McDonald's for 11 Month Olds!?

[Saphira]

I just have a story that I thought of while reading all these GREAT ways to feed your kids SOLID, HEALTHY foods. Thought I'd share, if no one minds.

I had a church function that I went to around Thanksgiving, I was about 13-14. My family [me, stepdad, and mom], got seated at a table with two other families. I looooooooooove babies, absolutely adore them! They're cute pudgy cheeks and they're big bright eyes! This baby was no exception to my making faces and waving from across the table. She gurgled and laughed and threw her hands into her lap. She was soooo adorable.

So here's where the scary McDonald's factor sneaks in... The pastor begins a prayer, and we grab our food. Mom sits with baby, dad grabs a plate. Dad comes back, mom grabs a plate and comes back. The mom looked a bit overweight, while her husband looked average... maybe even athletic. I noticed she got no tray for baby. Eh, I thought, she's got to be feeding her from her plate... that's normal.

Well, mommy pulls out a bag of McD's which I can smell from across the table... I HATE McDonald's, by the way. Ever since I saw Supersize Me... Oh goodness.

So my mom makes a small comment on the food choice, "Oh, is she able to eat that now?" Considering the baby was LESS than a year old. I think she said 11 months old? And she starts feeding the baby fries along with the cheeseburger. I was in a state of literal shock, I nudged my mom, "Is she ALLOWED to do that?" And the woman was just so proud. "Oh, yeah! She scarfes down a McDonald's burger at least 3 times a week! All by herself too! And it's just wonderful. We thought we'd have so much trouble with solid foods. But she takes that burger! Look at her chomp that thing! And it's gone in a matter of minutes! We're so proud."

My mom, again very politely, mentioned vegetables and fruits. The lady kinda looked at her and said, "Oh, she eats those too on occassion. She doesn't seem to like them as much as McDonald's, but when a baby won't eat... what can a mother do, you know???"

My mom just looked at me and raised her eyebrows. This became a family discussion for the next week. And my parents raised angry fists at me and told me I better not feed my child like that!!! Lol.

Has anyone else had these kinds of experiences? Where you just wanna shake them by the shoulders and ask them WHAT they were thinking!? Being a kid, I really didn't wanna say, "Hey lady, that's a bad idea. Poor nutrition! You're daughter will be obese by the age of 8." I knew that would backfire and she'd be scorning me, cuz what do I know? I was a baby myself.

Your free to share your own stories, I just felt like getting that out there!

[charliesmommy]

Charlie has been eating McDonald's since he was 7 months old. He loved to suck on the french fries and now he loves cheese burgers. We get McDonald's about once every two weeks and he only eats the bottom part of the bun with the burger and some of the fries. My nephew lived on McDonald's when he was a toddler. He is now 15 and as skinny as a rail.

Honestly Saphira, I think you're being a little too judgemental. This woman wasn't beating her child or abusing her in any way. Some parents don't get that if your kid doesn't like peas, try green beans, if that isn't something she likes, try carrots and so on. Not everyone gets that....really. You'll see when you become a mother. As much reading and research you do, there are very few rules that ring true for every child. There is a lot of trial and error and motherhood is as much a learning experience as it is a teaching experience.

[Saphira]

Ok... that's fine and dandy. She never said she fed her little girl McDonald's every two or three weeks. She said it was up three times a week. That this little baby had been gulping down cheeseburgers since she was younger [I don't remember how old], and sometimes was able to eat two in one sitting, with a medium thing of fries.

And I never said that she was holding a stick over the baby's head and hitting it every time it refused a bite. I'm just saying that to me, that wasn't a very healthy food choice for her child. Especially when she had been feeding it to her infant frequently throughout the weeks. I believe that you install good eating habits early on. Just my opinion.

I understand your own child may be skinny as a rail, and he may wolf down McDonald's every few weeks. But what about the children without healthy metabolisms who gain weight speedily? My mom once had to take care of a 2-4 year old in the hospital for high blood sugar and diabetes prevention cuz this kid was nearly topping 150lbs. Not all parents "feed responsibly."

That was my only point in sharing.

[ElNor]

Wow. I thought I was being a bad mom because I let him eat a frozen waffle!

I hate McDonald's too, and have no intention of letting my little boy (he's 10 months) near that stuff willingly. We are an organic / BGH-free house so McD's sure doesn't fit our food philosophy.

It's a choice, but I'm with you in the NO MCDONALD'S camp.

[Tropical Escape]

Okay, who cares what the mother feeds her baby and how much she does it. Get over it and stop making a big deal out of nothing. Seriously.

[abomar]

Great, so this child can join the ranks of Americans (60%) who are obese or morbidly obese. Bad eating habits have to start somewhere and unfortunately this baby has a "Great" start on it. Shame on them for feeding such garbage to a little baby.

[Saphira]

It's not the fact that she fed her kid McDonald's. Really. It's the fact that she did it often.

This woman was proud of the fact that her little girl could gulp down a whole burger [sometimes two] and medium fry in one sitting. And she said it was a couple times a week. You haven't seen the little girl recently. She's about 5 or 6 now. And guess what? She's not exactly rail thin. She reminds me of one of those balls that you use to stretch/excersize on. That's what my point was.

And I'm not gonna bash you mothers for feeding your kids that kind of food. But have you read some articles in baby magazines about obesity starting earlier and earlier? It's happening!

