Busy parents have found a lifesaver in the form of squeezable pureed food pouches. And why not, when they don’t require refrigeration and outplay traditional children snacks that require utensils.
These squeezable snacks appeal to children who would rather run around and play than sitting down and eat. They’re also quite popular with children at playgrounds, parks and on their parents’ very own car seats.
The down side? The habit of feeding from these pouches is pretty much like having your kids drink from sippy cups full of milk or juice all day.
Paul Casamassimo, oral health research and policy centre director at the American Academy of Paediatric Dentistry, told NPR, "The constant exposure of sugar on their teeth is detrimental.” He said, "My concern would be if the child walks around with this little pouch, then they might be doing the same thing."
The pouch food’s consistency may also be particularly damaging to the teeth. "We know that tends to stick on teeth and prolong the opportunity for the bacteria to build," he says.
Mark S. Wolff, DDS, PhD, of the New York University College of Dentistry says, "It's a convenience food, and if you said to me 'I'm taking my child out for the day and it's easier than carrying a bottle around' — that's not a terrible thing, because it's occasional."
Dr Wolff continues, "If, on the other hand, the parent gives their child a pouch to suck on every time the child makes noise, or if the child is getting put to bed with this, you'll have an issue."
To make sure children who love this snack avoid getting tooth decay, Casamassimo says brushing kids' teeth twice a day and making them rinse with water after eating the pouch foods or drinking juice can help.
Would you give your child these squeezable fruit purees?