Snacks have an undeniable appeal for children, and are often used by parents as a means to avoid a tantrum, out of habit, or to keep little ones occupied. However, a nutritionist has warned that regularly giving snacks for reasons other than hunger can impact children’s abilities to recognise their internal cues and affect their relationship with food. Speaking to HELLO! , children's nutrition expert Charlotte Stirling-Reed said that both what is served as a snack and when should be considered carefully.

Do kids really need snacks between meals?

The NHS does recommend snacks for children over the age of one to ensure they can meet their daily nutrition needs and sustain their energy throughout the day. "Snacks can play an important role in a toddler’s diet, particularly for supporti

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