1 in 3 babies is fed sugary treats every day by Mum

ALMOST one-third of babies in Scotland are regularly being fed chocolate, ice cream and crisps, a ‘horrifying’ report has found.

Scottish mothers have admitted giving babies the treats at least once a day.

The findings have come in the Scottish Government’s maternal and infant nutrition survey, in which some 8,000 pregnant women and mothers of babies up to one year old took part.

The research is a major insight into the health of mothers and babies under one.

Last night, health campaigners described the findings as ‘horrifying’.

Tam Fry, patron of the Child Growth Foundation and chairman of the National Obesity Forum, said: ‘We are absolutely woeful in nutrition education. There are so many parents having children with no idea what to feed them.

‘Treats really should be out because children at that age should have minimal sugar.

‘It is horrifying how people do not know how to look after their children’s health.’

The survey found 29 per cent of babies between eight and 12 months were being fed treats every day.

Tap water is the only recommended alternative to breast or formula milk outside of meals for babies aged between six and 12 months.

But the survey found some parents were giving their babies other drinks not recommended for infants, with 12 per cent giving them diluting juice and 3 per cent giving them tea.

It also revealed that half of expectant mothers were either overweight or obese at their first pregnancy check, and nearly one in ten did not take

‘No idea what to feed them’

folic acid before becoming pregnant or in the first month of pregnancy – a supplement that reduces the risk of birth defects.

A total of 54 per cent of women admitted that they did not stop drinking alcohol before becoming pregnant, although a quarter said they had ‘cut down’.

Only 88 per cent said they had not consumed any alcohol since they realised they were pregnant, despite official advice that all women should avoid it in pregnancy.

Mary Ross-Davie, the Royal College of Midwives director for Scotland, said: ‘The report shows that there is still work to do to support women in Scotland to improve their health.

‘These messages need to start at home and in schools so that young women are aware of the benefits of maximising their own health for the benefit of their future children as well as for themselves.’

The study’s principal investigator Linda Wolfson, professional adviser and national maternal and infant nutrition co-ordinator for the Scottish Government, said: ‘The results provide a solid baseline on which we can build effective interventions.’

Public Health Minister Aileen Campbell said: ‘The survey provides insights into where we can do more. The findings will be used to inform the development of our healthy weight strategy for Scotland, with support aimed at improving the diet and health of the nation.’