It’s honestly wild how tricky snack labels are. I used to grab those “fruit” snacks thinking they were a step up from cookies, but then you see sugar as the first or second ingredient… ugh. Juice boxes are even sneakier. The packaging makes them look like a healthy option, but it’s basically candy in a cup. I totally get what you mean about the anxiety at daycare—my little one came home with a “special treat” one day and it turned out to be marshmallow cereal. I mean, I get that they’re trying to keep the kids happy, but wow.
We started brushing as soon as the first tooth popped through, but I still worry sometimes. I was actually surprised by how much our dentist emphasized not just brushing but also what goes in their mouths between meals. She said even milk before bed can be an issue if you don’t brush after… which feels almost impossible some nights when everyone’s exhausted.
I hear you on wishing daycares would post menus. Ours does send a weekly email now, but it’s pretty vague (“seasonal fruit,” “whole grain snack”) and you have to ask for specifics if you want details. It’s tough because you want to trust them, but also… not all “whole grain” snacks are created equal, especially on a budget.
One thing that helped us was switching to water for snacks and only offering milk with meals. It was an adjustment, but it did cut down on the sticky-sweet stuff sticking to her teeth all day. Have you found any affordable snack options that don’t feel like a sugar bomb? Sometimes I just go for plain popcorn or those mini rice cakes, but I’m always looking for ideas that won’t break the bank or end up being secretly loaded with sugar.
Anyone else feel like figuring out healthy snacks is like solving a puzzle every week?