I was just trying to broach a subject about this major factor. Obesity is a growing concern in the USA. And here we are encouraging it at 5-6 months to start. Then as the kid gets older, it gets more frequent. It gets really easy to skip a prepared meal at home and replace it with a Happy Meal and wash it all down with a chocolate shake.

And I'm not saying that if you feed your kid McDonald's ONCE or TWICE every COUPLE weeks that you're a horrible parent, shame on you. Nothing like that. But come on. 2-3 times a week??? Really???

[charliesmommy]

I agree, 2-3 times per week is not good. But, it's not up to you or any of us to judge. All we can do is learn from it. Like I said, some parents don't know how to handle picky eaters. Some parents don't understand that babies are not ravinous all the time and it's OK if they don't eat a whole meal and it's not always because they don't like what they're eating. Some parents don't know that you need to keep trying food with kids and that just because they didn't like it the first time doesn't mean that you give them McDonald's just to get them to eat.

As much as it sucks for that little girl to be over weight, as long as she is a possitive part of society, I think that it's unfair to be so harsh. For example, if your daughter befriended a fat girl and she was a wonderful kid, respectful, fun, a good friend to your daughter, would you keep your kid from being her friend? Would you dislike her parents because she's fat?

[Angelmom87]

Honestly i see both charliesmommy's point as well as saphira's. sometimes moms dont think that a little bit will hurt, i work and sometimes i dont have time to cook a healthy meal so we grab at a restourant. i wont feed my kids mcdonalds but we do eat out. also some kids start eating solids early on, my son started at 9 months eating soft stuff on occasion and he's now 14 month's and very healthy. but i agree fast food all the time is bad parenting.

[Jordyn]

My 11 month old only has two teeth so we don't trust him with meals on his own unless we are directly handing him a piece of food he can chew. We just give him bits and pieces of our meal along with his baby food and formula during the day.

And yes if we go out (which is rare) it does include french fries. I do not feel bad about that at all. My baby is very thin and I really don't think a few pieces of french fry is gonna hurt him at all. Most of the time he gets the gerber dinners which are healthy.

We have organic markets around here but they are VERY expensive. Plus I'm sorry but I'm not planning on jumping on that bandwagon ever. My husband and I never ate organic foods and we are not fat and our baby isn't. Of course it does not mean that just because you don't eat organic that you can't eat healthy. Because despite what people will try to tell you it is possible to be healthy without going organic. :)

Now though I agree that McDonalds is not the best choice for a meal. I'm not gunna judge that mother either. At least she feeds her child. Some people, believe it or not, just give up and the baby gets nothing.

[Saphira]

I don't care if a person is overweight. I'm overweight. Not obese, but overweight nonetheless. I have gone through years of depression, and I have some minor knee problems with aches and pains throughout. Having a baby is gonna change that for me though. I wanna be healthy now. Sooooo healthy.

I know a person who's chubby on the outside is a GREAT person on the inside. I've had my fair share of guys who were thin, lanky, muscular, fit, etc and they were always jerks about everything. Obesity, and even being overweight, come with health defects. Diabetes, knee problems, back problems, joint problems, depression... My mom had to wipe their you know what's while she was a home care aid. They couldn't reach, they were out of breath from even trying.

It's just sad to me. I wouldn't care if my baby was chubby, I'd love them all the same. If they had friends who were obese/overweight but were good friends, that's great! But think about all the health problems on the side of a child who's eaten too much?

Now... as a "treat," I think it's FINE. You can't hide McDonald's from your kids. It's all over the television and you have to drive by it at some point. Or some kid will have a party in the playhouse and you'd be the mean parent for denying your child to go. So on occassion, I see no harm. But in frequency, it gets dangerous.

Besides, have any of you mothers seen Supersize Me? I had to watch it in health class, and again in art class [crazy teacher... thought it'd inspire us]. And it's not even JUST McDonald's, it's all these crazy drive-thru restaurants. And I hate it when I cave in and eat at one.

[sunshine723]

wow I am SHOCKED at how many people don't think it's a big deal to feed a baby McDs! Are you guys all just messing with this girl, or do you really think it's no big deal? If you're wondering why more than half of Americans are fat, unhealthy pigs, this is why. Habits start somewhere, and this mom really gave her kid a great foundation.

[eniese]

There's a pretty big difference between allowing your kid the occasional treat of fast food vs. making it a lifestyle. Either way though, we all do too much "back seat parenting". Every parent makes choices to the best of their abilities and circumstances. It's easy to pick on what choices another mom makes because it helps us feel like we're doing a better job with our kids. Check back on all our kids in 20 years and then we can critique parenting choices.

[charliesmommy]

There's a pretty big difference between allowing your kid the occasional treat of fast food vs. making it a lifestyle. Either way though, we all do too much "back seat parenting". Every parent makes choices to the best of their abilities and circumstances. It's easy to pick on what choices another mom makes because it helps us feel like we're doing a better job with our kids. Check back on all our kids in 20 years and then we can critique parenting choices.

Well said eniese!!!

