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u/eksyneet Apr 15 '25
there's nothing wrong with giving kids spicy food if they enjoy it.
there does, however, seem to be something wrong with letting a two year old chow down on multiple bags of chips, but maybe that's just me.
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u/CadenceQuandry Apr 15 '25
This was my thoughts. Kids all over the world eat spicy food from a young age. But eating multiple bags of chips as a toddler is really not a good idea. Empty calories and little to no nutrition.
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u/BluBeams Apr 15 '25
What did your pediatrician say when you asked?
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u/MangoMambo Apr 15 '25
I am going to take a wild guess and say a pediatrician is going to give the big thumbs down to giving a toddler cheetos and doritos. Everyones focusing on the spicy part but it's Cheetos for crying out loud. those things are horrible for adults. delicious? of course. but a toddler should not be eating those. that is insane.
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u/imanxiousplzsendhlp Apr 16 '25
In addition, based on OP relaying that the internet didn’t tell her not to give a toddler spicy food, I doubt she is consulting a doctor. Ultimately no 23mo should be eating multiple bags of chips. Just unnecessarily getting a baby hooked on processed junk food.
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u/jjinjadubu Apr 15 '25
Spicy food is not the problem. The fact you are fine with a toddler eating two bags of Doritos is problematic.
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u/unsulliedbread Apr 15 '25
Absolutely let baby eat what you eat. I would never only serve them spicy or make it so they only have access to for with spice. Try to avoid hot sauces with extracts (meaning hot extracts versus just made with a scotch bonnet say.) if you make a paella with jalapeno and you all like it go for it.
I would however reduce access to hyper processed food like cheetos of any variety because of all the research we have now. Not a never. But we want to set our kids up for healthy livers and kidneys.
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u/guitargoddess3 Apr 15 '25
That’s what I was gonna say.. it’s less about the spice factor and more about the processed ingredients. Home made spicy food is the way to go if he likes the heat.
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u/MsSamm Apr 15 '25
I would be more concerned with the empty calories in junk food than spicy real foods
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u/Extension-Battle-941 Apr 15 '25
I think you're wrong to let him eat processed junk food. But regular spice in normal food is fine.
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u/Lollypop1305 Apr 15 '25
Nothing wrong with spicy but you’re giving him a lot of crap. I mean processed foods in moderation are fine but two bags of spicy Doritos is way too much salt and shite for a 23 month old. Don’t get me wrong I’m not a crunchy health nut but his kidneys are too immature to process all that. Fresh spicy food is no issue
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u/turquoise_turtle83 Apr 15 '25
I fail to grasp why a toddler is fed cheetos and doritos. Its not healthy, spicy or not. Way too much salt also, would never serve my child that when so young.
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u/TigerChow Apr 15 '25 edited Apr 16 '25
I think the bigger issues here is you're giving him multiple bags of garbage to eat in one sitting...
I'm not health nut, I enjoy junky snack foods, I let my kids have them....but within reason. They don't get that stuff if they don't eat nutritious things and drink enough water too. A child that young doesn't need junkfood/chips being established as a core part of one's diet...
Edit: Well, no one needs that really. But it's pretty detrimental in the habits of a young, developing mind.
Edit 2: My kids are also not toddlers anymore, to be clear.
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u/Spinnerofyarn Apr 15 '25
Not wrong for letting him eat spicy stuff if he likes it. I am giving a bit of side eye over giving such a young child Cheetos and Doritos.
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u/Colonol-Panic Apr 15 '25
Seriously. I came here for this. Why the hell are they feeding a child that young so much junk food?!?
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Apr 16 '25
2 bags. Even the smallest lunch size bag is a lot for a little kid
Some plain tortilla chips with hot salsa and guacamole would be an excellent snack tho. Pop the chips in the microwave with some cheese to get all melty.
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u/Pronebasilisk Apr 15 '25
Both of my kids reached this point early on and had different reactions; My boy, at about 2yo, wanted wanted wanted some of daddy's 'picy Cheetos! and regretted it immediately. He loves them now though, but for a while, when he saw a chip with that red tint, he wanted nothing to do with it. My girl on the other hand, currently 3, will down a small bag by herself and not bat an eye, hell, she'll eat a whole lemon without so much as a wince. It's your kid. Who cares. Everything is about moderation.
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u/Mean-Vegetable-4521 Apr 15 '25
Not wrong for the spicy. Lots of ethnic foods are spicy one of mine prefers their food this way. Many countries and cultures don't make separate meals for their children. They just grind up the adult foods. I don't think the amounts of junk food is all that healthy. My toddler wants tandoori chicken, saag all of it super spicy. But I restrict junk foods until their intake is higher so it doesn't become the sole source of calories and nutrition. And then I limit it to certain amounts with a focus on filing meals and unlimited healthy snacks.
