PA
Seventy per cent of babies are eating too much salt, a new study suggests.
Researchers at the University of Bristol studied 1,200 eight month-old babies, and found that only a quarter of them were eating below the recommended daily maximum - which is 400mg of sodium, or 1g of salt.
Too much salt can damage a baby's developing kidneys, and encourage a long term 'taste' for salty food.
Cow's milk and bread were said to be two of the main reasons for the high intake, with medics reminding parents that cow's milk should not be used as a child's main drink until they are a year old.
Dr Pauline Emmett and Vicky Cribb, the researchers who led the study, said: 'Salt intakes need to be substantially reduced. Infants need foods specifically prepared for them without added salt.
'Parents need advice about suitable foods and this should include not to use cow's milk as a main drink before 12 months.'
Thy also criticised the food industry, saying: 'Three-quarters of salt in the diet comes from processed adult foods, so salt reduction strategies can only be achieved with the co-operation of the food industry. Manufacturers have a responsibility to reduce the salt content of food products.'
Do you agree? Do you 'police' your youngsters' food for salt levels?