[Noah's Mama]

SERIOUSLY?! I do not get these moms who think that there is no big deal with feeding a baby low grade, chemical ridden, fatty, greasy food! There is absolutely NO EXCUSE! You cannot defend feeding your baby garbage by saying it was the best that mom could do, good grief! Give me a freakin' break! It would have been better if that mom gave the baby food from her plate. Baby doesn't like vegetables? Well guess what? My son hated spinach, I mixed it with some pears, and voila, he loves it! Figure it out! Don't give your kid food that isn't intended for him/her! It doesn't take a genius to know that feeding a baby fast food is beyond ridiculous and stupid. For those who don't think it's a big deal, maybe you should visit these sites and see how much fat there is in these foods! And then take a look or read or educate yourself in some way and see that there are WAY too many kids with diabetes, heart disease, and obese...now you don't have to wonder why there are so many kids like this...

Saphira, you are right on! Your baby is lucky to have you watching his/her back and doing what truly is the best for him/her.

[Jordyn]

Noah's Mama Wow If the baby won't eat she won't eat. But how dare you judge that mother and then go and act all high and mighty. "I am so great because I figure out ways for my kids to eat everything that they need” Well I guess that other mom isn't as good as you because she can’t get her baby to eat healthy?

I just don't get it. I have never made an entire post about judging another mother. Shame on all of you who think you are better than this woman who is just trying to do the best she can. If you have something to say about it then say it to her face. It makes me so mad when people attack other people especially behind their backs.

If you feel what she is doing for her baby is wrong then tell her to her face don't post it on a board so that a bunch of other women can talk about how horrible she is. And as for me I meant that occasionally I do feed my child a piece of a French fry here and there (not even a whole one) and that is if we have fast food which is rare in our home.

I already know some of you perfect mommies have an issue with me feeding a tiny French fry to my son so no need to repeat all your hateful comments towards us moms who think a little bit is not going to kill them. Causes guess what a little bit here and there will NOT hurt them in the least.

And to the poster if you see that mom again and you are still so bothered by the way she feeds her child then tell her what you think. I’m sure you could write it on the board the next day and all these other women can sit and judge her reaction all over again.

All I am saying is that no one has the right to judge the way anyone else parents. We ALL make mistakes as mothers. The majority of us occasionally give in to things that the experts tell us is a no. Worry about your own baby please. Because sorry to break it to you but no one is ever going to be identical to you in the way they parent. There is right and wrong and a whole lot of gray. Move on.

PS- I'd also like to note that I never said I agreed with this mother in the way that she apparently feeds her child fast food every day but I would never attack her and then ask a whole bunch of people to join in and talk about her behind her back. Sadly some mothers don't know unless someone points things out to them. It would have been better for you to tell this mother what you thought in a friendly way. Talking about her on a board and how horrible you think she is being is the wrong way to go about the situation. I feel sorry for her that she has no one in her life who is nice enough to just tell her in a kind way that what she is doing is wrong. Instead everyone just decides to gossip about her. :(

[wright1212]

OK this is one you feel darned for joining in the conversation and darned for not, so here is my two cents. First I am not juding anyone, and I am playing the health excuse and the boy I wish someone would have told me...
I wish I knew then what I know now...
I have done lots of research on nutrition both in college and for my son. I have learned things that my mom a resturant kitchen manager has never heard of. Upon all the years of learning how things are made and good vs. bad I had a startling revolution I want to share, PS it is my opinion. My son, 6, has autism. In trying to figure why he does and 1 in every 90 boys I have found something. The big increase in autism directly coorelates with our increased dependence on over processed, chemically induced, fast food eating habits. Not to even mention the sad social decline in family dinner time at the table. For 5 years now we eat at home, home cooked meals, with talking. My sons allergies alone are getting better. I did not lose weight, however I didnt gain it from over eating either. I personally eat fast food only when traveling for work and still choose the healthy option. Other than that frozen pizza is as hard as we go.
OK that was my first card to play, the next is
Upon studying child development for years I know how big an impression parents make on children from the beginning. So I have learned to be careful with habits I teach such as fast food, I sometimes get togo order from resturants but we still bring it home and sit at the table so we can talk. Its hard to talk in resturants plus my son cant handle it. Also I want my children to learn to cook, ironically that is a dying skill much like sewing and gardening. We eat fairly healthy like whole wheats and only a few fried foods (i live in TN that is HARD) but we can easily afford it on my tiny income since its way way cheaper than eating out. Also I have nothing against french fries as a treat. Twice a year when my son has blood taken (which is sooo horrible) he does get fries, but he deserves that treat. Then on normal nights we bake them! Here is my #1 nutition rule in addition the others I mentioned, everyone gets all foods we made on their plate, no matter what (even though daughter hates seafood there it sits). I fussed at my sister last nite for not giving hers green beans. Kids will surprise you and grab those foods! My son surprised me every week!
AGAIN I never mentioned what anyone else should do, I only wish I could have seen this information when my son was an infant (not that I did that then) I just would have saved myself hours upon hours of research!
Good Luck, and Good Choices to all.

