Is Citric Acid Safe for Babies?

Citric acid is most commonly found in citrus fruits like oranges, lemons, limes, and pineapples. It causes them to have their signature tart taste. Citric acid is used as an ingredient in soft drinks, flavoring in food items, and also as a preservative. You have been eating citric acid for years and haven’t even known it. Sadly most of the citric acid we are eating isn’t the real stuff, but synthetically created.

The other day while having breakfast at a restaurant, an amazing feat in itself with a 6 month old, our adorable wee one went from a happy baby to raging lunatic in 30 seconds flat. I was unprepared, didn’t have a bottle or toy, and wasn’t going to breast feed over my huevos rancheros, so I let my screaming infant suck on the wedge of orange tucked on the side of my plate. She stopped wailing, and was intrigued. She couldn’t stand the taste, it was obvious from the face she was making, but she was ecstatic about having something she could put in her mouth. It kept her busy, and us very entertained, for the remainder of our meal.

Many baby foods have small amounts of citric acid added to them as a preservative, so our infants are eating it before they might be eating an actual orange slice. The problem is, overindulgence in citric acid can lead to tooth decay, and also digestive issues. Citric acid is used as a cleaning agent, meant to remove lime buildup and rust stains. Think of what that does to your young baby’s new teeth and developing internals.

Small amounts of citric acid is safe for your baby, and checking labels of baby food before purchasing will let you know which ones might contain citric acid. Many times banana, carrot, and sweet potato baby foods will have citric acid in them. A solution to cutting down on the amount of citric acid your baby ingests is by making your own baby food. It is inexpensive, not as time consuming as you think, and very easy. This way you also know exactly what your baby is eating, citric acid included.

Citrus is good for us, and your growing baby. By regulating how much they eat, you can keep them safe and healthy. Instead of purchasing baby foods made with citric acid, try making some yourself. Instead of providing your baby with fruit juices that are created with citric acid, why not give them fresh cut up fruit? This will keep your baby’s teeth and digestive system happy and healthy. And, as always, make sure to observe your baby after giving them any type of new food for allergic reactions.

Sources:

http://www.wholesomebabyfood.com/citrusbabyfoodrecipes.htm

http://www.alive.com/1498a4a2.php?subject_bread_cramb=260

http://www.encyclopedia.com/topic/citric_acid.aspx

Reference:

• www.associatedcontent.com/article/306129/tiny_gourmet_or_the_fine_art_of_homemade.htm
• www.associatedcontent.com/article/427764/homemade_baby_food_yummy_good_chi_for.html?c
• www.associatedcontent.com/article/1569090/protect_children_from_eye_injuries.html?cat=