Health Professionals do not recommend giving babies Karo syrup or any commercially available corn syrup. In the past, dark corn syrup was used to relieve infant constipation since it contained substances that softened stool by drawing water into the gut. However, modern-day corn commercially available corn syrup may not have that same chemical composition making these syrups such as Karo ineffective. There are also concerns that corn syrups may contain botulism-causing bacteria that can lead to an infant’s hospitalization. And because of the added sugars it possesses, Kara corn syrup may lead to obesity and type 2 diabetes in children.
Many parents like to compare their baby’s adorable little cheeks with the chubby cheeks on the cover of all the parenting magazines they spot and wonder if their babies are getting enough to eat and how to help them gain weight.
As a parent, you need to remember that over the first few days after birth, they’ll lose some weight, as expected.
Formula-fed babies lose about 3 to 4 percent of their birth weight, while breastfed babies lose between 6 and 7 percent of the same during their first few days.
By the end of the second week, most babies will have gained back this weight. And by the end of the first year, your baby shall have tripled its birth weight.
But what if you don’t want to play the waiting game? Or still, looking at the chubby cheeks of those little ones that roll past you? What can you do to help your baby gain weight? Can you use Karo corn syrup to help your baby gain weight? Is it certified for use in babies?
Is Karo syrup safe for weight gain in young children?
Some healthcare professionals recommend infant Karo syrup to prevent and treat constipation; however, corn syrup is not sterile.
As a result, they might contain harmful levels of Clostridium botulinum bacteria that can cause a rare and sometimes fatal illness called botulism.
Botulism in babies can result in severe symptoms such as muscle weakness and trouble breathing that may require hospitalization.
Karo syrup may also increase the risk of dental cavities developing in infants. As such, the syrup is not suitable for children.
Most corn syrups constitute added sugars associated with obesity development and many morbid conditions. It’s advised that early exposure to sugars such as Kara corn syrup may directly influence obesity risks in babies by shaping their taste preferences.
These eating behaviors may ultimately lead to overindulgence in sweet foods and a rejection of bitter-tasting alternatives such as broccoli.
Tips for a healthy weight gain for your baby
You will want to consider your unique life circumstances when looking for additional ways to increase your baby’s weight. Food intake isn’t limited to mealtimes and snacks.
Here are some suggestions that may help.
1. Vitamins and supplements
Even though babies are born with sufficient iron stores in their bodies to last them the first four months from birth, the American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that breastfed babies be given an iron supplement since breast milk contains very little iron.
On the other hand, formula-fed babies get enough iron from the formula. It is also healthy and advisable to provide plenty of iron-rich foods.
2. Mealtime schedules
Earlier in life, all babies are more in tune with their own needs than the clock. If they’re hungry, feed them. As they grow older, you can begin to establish a set time.
After six months, or after the introduction of solid foods, more of a schedule may help encourage healthy eating habits, and that’s when to start setting aside time to eat mindfully.
Just ensure to schedule snack time at mid-morning and mid-afternoon because the baby’s little tummies don’t hold any reserves.
3. Mealtime fun
No doubt your child is more likely to eat foods they’d typically refuse when they are part of their peers.
You can take dinners outdoors when the weather is nice and let your baby have a romp on the grass for added appetite.
Present a variety of meals to encourage trying new flavors while introducing one flavor at a time. Don’t let a refusal stop you from offering fresh food.
It may take a lot of persuasion before your baby decides to try it.
4. Mealtime togetherness
Eating as a family is related to eating more and trying new foods. Switch off your phone and the TV to keep distractions to a minimum.
Sometimes, reading a story while you feed them is also an excellent way to get your baby to eat.
FAQs
Is Kato corn syrup the same as high fructose corn syrup?
Although both are products of corn starch, they are not the same. High fructose corn syrup is a sweet liquid obtained after enzyme treatment that converts the glucose in corn syrup to fructose.
High fructose corn syrup is called so because of its high concentration compared to corn syrup.
Is Karo syrup gluten-free?
According to Karo’s syrup manufacturer’s official website, Karo syrup is gluten-free, does not contain added gluten, and is not manufactured in a facility that processes gluten-containing foods.
How long can Karo syrup be stored?
Kara syrup is safe for adults to eat for an indefinite period whether it is opened or not. However, it’s recommended to use it before the “best by” date is stamped on the container for best results.
Bottles may be refrigerated after opening, but it will make the syrup thicker and slower to pour.
Takeaway
Too many added sugars of all kinds and not just corn syrup can contribute to unwanted calories linked to health problems such as excessive weight gain and type 2 diabetes.
Just ensure a well-rounded diet for your child and breastfeed when possible. Breast milk provides complete nutrition for your baby.
