Preservatives Make My Son Batty!

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MLBW

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I figured that this is a timely topic as the holidays are upon us and that means loads of sugar and snacks available for the kiddies (and us).

I had read about it (and ) but today I saw it for the first time in person.

We were at play group and it was a costume-themed meeting today for Halloween. Also the kids were having snacks. My son was a bit hungry so someone handed me a cup of Fruity Cheerios. If you don't know what these are, they are similar to Fruit Loops but they are Cheerios--basically, sugar and flavor coated Cheerios.

My son really liked them and ate a few baby handfuls. Then, he went crazy! It was like my child had been swapped with a totally different little human being! He was like freaking out--and this lasted most of the afternoon. He was sitting in his high chair later for lunch and he was throwing a fit, the likes of I have never seen before. Totally out of character for him! Then he would just like space out and stare off into nowhere. We ruled out a fever or other sickness.

Anyway, I was thinking, "What in the world?!" Then I thought, "Oh, the Cheerios!" Up until today, my son had really never been given a heavily sugared, artificial-colored and flavored snack. So, needless to say, we won't be doing that again anytime soon.

My question is this: Has anyone else had this experience? AND What types of snacks do you feed your baby or children that avoid the preservatives and colorings?
 
We've had the same experience with any preservative laden food including bread. He's already bouncing off the wall with his naturally spirited self! So he gets preservative free snacks.
Since the melamine scare, I've turned to baking my own cookies for him on the weekends. We make allowances for snacks from the Natural Confectionary Company though and Fish (the plain ones in a blue pack).
Anything with articifial colouring sets him off too!
 
silentspace said:
Sweets/Sugar make kids hyperactive thats why its best to avoid sweets.It seems honey is a good alternative.
Click to expand...

The research shows that it's actually the preservatives that have the most damaging effect.

Research
Additionally


He wasn't just hyper--he was having like emotional problems. He was showing symptoms of a reaction to it. My son can't have honey yet--he is less than 1-year-old. :0)
 
I feel the same way about giving food contained with perservatives to my 2 year old. Maybe that's why she throws these huge tantrums!
Ever since we moved to hk, I haven't been to watching her diet more carefully...
thanks for starting this thread, its reminded me to be more careful at what I buy. Food that are naturally made are just as good.

Spockey: what kinds of cookies do you make, I'm always looking for kid friendly recipes...
 
No problem, Katelyn. Yeah, I couldn't even believe my eyes--the reaction was so stunning. Now I know for sure I have to be really careful (and keep the grandparents from feeding him that stuff too--that will be the challenge!)

:haha:
 
I'm usually pretty careful about what my son eats as well - with the odd exception for special occasions.
I couldn't believe it today though when he returned from his Stepping Stones pre-school class (for children ages 2yrs 4mths to 2yrs 8mths) with a LARGE bag full of candy, chocolate and other junk food for Halloween. All preservative laden rubbish.
The school had given a bag to each child!
He was bouncing off the walls - right before lunch and nap time. I was not impressed and will be speaking to them on Monday. It just doesn't seem appropriate to me.
Am I overreacting?
 
Oh okay i didnt know it was the preservatives...think i read something about the sugar before.thanks for sharing MLBW.
Aussiemum...that definitely is not an over reaction.They shouldnt be sending in such garbage for kids to munch on especially from school
 
Hi Katelyn

We made Vanilla Cookies last weekend. Used Donna Hay's recipe book. I'll put up the recipe if you want it... not sugar laden and the dough is perfect for getting toddlers to cut them into shapes themselves. He did a couple of pretty good ones. It was a great way for him to identify shapes too!

I got a Playdough baking set from ToysRUs too so that he could have his own rolling pin, cookie cutters to help. It was really fun!

We've also tried homemade muffins... he loved it too! This weekend, it'll be either jam cookies or choc chip.
 
Hi Spockey..
Yes I would love the vanilla cookie recipe! sounds like your son had lots of fun... plus great idea with the playdough set.
 
Aussiemum, you're definitely not over reacting, I don't allow my two year daughter to eat candies or chocolate. I have to keep reminding eveyone to not give it to her, especially to my friends that give their kids candies. (I know they don't understand why I'm doing this) I know that people think I'm way too strict or crazy to not allow my two year to "be a kid".
If I wanted to give sweets to my child, I'll give her a piece of fruit... that's sweet too... why does any child need to be given candies when there's so much more other foods that are good for them and taste good out there. If I give my child a good "food" foundation then hopefully when she's older, she'll take it with her and be healthy.
 
I've stopped giving my 3 and 2yo sweets too. Gosh they were hyper and neither one of them slept well. It has been two weeks now and both are sleeping much better and throw way less tantrums!! I've also put the whole family on a gluten-free diet, which isn't as yucky/difficult as I initially thought. Finding some good gluten-free bread is a problem though. Any suggestions?
 
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