A new study from the World Health Organization finds two-thirds of baby foods on grocery store shelves in Iowa and nationwide are safe to eat, but they aren’t healthy.

Ellen Compton, a registered dietician with the Gundersen Health System, says that’s discouraging news for time-strapped parents who are often looking for quick, nutritious ways to feed their kids.

Ellen Compton (Gundersen photo)

“A lot of our food marketing, kind of across the board, can be deceptive, especially to busy parents who just want to grab and go and have a variety of food for their kids,” Compton says. “There are claims on some packaging that can be somewhat deceptive.”

Read the label, she says, as many foods that may appear to be a smart choice could prove otherwise when you delve through the fine print, with all sorts of sweeteners and additives.

“Just because something says that it’s organic or wholesome or BPA-free does not necessarily mean that it’s going to be considered like a health food,” Compton says. “Many, many things can be organic. Sugar can be organic, right? And you don’t want to be giving your baby lots of sugar.”

When adults are in a rush, they might pop into a fast food drive-through, even though they know it may not be the healthiest choice, but parents need to be especially wary of a newborn’s diet.

“The pouches that are on the grocery shelves, take those claims with a grain of salt for sure, and make sure that you are using them kind of in moderation,” Compton says, “like a quick grab-and-go-type snack or something like that, and not relying on them completely to feed your child.”

It’s not the end of the world to use those pouches on occasion, she says, just don’t make a practice of it.

Gundersen Health System has clinics in Calmar, Decorah, Fayette, Lansing, Postville and Waukon, and a hospital in West Union.

Share this:
Radio Iowa