[Noah's Mama]

Jordyn, the last time I checked, this was a discussion board...where people discuss certain topics. Nobody here is talking about this woman behind her back, the poster simply shared a story about an experience that happened to her a few years ago and asked our opinions. That's what we all gave, if you don't agree with that, maybe you should reconsider posting your comments. BTW: If I saw a mother giving her baby fast food, I would try to talk to her and give her some helpful tips that I've learned through my own research.
Furthermore, I never said I was a perfect mom, and I don't see where any other mom made any such claim. I don't think that saying feeding your baby food that is not intended for him is stupid could be considered as judgmental, anymore than saying leaving your baby alone in the bathtub is stupid (is that being judgmental?). There are ways of getting around a picky eater, do your research. Bad food causes negative affects on people, it's a fact. It doesn't matter if you're skinny, thin, chubby, fat... you can be skinny and be very unhealthy. I have a good friend who is thin and she has diabetes, so just because you are thin, doesn't mean you shouldn't worry about your health.
This is from a medical website: "It is equally important, however, to recognize the foods that diminish brain power. Alcohol and some other drugs just kill brain cells directly, but there are many less obvious brain-attacking foods. Artery clogging foods can lead to restricted blood flow to the brain, and high-glycemic-index foods can cause terrible blood-sugar swings that make both your body and your mind irritable and sluggish." Hmmm...what's on their list of bad brain foods? ....
Alcohol
Artificial food colorings
Artificial sweeteners
Colas
Corn syrup
Frostings
High-sugar "drinks"
Hydrogenated fats
Junk sugars
Nicotine
Overeating
White bread

HYDROGENATED FATS... also present in fast food.

Wright1212, you hit the nail right on the head.

PS Since when was eating healthy something to mock? What is wrong with eating healthier and wanting to give your baby the best food you can provide?

[Jordyn]

Noah's mama... I don't know if that last comment at the very end of your post was directed towards me but if it was; why would you assume that just because my son has had a few tiny pieces of French fries in his life I am mocking healthy eaters?

If you didn't notice on the last post I made I wrote that our family rarely eats out. And when we do it's not like I ever give him anymore than a few pieces. I not seeing anything wrong with that is in no way saying that I think healthy eating is un cool. I think it is very smart to eat healthy that's why I do it. I do think you can eat healthy without going organic. I have a problem with paying for organic food, but I have no problem with eating healthy.

If you also noticed I said that I never agreed with this mother. You act like I am saying she is right in feeding her daughter that every day or something. Trust me I am in no way being a cheerleader for that mom to feed her daughter McDonald’s everyday.

If you would have said something to this mother, good, I am proud of you. But I also hope you wouldn't then turn around and tell a whole bunch of other mothers how horrible she is. No matter what, it is her child and she has the final decision. The only thing anyone can do is say something to her.

Since this was a few years ago and she will never see that mom again I guess it's a lost cause, at least for that mom.

Also the entire post was not directed at you just that tiny first part was. Your post did seem a little like bragging to me. When you said that you always get your child to eat healthy and everyone should be able to figure it out. Great. It is awesome that you can figure out ways to do that.Not everyone can or at least not everyone thinks they can hence a mom feeding her child fast food because she feels there is no other way the child will eat. Obviously she needs to do some research but I have researched it so you don't need to inform me about this though I appreciate that you are willing to help anyone you can.

I really do apologize if I took what you said the wrong way. That can happen when you are just reading what a person is writing. Most of what I wrote was directed to no one in particular. Please don’t assume that I'm attacking you or have something against you.

I was standing up for that mom only in the way that I think she obviously needs guidance and not judgment.

So say whatever you want but I have said everything I'm gonnna say. I think I have made my point very well. Today is my son’s 1st birthday so I’m going to be enjoying the day with him. I hope I clarified any false impression you may have of what I think of you, or my eating habits. Have a great day. No hard feelings and No sarcasm intended.

[Jordyn]

No more form me but I just wanted to add that I reread the first post and I think it's great that your mom said something to her. At first when you said thanksgiving I thought you meant this past thanksgiving. So that's why I was wondering why you didn't say anything. But if your mom did say that and the other mom still didn't care I guess that is her problem. Sorry about before I just get over worked up sometimes when I think people are gossiping. But I have no trouble admiting that I made a mistake.:) It looks like your family at least tried to help and that's all any of us can do. Ok now I'm done! Bye bye!

[Noah's Mama]

Nor did I mean to offend you, Jordyn. I think that the poster never said anything to that mother because she was just a teenager when all this happened, so she didn't think that the mother would consider her opinion b/c of her age.
I also didn't mean to come across "braggy," just wanted to state that there can be ways of getting kids to eat things they don't like, without resorting to fast food, like this mother did. I don't think that there's anything wrong with a French fry, but 3 cheeseburgers and 3 orders of fries per week? There is something majorly wrong with that picture.
Congrats on your son's first birthday. Don't they grow so fast?

[Jordyn]

yeah they really do grow fast. I'm glad there are no hard feelings. :)

[ChrisC]

2-3 times a week is definitely not a good thing for any child - cholesterol levels being the main concern really, as not everyone who eats 3 burgers a week automatically becomes obese believe it or not. I get a strange vibe from the fact you pointed out that the mother looked a bit overweight......this implies that she must be a hog or unhealthy or lazy herself and is the same as assuming a child is overweight because their parents are lazy or because they simply are as well--this isn't always the case. Many parents of picky toddlers find themselves frequently feeding a child the one thing they will eat, even if not exactly the healthiest choice, out of fear their child will starve otherwise as well. It isn't uncommon for even a pediatrician to tell a parent it is fine that junior will only eat peanut butter on toast at every meal for a week and not to worry about all being lost, to keep trying. Phases are common. It is also not unheard of for parents to take the guaranteed route for a fuss-free social experience by going with what works. It would be best to try to keep track of how often that route is occurring however.

