whisk the batter until the batter is ready. Don’t overmix.
Brush oil in a pan and add your batter in equal proportion. When the pancake bubbles, flip it around, and your pancake is ready. Serve it with some maple syrup and Greek yogurt on top.
You can also sprinkle some maple syrup on fresh fruits and serve it. That’s also a good way to introduce maple syrup to your child.
Conclusive Insights
In proportion, everything is good and isn’t harmful. Though make sure you choose a maple syrup that isn’t synthetically prepared or has harmful ingredients. Choose a maple syrup that has zero added preservatives. I hope this composition was helpful and relevant. Till the next time, stay healthy and stay safe.
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