We live in a society where we think that baby foods have to be bland, but that’s not the case! Just as you wouldn't enjoy eating a bland meal, neither will your child. In another case, mommy may be concerned that the food is not palatable and worry that their Little Munchkin will refuse it. They might add soy sauce, black pepper, garlic, cinnamon, etc., to the dish.
In the previous blog, we mentioned that mild spices and certain seasonings are safe to be introduced to your baby as soon as they start taking in solids, usually for 6 to 8 months. However, what about soy sauce? At what age can the baby consume it? Is there anything else to note before feeding? Let’s jump right in!
1. Babies Cannot Have Too Much Salt
Like salt, soy sauce contains sodium, and early and excessive exposure to sodium can prime your baby’s palate for salty foods and harm your baby. Before the age of 1, babies are not recommended to consume salt as their kidneys are still immature and unable to rule out excessive sodium in the blood. Therefore, eating too much salt is vulnerable, and such damage is difficult to recover! It's recommended that you add soy sauce to baby food once they are 1-3 years old, but not to exceed 1ml per feeding, 10ml per day!
2. Aware of Food Allergies
Allergies to soy are common, especially in children. Wheat and gluten are also present in most soy sauces and maybe allergenic for some people and those with celiac disease. Always keep an eye on the ingredients list! Parents should start slowly and in a very small amount in the first few times.
3. Use Only Natural Ingredients
Say No-no to soy sauce that adds preservatives, artificial additives, MSG, colouring, and GMO inclusions! Furthermore, some soy sauce in the marketplace is not even fermented. Those unethical manufacturers may only make “soy sauce” by using colouring and flavouring! *Urghhh*
Choose brands that use natural or organic ingredients like organic soybeans, organic wheat flour, organic sugar, and salt.
To all A+ mothers, keep 3A in mind when feeding your baby soy sauce- Age, Amount, and Allergies. Food is meant to be enjoyed, so have fun letting your little one try it!
Written by: Foo Jia Qi
BSc (Hons) Nutrition With Wellness
UCSI University
Reviewed by: Jasmine Lim
Love Earth Organic Nutritionist
Bachelor of Science Degree in
Dietetics (major) & Food Science (minor)
Iowa State University, USA
References
DayDayNews. (2020). Can I Add Salt or Soy Sauce to Baby Food Supplement? https://daydaynews.cc/en/baby/810964.html
Mandl, E. (2017). How Is Soy Sauce Made and Is It Bad for You? https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/is-soy-sauce-bad-for-you#TOC_TITLE_HDR_7
