When Is My Baby Ready For Chocolaty Treats?

With the festive season in full swing, first-time mommies might just be wondering if their babies are ready for a little bit of indulgence, too. We give you the low down on the right time to introduce you baby to the food of the Gods—chocolate

- Shruti Shukla

It is a truth universally acknowledged that everyone who appreciates the good things in life must be in want of a piece of chocolate. While Jane Austen may have had another idea, modern day gourmands really do know that the good things in life usually boil down to one simple thing—chocolate! From exam worries and office deadlines, to cheery celebrations and pregnancy woes, this scrummy friend has always been there for us. And despite its debatable image, it has fought time and again to prove its health benefits for heart, skin, brain and our mood.

Chocolate encourages feel-good endorphins in the body that justify our true love for it. In fact, a study by Katri Raikkonen at the University of Helsinki, Finland, has confirmed that women who consumed chocolates during their pregnancy, gave birth to babies who were ‘positively reactive— a measure that encompasses traits such as smiling and laughter’.

“Chocolate consumption by expectant mothers, in moderation, can work as a source of iron”, says Dr Rahul Nagpal, director, paediatrics and neonatology, Fortis Hospital, Vasant Kunj. “However, pregnant women who have gestational diabetes should keep away from chocolates,” he adds.

The Right Age for Chocolate

As a new mum, you could be baffled about the right time for introducing chocolates to your little one. With all the festivities around the corner, they are bound to have a frequent presence in our homes. In such a scenario, it becomes exceedingly difficult to figure out whether it’s alright to give your bundle of joy some treats, or to hold out just a little while longer.