I love my MIL, but every time she watches my son (15 mos.), w/in 24 hrs, he has blisters and horrible diaper rash! She's diabetic & eats sugar-free foods. She mentions giving my kids 'snacks' (which are ok by me, but I've noticed all are sugar-free), but when I pick them up, my daughter (7) complains about her stomach hurting & my son's butt looks horrible! I can usually clear it up w/baking soda and Lanolin overnight, but would the sugar-substitues be causing this issue? I've researched it online & see it does cause GI problems - but someone else? I believe in my kids eating healthy, but enjoying too - so I don't feed them fat-free, low cal, sugar free stuff - heck, they're kids! And, I do a lot of cooking so they don't eat a lot of chemically altered/processed food. Maybe their systems aren't used to it? Just some insight b/c my poor son's butt can't handle this anymore!
2007-10-23 08:34:47 · 12 answers · asked by nicolettedimon 1 in Pregnancy & Parenting ➔ Newborn & Baby
I keep his diaper off quite a bit during the day since we're working on potty training as well...so, I know it's not a matter of him sitting in soiled diapers (I'm obsessive compulsive when it comes to clean down there...lol).
2007-10-23 08:50:02 · update #1
I always send snacks and always tell her to just give them what I send. My husband and I are talking to her tonight, but I wanted more facts before accusing. However, when my 7 yr old asks for a popsicle, is she going to say, "Grandma - it's sugar free - I can't have that?" I want to make her aware, but I want to have facts too and not accuse. Thanks all so far!!!
2007-10-23 08:54:37 · update #2
I DON'T let my kids have artificial sweeteners - that's my point Sarah. I have found this out and now I need to confront her about it - but I wanted to make sure this would be the cause before I go accusing her. I would never 'let' them have it - it wasn't until after the fact, that I found out. I'm not asking for criticism, I'm asking for info before I go accusing someone of something that might not even be worth it. We're going to tell my MIL anyway not to give it to them, but I wanted to know if it was the cause as well. Thank you.
2007-10-23 09:51:32 · update #3
It's definitely possible that they could be reacting to artificial sweeteners or sugar substitutes. Especially if you've noticed it on an ongoing basis and that is the only change in diet. Have you mentioned the problem to your MIL, or maybe it could be something else she is feeding them that they don't normally have? If you approach it from the health standpoint that although it's okay for her with diabetes, you are finding that your children cannot tolerate it, or that they are having a reaction, even say that you or your doctor thinks they have a sensitivity so should avoid certain foods to determine what it is. She probably just doesn't realize that there could be a problem. You could also try sending snacks along with them. Good luck!
2007-10-23 08:50:36 · answer #1 · answered by josi 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
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2016-09-19 08:00:46 · answer #2 · answered by ? 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Absolutely those artificial sweeteners are awful. I stopped having migraines after I gave them up. Many pediatricians will tell you they are particularly bad for children.
Some have even pointed to the fact that aspartame doesn't actually meet the FDA standards for safety.
Even some of the "natural" ones like xylitol can cause diarrhea and stomach problems. Diarrhea alone can cause diaper rash. Xylitol is commonly found in gum because the ADA has let gums say that they are good for teeth if they contain xylitol, and while it is true that xylitol can prevent cavities if it makes you sick you should avoid it. My friend never realised that xylitol was a problem until she went on a special diet and used xylitol instead of sugar in everything for a couple of days.
The bottom line is that your children are reacting to something in the foods she feeds them -probably the artificial sweetners but possibly preservatives, artificial flavours, etc.
Many snacks for kids come in individual packages so they stay fresh longer. As your mom to buy treats specific for the kids as they are getting sick -I'm sure she wouldn't want them to be sick any more than you do.
2007-10-23 09:02:52 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 0⤋
Wow, I can't believe you let your kids have sugar free foods. No offense, but wow- for someone who says they want their kids to have healthy foods, that's just crazy.
Artificial sweeteners are MUCH worse for you than sugar. I understand limiting sugar, but not if you're replacing it with something artificial. I don't eat substitutes, and neither will my kids. If you've "looked into it", then how can you even think they are even close to something you want to feed/allow someone else to feed your kids??
Usually, I'd say "everything in moderation". But not here. NO artificial sweeteners. NONE! If I were you, I'd give my MIL some info. on the sweeteners as well, they aren't good for anyone, diabetic or not. She can and should learn how to eat healthy, not just "cheat" the system. Especially since she's a "role model" for your children.
2007-10-23 09:39:24 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 2⤋
Sugar free foods and drinks, unless they are sweetened with splenda (and it is usually advertised that way on the label) contain a chemical called phenyalaline, which is a stimulant. It can exaggerate symptoms of ADHD, and it actually excites your brain cells to the point where they die. I myself don't use sugar free products in my house, especially for my kids for that reason alone. Trust me, the sugar is far better than this stuff. Just give her the regular popcicles. They're not going to hurt her--everything in moderation.
2016-03-15 00:05:11 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
I don't have exact research for you, but It defiantly can be the sugar free stuff. If sugar is taken out of something, usually an artificial sweetener is put in it, like splendor, NutraSweet, etc. which alot of people can't take...it is chemically processed. Personally, I can't even use that stuff, it gives me headaches.
2007-10-23 08:58:23 · answer #6 · answered by Kristy Lynn 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It's definitely true that treats with Sorbitol increase bowel movements and can cause stomach aches in kids. You're MIL means well but she's not doing right by the kids with SF snacks meant for adults (in limited doses, too). Kids are better off with veggies or zwieback crackers.
2007-10-23 08:50:49 · answer #7 · answered by Goethe's Ghostwriter 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Yeah it sounds like they are allergic to the artificial sweetners, after keeping them away from it for awhile and it does not occur let your MIL know this. She will not want to do anything that is hurting her grand babies and will make certain she has food around that they can eat. Also you want want to check into having your children tested for allergies to find out exactly what all they are allergic to. My husband has allergies and is allergic to potatoes. Good luck, best wishes.
2007-10-23 08:54:43 · answer #8 · answered by Gladys C 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Could be...they shouldn't be eating sugar free foods. High fructose corn syrup is terrible but artificial sweeteners are just as bad. Yech...be careful!
2007-10-23 08:45:28 · answer #9 · answered by hatebear 2 · 2⤊ 0⤋
If i have too much fake sugar I get yeast infections, so its totally possible. Try to test it. Keep them away from as much of those kinds of things for a few days, see if it clears up.
2007-10-23 08:40:56 · answer #10 · answered by Jill 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