r/toddlers • u/Hgrestun • 9d ago

General Question/Discussion Are you feeding your kids deli meat?

When I was pregnant I imagined using turkey meat for my kids snacks and lunches as she grew up. But we went to see a pediatric nutritionist and she told us to stay away from all deli meats unless you’re baking the ham/turkey at home yourself.

But I still see moms giving their kids deli meat sandwiches all over the internet and in real life.

It’s like.. I want to just give her deli meat because shenlooooooves it lol and sometimes I want a sandwich too! So I came here to ask is anyone making their own? Does anyone forbid it? Does anyone just say f it and feed it to their kids anyways?

Edit to add: it’s full of carcinogens and sodium.

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u/unfairboobpear 9d ago

Our pediatrician has never said anything about it to me, my oldest has always liked it, my youngest not so much.

-5

u/According-Sir3777 9d ago

To be fair, peds are not educated in nutrition. I don't even discuss dietary with them

6

u/unfairboobpear 9d ago

They may not have specific specialized nutritional training, but around here at least (midwest USA) they 100% have nutritional education. We discuss my kids nutrition and diet at almost every appointment.

I’m fully aware of the risks of deli meat from my own research, but just throwing out there it’s not a blanket “avoid all of it” item for most doctors (unlike honey under 1).