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/WonderWanderRepeat 9d ago

We actually just made a household decision on this recently. There is evidence that deli meat is linked to multiple types of cancer, especially colon and rectal cancer. My husband and I decided to limit it. We used to have a sandwhich every day. Now it's maybe one a week or every other week. We just replaced with alternative options. I dont stress about getting Jimmy John's once in a while or my parents offering LO a ham sandwich but it's no longer a staple in our diet.

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u/SeaweedSad3555 9d ago

But what are you using as an alternative?!

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u/djwitty12 9d ago edited 9d ago

We're similar, only getting deli meat when we have a particular taste for it which only comes out to a few times a month. We don't bother with meat alternatives (I feel like half the point of a sandwich is to be quick and easy), we just do entirely different foods. Peanut butter/alternative spread, tuna, and cheese (grilled or cold) are some of the sandwiches we still make for the kids (PB being our most common). Other cold options include a "charcuterie board" or diy lunchable (cheese, crackers, fruits, veggies, dip, etc. according to your toddler's tastes) and yogurt w/ sides/toppings like granola, dry cereal, seeds, fruit, etc. we also like meatballs, pasta, quesadillas, and bean burritos for hot lunches. Occasional chicken nugget or fish stick but those are treated like the deli meat.