[kikarose]

Have you ever heard the phrase "I was a great parent before I had kids?"
You don't know these people, you've never walked in their shoes, you don't know what they've been through in the last 11 months, the only thing you know about their kid is that he's cute.
For all you know their child has a huge feeding issue and this is truly the only solid food he'll eat. After you spend months trying to get your child to eat something, anything, and you find the ONE thing he'll eat, you feed him that ONE thing until eating becomes less scary and traumatic.
For all you know their child eats industrial quantities of fruit all the time, but only eats this when he's out in public.
For all you know this child has major tantrums in public at meal times and this is the only thing that keeps him calm while the parents eat.

I don't know what the issues are, and yes, maybe they could stand to learn a thing or two about nutrition, but I don't know that either. And the truth is you don't either. The one thing you learn the day you become a parent is that you're going to eat each and every one of the judgmental thoughts or words you've had before having a child of your own. And you learn to think twice before judging other parents for their actions.

[LuVMy2GuRLS]

I gave my oldest daughter some french fries from mcDonalds for the first time when she was 8 months. But we didn't do it EVERYDAY after that. The only time we take her to McDonald's is if we are out somewhere w/o planning, which isn't often (usually we pack a lunch) Anyways, Joseline eats McDonald's once a month, MAYBE 3 times if don't plan. Otherwise she eats very healthy because that's what we do. Almost everyday we cook our own dinners. If we are at a family function, she gets her own plate, and once she finishes what I give her, then, I let her have a little of whatever she wants, as long as it's safe for her. That is kinda ridiculous. You can't give your child McDonalds 3 times a week, that's what causes 100 pound 2 yr olds!

[lou]

okay, I've sat this one out for long enough. while I'm not here to judge any one I think I can speak for all parents when saying we all want the absolute best for our child/children. that includes good nutrition (to promote proper physical and cognitive development) and healthy eating habits which our children learn from us. while I'm not knocking anyone for giving their child the OCCASIONAL treat of a fry or burger, I do think that three or more times a week is borderline abuse. Don't you think it kind of defeats the purpose for parents to go out and spend a load of money on toys, books, etc. that promote brain development or supposedly enhance brain development and then grab a happymeal everynight for their child? Yes I know that children can be picky eaters, but that's by no means justification to throw in the towel and grab a happymeal everyday. there are ways to get your child to eat healthy foods with out them even knowing it. I've seen recipes (I believe right here in p mag) for chocolate chip cookies with pureed spinache added (or something like that). My son is just now starting to eat solids so We're not quite there yet but I'm determined enough to promote healthy habits for my son and be a good parent for him that when the time does come that he gets picky I'll find a way to get him to eat his fruits and veggies. it only takes a little time, patience, and research to find an alternative method. As I've said my son is just now starting on cereal, but I've already done extensive reading on how to introduce solids and that it may take several attempts to get your child to eat a certain food, and that tastes change. one week they may not so much as look at a greenbean but the next they'll gobble them right down. I'm not saying my son will never have a burger, I am saying though that it won't be a regular occurance nor should it be for anyone else. I also have two stepsons ages 7 & 9. now while they're with us we eat healthy home cooked meals. but with their mother they eat mcdonalds frequently, especially for breakfast. another consequence of eating this nutritionally empty junk is that they crash. so not only is their mother not promoting healthy habits, physical and cognitive development, but then by the second or third hour of school they're tired and not focused. so you tell me how they can be expected to do the best they can in school? Now I'll apologize if anyone gets offended by my rather blunt post but I'll not apologize for having and stating my opinion. that's what this board is here for. Further I think it's a rather good topic to post about. I don't really think it was intended to personally bash anyone but was started for a healthy debate and to gather differing opinions. although I don't see how it's really a debatable topic as I think that we all pretty much concur that feeding your child fast food frequently throughout the week is taboo.

[Saphira]

Man!

I dunno if I should be happy that I got the debate that I wanted outta you guys, or that I should be ashamed for thinking greasy food is a bad option. O.o

I merely shared a story about a mother who was, in my opinion, feeding a child the wrong foods. No, I didn't say a damn thing to that lady. What could I say as a teenager that some woman in her 20s would listen to? I was a kid! I still technically am a kid. My mom did try to politely carry on the conversation about the foods. Yes, I understand that if you can't feed a child anything... then you have to feed them something.

But that's like that post thread thing somewhere on this site about the mother who had a stubborn daughter who wouldn't eat veggies or fruits. So she fed her chocolate, pudding, and nothing else. I understand that mother is having troubles. It would scare the crap out of me to have a child who would skip meals and NOT EAT. I'd probably give in to some of their sin foods as well. But McDonald's? Weekly? Daily?

Seriously, watch Supersize Me. I was forced to watch it in health and in art class [weirdo teacher, nothing to do with art... o.O]. I have tried not to touch it again. But it is an easy fix when you're on the go and the only other choice on the street is Taco Bell.

I didn't mean to encourage gossiping... Although, I don't know anyone who doesn't gossip. Whether you're talking crap about someone behind their back or spreading good news... I dunno who doesn't gossip. I just wanted opinions on what people thought was good nutrition or if they thought this mother was in the right or not.