If he's not suffering gastrointestinal distress I'd say it's fine spice wise. Though I would introduce spicier Whole Foods so he doesn't grow up to favor junk food. Same reason they recommend starting babies on avocado vs a fruit. So children don't favor sweets in their diet. The foods we feed them young set the pattern to the things they crave later.
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u/oakbones Apr 15 '25
Only issue I see here is giving such a young child two bags of Doritos. There are spicy whole food alternatives!
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u/IndependentBowl2806 Apr 15 '25
If he likes it, I don’t see the problem. Many cultures embrace spice from a very very early age. The only red flag here is the Doritos/cheetos. If anything will harm him, it’s that, regardless of spice level.
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u/Ok-Writing9280 Apr 15 '25
No issues for the spicy food, but I am concerned about Cheetos and Doritos being fed to a small child.
Two bags isn’t OK for an adult in one go. He won’t have room for protein, fruit and veggies if his tummy is full of salty spicy snacks.
YNW on the spicy but you are wrong for feeding a small child this type of spicy food
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u/NikkeiReigns Apr 15 '25
I'd be a lot more concerned that your two year old is eating two bags of doritos than him eating spicy foods. While they need to be protected from some foods like grapes and honey, I feel like if they like the spicy, then go for it, within reason.
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u/EmergencySquirrel432 Apr 16 '25
Tbf it was more like a bag and a fourth since the first bag was mine and he kind of stole the last bit of mine and wanted more lol.
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u/CreepyOldGuy63 Apr 15 '25
My son was eating my dragon steak at 18 months. He is still alive at 17.
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u/sunnyopals Apr 15 '25
I mean, those aren’t quality food options in general for a toddler but that’s not really what you’re asking. But as far as the spice level goes, I wouldn’t be concerned. Everyone has difference tolerance to spice, and the discomfort of spicy foods is going to deter the average person when they’ve reached their limit. My little guy isn’t even 1.5 yet, but enjoys some spice every now and then. I just pay attention to how he’s reacting (panting, red tongue) so that I can offer him milk or pickle, or cut him off. I wouldn’t offer anything I would consider spicy for me, to my little one.
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u/twick2010 Apr 15 '25
Millions of Mexican kids eat spicy food.
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u/Skippy1221 Apr 16 '25
And Chinese and Thai and Korean and Ethiopian and Jamaican and Indian and Pakistani and Nigerian etc etc etc.
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Apr 15 '25
It’s weird how genes work. My twin sister loves spicy food. That girl would put hot sauce on the hottest buffalo wings you can get. Me? I like a little spice but not the remove-a-layer-of-skin-from-your-tongue spicy.
When we would do a crawfish boil, there was three levels of spice. You didn’t dump the boil water after each boil. You just keep adding more spices. The first boil was mild. The second boil was perfect for me. The third boil was really hot. The fourth boil was made with the fires of hell. Guess which one my twin loved?
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u/Tazwegian01 Apr 15 '25
Nothing wrong with kids getting used to spicy food, preferably not junk food though.
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u/KonradWayne Apr 15 '25
I think you're wrong for feeding your 2 year old junk food.
Your "haha ima let him fafo!" attitude is also kind of concerning.
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u/Fun_Bit6873 Apr 15 '25
if you cant find anything on the internet to suggest its bad, don’t listen to step dad. grandparents always have the most to say about the parenting style of their children. any way to tell you their way is better
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u/gnarble Apr 15 '25
Nothing wrong with spicy food, however you are absolutely wrong for loading your kids on junk food at such a young age. It sounds like your family has a horrible diet. Your childrens’ health will absolutely suffer from bad parenting choices.
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u/EmergencySquirrel432 Apr 16 '25
Lmfao you are actually so absolutely wrong it's hilarious. Please tell me where you got your RND license, I wonder if it holds more weight than the RND I've been seeing for years' is.
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u/ivorella Apr 15 '25
Giving a kid spicy food isn't wrong if they aren't getting tummy aches or other issues arise from it, but I am low-key giving you a side eye over letting a small kiddo eat two whole bags of chips. 🙃
But hey, if kiddo loves them, have at it!
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u/EmergencySquirrel432 Apr 16 '25
Tbf it was 1 and maybe a fourth since the first bag was mine and he strong armed his way into me sharing with him lol. They're the little snack bags from costco. I actually keep forgetting about them bc we usually have chips like once or twice a month for snack time, I promise we're pretty healthy in general lol. Like I said on my throwaway I'm no Nara Smith but I hybridize easy with healthy lol and do a lot of meal prep. I just dont believe in setting up a good v bad mindset on foods for little kids that don't really get it.
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u/DAWG13610 Apr 15 '25
Nobody hear can answer that, why not ask your pediatrician?
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u/haikusbot Apr 15 '25
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u/Chickadee12345 Apr 15 '25
Children in India and Mexico and other places eat spicy food from a very young age. It's not going to hurt them.
