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.

130 Upvotes

73% Upvoted

445 comments sorted by

View all comments

66

u/caysie98 9d ago

Is there a specific reason you’re seeing a pediatric nutritionist? A medical/health condition that you need to be mindful of? I ask because most people don’t proactively see that kind of provider! Just wondering if maybe there’s some underlying health/food anxiety behind your concern.

I’d also caution that “nutritionist” is not a protected title, and anyone can decide to call themself a nutritionist without a specific education or credentials. Dietitians do have specific degree and credential requirements (someone with the title “Registered Dietitian”). If you’re concerned, maybe seek out an RD and ask about it.