I can't say I won't feed McDonald's to my kid. But I'll try not to give in and feed it to them often just cuz they're being a stubborn brat.

[bugger]

I just can't believe how many people replied to this thread saying it is ok to give your child McDonalds! Fancy giving a 7 month old processed foods high in cholesterol, salt and sugar? Unbelievable.

Don't get me wrong - there is nothing wrong with giving your child a couple of fries to chew on and keep them interested (from a later age than 7 months!), but this is a world apart from giving them McDonalds as a whole meal.

And if your child won't take any other foods? Then I daresay it was not properly introduced to food from the very start.

And for all those people who jumped down Saphira's throat for being judgemental, either you didn't read her post very carefully, or you were feeling guilty because that is the way you have decided to parent your child, and somehow somewhere, you have a little voice inside of you telling you McDonalds is the easy way out instead of being just an occasional treat.

[charliesmommy]

I just can't believe how many people replied to this thread saying it is ok to give your child McDonalds! Fancy giving a 7 month old processed foods high in cholesterol, salt and sugar? Unbelievable.

Don't get me wrong - there is nothing wrong with giving your child a couple of fries to chew on and keep them interested (from a later age than 7 months!), but this is a world apart from giving them McDonalds as a whole meal.

And if your child won't take any other foods? Then I daresay it was not properly introduced to food from the very start.

And for all those people who jumped down Saphira's throat for being judgemental, either you didn't read her post very carefully, or you were feeling guilty because that is the way you have decided to parent your child, and somehow somewhere, you have a little voice inside of you telling you McDonalds is the easy way out instead of being just an occasional treat.

Yea, I got my 7 month old a Chicken Nugget Happy Meal at 7 months old and I have no problem with it. If I remember correctly, he ate 2 maybe 3 nuggets and about 5 fries along with a jar of fruit. That's not harmful to a 7 month old.

Saphira was judgemental if you read her post again. Let me highlight for you...



And she starts feeding the baby fries along with the cheeseburger. I was in a state of literal shock, I nudged my mom, "Is she ALLOWED to do that?" And the woman was just so proud. "Oh, yeah! She scarfes down a McDonald's burger at least 3 times a week! All by herself too! And it's just wonderful. We thought we'd have so much trouble with solid foods. But she takes that burger! Look at her chomp that thing! And it's gone in a matter of minutes! We're so proud."

This became a family discussion for the next week.

Has anyone else had these kinds of experiences? Where you just wanna shake them by the shoulders and ask them WHAT they were thinking!? Being a kid, I really didn't wanna say, "Hey lady, that's a bad idea. Poor nutrition! You're daughter will be obese by the age of 8." I knew that would backfire and she'd be scorning me, cuz what do I know? I was a baby myself.!

I will again stand by what I said. Feeding a child fast food ever day is not a good choice. But, the occasional cheesburger and french fries is not the worst thing you can do.

I'm assuming you would never feed your children hot dogs either bugger. Something else that my son doesn't get very often but he does get.

[kelly23]

I almost never come to this section of the boards but I am glad I did. My son does eat McDonald's when we are out and he is 2. Back when he was under a year, I would just pack a couple jars of baby food and let him eat that instead. I would love to eat only the most healthy foods and all that, but when you are out running errands and trying to find a job because the company you were working for tanked and you have maybe $20 and $15 of that has to go to gas your only choice is some dollar menu. And yeah it sucks, but guess what, my kid is not dead and there is nothing else I can do about it.
Whoever said that they would say something if they saw a young kid eating fast food, I would advise you to keep your mouth shut because if you don't, you would definitely be getting an earful from me. If you don't like it, you pay for my kids meal and then he can eat whatever you think is appropriate. If you are not willing to do that then shut up.
I didn't give my son food like this until he was over a year because he was still working on chewing and biting and I didn't want him to choke. Thankfully, he still ate baby food but when he stopped, I had to give him something and I couldn't really pack a lunch and bring it with us. That just doesn't work. The frequency that this woman was giving her kid McDonald's is not good, but if your kid gets exercise they will probably be ok.
I did see Supersize Me and I liked it but at the same time, if you only eat McDonald's for every meal, every day for a month, and don't exercise, of course that is gonna happen. That is true with just about every fast food place. I think they were kind of unfairly picking on McDonald's. I had a birthday party at McDonald's when I was little and I turned out just fine. People also forget that they don't have to eat every bite of the huge portions that fast food restaurants provide.
One more thing, I think McDonald's has the best chicken nuggets.

[Saphira]

Ok. I give up.

I judged the lady. How awesome of her to feed her child processed crappy grease foods. Go her!

My only point is that under the age of a year, that's crap. And this child ate the entire cheeseburger and all the fries. She didn't eat no three bites of burger and five fries and call it good. This kid ate it all.

And yes, she is a butterball by her current day and age. She's unhealthy, she gets picked on at church [from what I've seen], and God forbid I say that her mother wrong to have fed her child ALL OF THAT food weekly. Man, was I wrong.

There are healthier alternatives. I work at Subway, we have a kids meal. You can have a sandwich with turkey, ham, tuna, or roast beef on it with a side of yogurt, apple slices, or a cookie. They get a choice of a soda, white milk, chocolate milk, water, or juice. The meal, here, costs less than five bucks. It comes with a toy.

