Infants and toddlers are eating too much sugar according to the NY Times. Years ago, our generation accepted the fact that many of the foods our children would eat were laden with added sugars. We now know that too much sugar can lead to diabetes, dental cavities, and obesity. Many breakfast foods were processed foods that derived flavor from sugar. Many of the added sugars, unlike those who are found naturally in fruits, exceed the American Cancer Societies guidelines of no more than 10 percent added sugar in a normal diet. Too much sugar is also linked to cancer as well. Researchers, using data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, found that from 2011 to 2016, 98 percent of toddlers ages 12 to 23 months consumed added sugar in fruit drinks, baked goods, candy, and ready-to-eat cereals. Interestingly, black toddlers eat the most sugar statistically, about 8 teaspoons a day compared to white Asian toddlers who consumed about half that. Parents in my baby boomer generation consumed and gave their children juice boxes which were flavored sugar water. The current trend is to eat less sugar and to eat better quality food while avoiding sugary drinks such as soda. Infants and Toddlers Eat Too Much Sugar, Researchers Say. Using C.D.C. data, researchers found that 98 percent of toddlers and 60 percent of infants consumed added sugar in sweetened drinks, baked goods, and snacks. By Laura M. Holson Nov. 14, 2019 Nearly all American toddlers and about two-thirds of infants consume added sugar, despite nutritionists’ recommendations that children avoid the sweetener, according to a government study released this week. Researchers, using data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, found that from 2011 to 2016, 98 percent of toddlers ages 12 to 23 months consumed added sugar in fruit drinks, baked goods, candy, and ready-to-eat cereals. Black toddlers ate the most added sugar — about eight teaspoons a day — while toddlers of Asian descent consumed the least, about 3.7 teaspoons a day. Read more