How could this have harmed my baby?

Question

I accidently discovered my MIL putting several drops of tea(sweetened with sugarfree tablets) from her cup into my 4 months old baby's mouth.I then found out that she had been doing this nearly everyday eversince he was 2 months old.whats more,both the MIL as well as FIL have been putting tiny amounts of sugar,fat and fried gramflour too (it is a sweet dish they love) into his mouth.

apart from lessening interest in his milk,my baby has not yet shown any other reaction.could these feedings be fatal for him?

Answer 1

No they are not fatal for him.  A couple of drops of something sweet here and there is not going to matter very much, unless it really lessens his interest in his milk.  If this is bothering you then ask them to please stop doing it.  

Answer 2

No it is not harmful. Just make sure to tell them to ask YOU before they give him anything else.  

Answer 3

It's just iresponsible of them, not fatal. Make it clear that they are not to do this again but at the same time stop worrying about it, its done already.  

Answer 4

i don`think it could be fatal for him but weather the sweeteners might not have an effect on him you should check with your pediatrician.lots of lands start weaning their baby at 2 months old i personally think that is too soon in england they recommend that you start weaning at 4 months when they is not a risk of allergies(.i.e if mother or father or sibling has allergies.)then it is recommended at 6-9 months to start weaning and not to start with wheat products until 1.5yr.i know this as my child has allergies.but anyway when you start weaning it should be with foods that are not salty or with sugar as the baby`s stomach is not ready for it yet.surely the fact that he is having less interest in the milk as a result of the food might mean that he`s ready to wean.start with one food foods at first i.e carrots,or unsalted potatoes or pumpkin is good.then later on try introducing more foods gradually.you should try to talk to your in-laws,keep calm though,explain that you appreciate their help but things have change lately and this is now what the experts say is better for the children to eat after latest medical research.get your midwife to give you a pamphlet on weaning your child and give it to them.explain you want them to give your child only what it says in the book.make sure when you talk to them that your husband is with you and that he is there for your support.i don`t think you should forbid them not to feed your baby when he is there that might offend them too much,it`s just that they are from a different generation and things were different when they had thier children i`m sure they mean well.but if they are not prepared to do as you say then you must firmly and as politely as possible say you are the mother and if your not prepared to do it my way then i`m sorry you can only see your grandchild when i`m around.that should do the trick.don`t forget when all said and done they are your husband parents and your child grandparents.good luck and congratulations on your baby.

Answer 5

The sugar free tablets can be toxic to infants as they are sometimes toxic to adults. The biggest concern is that your baby could end up with food allergies and intolerance's because of their well meaning meddling. You do need to stress to them that all babies now do not need anything but formula or breast milk for the first 6 months of life as the guidelines have changed a lot since their day.