And if I was on a budget, fine. I'd buy myself the McDonald's and my kid the Subway. I dunno! Come on.

Would you love for your child to be unhealthy and teased because of what you fed them? That's what I want to discuss. Yeah, sometimes your kids walk out thin as a rail and perfect and healthy and whatever. But sometimes, you get the butt end of the deal and you are then responsible for what you've caused your child.

I was there. My mom and stepdad let me have whatever. Ice cream, McDonald's, chinese food, etc etc. When I started driving I started eating it more often, cuz yeah it is convenient. But I've always struggled with my weight, and I got teased daily on the bus and at school because of it. It causes a lot of emotional pain to be picked on like that. And my boyfriend is a TWIG. His mother fed him the same thing, and he eats WAY worse than I do... and he's still a rail.

Some people just have crappy metabolism and it sets them up for future health risks.

And I still stand by what I said. It is WRONG to feed your child McDonalds, Taco Bell, Burger King or any form there of when they are less than a year old. And it is even worse to feed it to them on more than the occassional treat. When they are over a year and you've tried everything you could to introduce healthy foods, go at it! But still only as the occassional treat. Anything more than that, and you're just over doing it.

[bugger]

I agree with Saphira - McDonalds and other junk foods are fine as the occasional treat once your child is older (2 or 3 plus), but to make this kind of food one of your baby's first experiences at 7 or 11 months is terrible!

And I sympathise with being on a budget, but seriously, how hard is it to make a sandwich and take it with you? Cheap and nutritious, add a piece of fruit as well.

If we don't teach our children the values of good food, nutrition, cooking and spending habits, who will? I'm happy to take this on as my responsiblity. Our children look up to us - and it's not only sometimes, it's every day.

Saphira, congrats on your pending birth, you'll make a great Mum!

[momOd&d]

Going with the orginal poster, I would think at a thanksgiving feast for a church there would have been something for baby to eat. Forget that she's feeding the baby MCDs for a second. It just sounds weird. I would think there would be more practical choices at a church potluck and it would be healthier. If you start your kids young, they will eat healthy. My 4 year-old loves McDonalds, but also Broccoli, green beans and fruit. My toddler is going to be 15 months old and I have just started to give him french fries from MCDs. I would be afraid he would choke on anything else from MCDs. I give him many solid foods that I eat, but there are not many healthy options for a baby at MCDs. I don't consider McDonalds to be very toddler food friendly. At least Burger King has mac and cheese. I still bring applesauce with too. I buy applesauce with no corn syrup added. If my four year old gets applesauce sweetened with corn syrup, he won't eat it. I'm not really strict on food, but for an eleven month old. Really? I would never try it. Why couldn't the baby eat what the parents were eating at the church? Do they give her McDs all the time?? I might bring something along for my toddler, but it wouldn't be MCDs. If the baby won't eat what they are serving at the potluck, what do they do at home? Eating on the run is a different story when you don't have much money. But what is even cheaper is food brought from home. We do eat at MCDs. But I try to make better meals for supper.

[alexandersmom]

alexander is 11 months, he eats cheeseburgers a couple times a month, but i always carry clementines in my purse (maybe its grose but its a good way to avoid fatty snacks), both of our favorite fruits, so after his cheese burger we split a clementine and he has his milk. i dont see a problem with it. he started refusing baby food the first time i gave him real food, i dont always want to make a meal. if its not an every day deal whats the problem?
ALSO... Lets stop judging other mommys!!! PLEASE!!! its so frustrating to here someone say, "that boy needs a hat" maybe he had one when he left the house?! babys throw stuff

[josiechamla]

Wow when I read you post I was horrified....and then when I read a few of the replies to your post I was doubly horrified. If there are any Moms out there who think you shouldn't be judgemental about parents of a baby LESS than one, eating fast food THREE days a week, then we have a bigger problem that you originally thought. On top of that, an entire hamburger with fries added is an enormous meal for an infant - that is an adult portion size (please tell me it wasn't supersized....).

Sometimes I think that parents should have to pass a course before they are allowed to have kids...or else someone should give them a big dong on the head for not caring enough to find out good information about how to raise a healthy baby. When I see your kids on those daytime talk shows who are massivly obese, it just makes me want to cry - it is abolutely a form of child abuse. Those kids are going to grow up with a littany of health problems, and reduced lifespan....and they had no choice in it.

DOn't get me wrong, I am not anti-fastfood. I think once every now and then is fine, and the portions need to match the age. My daughter loves french fries....and I am happy to give her a few once or twice a month (she is thirteen months), but she also loves almost all fruits and vegie burgers (homemade with just vegies), wholewheat bread, yogurt, cheese, spaghetti bolognaise with hidden spinach, etc. This is not a joke...she will learn her eating habits largely from watching what I provide her and seeing what I eat. Right now she is totally dependent on me to do what is right for her future - and I don't understand why some parents don't take that more seriously.

[liger0103]

I am in totally agree with not giving your children cr*p. My bro and sis in law would give their baby soda, fast food, ramen, and all kinds of bad food from the moment he started getting teeth. Now at almost 2 yrs old he WILL NOT eat anything healthy. Not having money is not an excuse. It is very cheap to buy a loaf of bread and sandwhich meat. My theory there is that takes time and it seems so much easier to go to the drive through. If you really add up the time, making something cheaper at home is way faster and you have way more of it. My child is my number one and he isnt quiet on table food yet, but I know that I will not feed him fast food unless its absolutely the last resort and then I will go to subway or something way more healthy. If people would stop eating out so much and start cooking at home they would find they had more money. They could spend that money on providing their children with the proper food to get them all of the nutrients they need.

[MayMommy]

I agree with you almost completely...my disagreement comes with the notion that some others have espoused here that fast food and other "junkie" foods are NEVER ok.

The parents in the first example were definitely abusing the convenience of junk food and it could definitely end up hurting their child in the long run...but an occasional lunch of chicken nuggets and apple slices from McD's isn't going to hurt a child any more than a meal of peanut butter and jelly or a grilled cheese sandwich would.

There was a "counter-documentary" to "Super-Size Me"...I'm blanking on the name of it at the moment, but it was made by a nutritionist who wanted to bring to light some of the problems with Spurlock's main idea in his documentary. She followed many of the same rules as "Super Size-Me," she ate McDonald's every day...she ate everything on the menu at least once (including super-sized items)...but she didn't get her meal super-sized whenever the cashier asked, and she didn't eat Big Macs everyday. The end result was that she lost weight, and her blood pressure, cholesterol, etc. remained healthy.

Why? Because she made sensible choices - salads, grilled chicken, etc. for most meals. She didn't super-size because we are not FORCED to super-size, she didn't eat the fatty choices everyday because we don't HAVE to eat that stuff everyday...etc. She stressed that with responsible personal choices...even McDonald's can be enjoyed and yes...be healthy.

Should parents be giving their kids McDonald's burgers and fries everyday? In my opinion, no, absolutely not. But...I think that sometimes people bash fast food restaurants as evil or completely unhealthy...without remembering that we all have personal choices we can make at these restaurants to make sure that we and our children eat healthy.

[Letsi24]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4IGtDPG4UfI

This is only ONE of the reasons why noone should eat McDonalds!!!!

[Saphira]

I'd also be concerned with McDonald's chicken nuggets and their salad options. Even their healthy choices leave room for debate.

Do you know how they make chicken nuggets? They grind up a chicken and it's processed into bite sized portions. You can watch THAT on PeTA [not that I think ANY OF YOU should take PeTA seriously, PLEASE... but some of it is true.] And the lettuce and greens have been said to be sprayed in something... forgot what... to keep it looking fresh longer.

Working at Subway, I can tell you that we get a package of veggies and we cut everything except the lettuce and carrots. The onions are a pain!!! But the ONLY thing our veggies are sprayed with is pesticides. They get washed on an off site location, and again in our store. Our Subway is cleaner than most... but most Subway's go through the same process.

If given the option... on the go... I'd still pick a kids meal from Subway. The toys SUCK, but the food is nutritious and I know how it was made. The only thing I have a problem with is the apples having some A word chemical to keep them fresher longer. All the other veggies are fresh, and allowed two days on the bain [the thing they make the sandwich on] after being cut 'til their tossed in the garbage.

FYI, the motto is - EAT FRESH! :D

[Saphira]

I'd also be concerned with McDonald's chicken nuggets and their salad options. Even their healthy choices leave room for debate.

Do you know how they make chicken nuggets? They grind up a chicken and it's processed into bite sized portions. You can watch THAT on PeTA [not that I think ANY OF YOU should take PeTA seriously, PLEASE... but some of it is true.] And the lettuce and greens have been said to be sprayed in something... forgot what... to keep it looking fresh longer.

Working at Subway, I can tell you that we get a package of veggies and we cut everything except the lettuce and carrots. The onions are a pain!!! But the ONLY thing our veggies are sprayed with is pesticides. They get washed on an off site location, and again in our store. Our Subway is cleaner than most... but most Subway's go through the same process.

If given the option... on the go... I'd still pick a kids meal from Subway. The toys SUCK, but the food is nutritious and I know how it was made. The only thing I have a problem with is the apples having some A word chemical to keep them fresher longer. All the other veggies are fresh, and allowed two days on the bain [the thing they make the sandwich on] after being cut 'til their tossed in the garbage.

I mean, my last job was at a local Chicken restaurant. The manager, upon hiring me, had me sign an agreement stating that I would NOT tell anyone how food was made or how it was handled, etc, at the store for a couple years upon leaving the business [he said this was to ensure that I wouldn't open my own restaurant down the road]... >.> I soon found out the real reason why! Cockroaches hid behind picture frames [shivers], the bread was left out over night and only put into a bag to keep it "fresh" but I KNOW those cockroaches got in there... And the way they served food was a bowl of chicken, a bowl of green beans, a bowl of coleslaw, and a bowl of mashed potatoes set out on the table for the customers. The customers could then have refills of whatever... and the manager had waitresses put the coleslaw in a container in the fridge to be re-served later if it wasn't eaten on the table[???? I saw people eat out of these bowls sometimes!]. I managed to work there two months... and then I just didn't show for work. The guy was so cheap, we all got paid minimum wage, no matter how hard or long we worked there. This place, here, is as popular as McD's. And it sickens me.

FYI, the motto at Subway is - EAT FRESH! :D