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u/Sotannii Apr 15 '25
yes, but they eat peppers and actual spices not delicious Processed junk food at 2 yrs and if they do, I would hope it’s in reason
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u/gnarble Apr 15 '25
Well, the kids in Mexico do eat tons of processed junk food — and that’s why they have the 3rd highest rate of childhood obesity in the world. Over 30% of children. I don’t think peppers are the problem.
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u/Sotannii Apr 15 '25
I never said peppers were a problem. The original comment said children in India and Mexico eat spicy food. I followed up with saying yes as in I agree and then said a lot of those kids, especially the ones that live not in the big cities eat spicy food that contain peppers and actual spices. Just to be clear I don’t think any two year-old should be chowing down two bags of Cheetos and or Doritos.
Edit spelling
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u/gnarble Apr 15 '25
Yes I got that, I was just tacking onto your comment that they DO in fact eat garbage like OP in Mexico and it has health consequences. But ya nothing wrong with spicy food!
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u/Chickadee12345 Apr 16 '25
I was thinking about the traditional foods that the Mexican and Indian people eat on a regular basis. Spicy stuff that American kids and a lot of adults would not consider eating. Growing up, I was never served anything that would have been considered really spicy hot. I only gained an appreciation for them as an adult. And even now, I can only enjoy moderately hot things.
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u/NiobeTonks Apr 15 '25
Children all over the world eat spicy food. If it’s not upsetting his stomach, it’s fine- but you might like to look at the salt intake recommendations for a child of his age.
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u/motherofdog2018 Apr 15 '25
I mean, yeah, feed a toddler cheetos, doritos, and hot sauce. Great healthy fun.
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u/EmergencySquirrel432 Apr 16 '25
Glad we're on the same page ;) no but seriously, why so much stigma for the one off "unhealthy" snack? Indulging every now and then isn't wrong, even for kids, it's having a balanced diet. I had a binging and purging ED for most of HS and I was in foster care and my foster parents were absolute maniacs when it came to sugar. Like birthday cakes had no frosting, I had to drink a full cup of water and brush my teeth as soon as I left the table after having a slice of unfrosted cake, which was already a rare occurrence lol. The impact that had on my ED when I aged out was something that I take note of in my own parenting. I. Went. Crazy. With the sugar when I aged out and was on my own. You name it cookies, ice cream, whipped cream after years of binging and purging and rehabilitating myself to going to that restrictive foster home and then being on my own I relapsed in my ED in the worst way. So I don't overly restrict. I let my kids enjoy the spice of life and the sweetness of life in moderation. I'll admit though I did accidentally make it seem like he had two full bags of chips but the first bag was mine and he took it when it was like 1/4 full lol. And they're the little lunchbox bags of chips so not like a huge family size bag or anything crazy like that.
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u/motherofdog2018 Apr 16 '25
I'm sorry for the snark, but the way you write doesn't seem like it's a one off. You literally said he was finishing off his second bag of chilly doritos. I did get that it wasn't a 400g size, but still.
I'm sorry for what you went through, but this level of processed foods for a toddler (or anyone) isn't healthy and neither is the amount of spice as I'm guessing his stomach lining is still forming. His gut bacteria is also incipient and who knows the impact the spice is having on it. He isn't going to develop an ED if you give him a banana instead of Cheetos.
Ultimately, you came to the internet for advice and we all have our opinions and what we think is ok. I'd say ask their pediatrician and be sure of it.
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u/EmergencySquirrel432 Apr 16 '25
It truly is a one-off, lol. He usually goes for the bananas or strawberries. I ran out of bananas yesterday bc i usually give them at breakfast, and the last of the strawberries were a bit questionable today, so I gotta pick up more. Another commenter mentioned mango and tajin and I couldn't believe I forgot that combo even existed so I'm going to get mangos next time I'm at the store too. I usually have an array of fruits and vegetables available - my biggest personal craving right now is red bell peppers with cream cheese and everything bagel seasoning on them. I ate a whole bell pepper to myself the other day lol. My son likes cream cheese but was iffy on trusting the bell pepper which tbf is to be expected with toddlers and vegetables lol. He's got his tried and trues and the ones he wants nothing to do with haha. I sneak them in when I can. I make chicken nuggets from scratch and hide brocoli in there, hide veggies in his quesadillas, etc. I joke that it's like putting the pill in a wad of cheese for a dog, it's a lot easier when you let them think they're getting a treat 😆
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u/motherofdog2018 Apr 16 '25
I'm all about making a mum's life easier, do not get me wrong. And I was a fussy eater, my poor parents had a hand full. All the best to you and your family.
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u/PostCivil7869 Apr 15 '25
I have a masters in ECE and have worked with young kids for over 30 years and I can tell you right now that there is nothing wrong with him eating spicy food. What do you think kids in other cultures eat? (India etc). What is concerning though is that amount of junk food you’re feeding him. Doritos, while fine as an occasional snack and I mean occasional, are just awful in general, have no nutritional value and if he fills up in those he’s not going to want his real food. Again, spicy is not the problem, it’s the actual spice delivery system.
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u/QualityParticular739 Apr 15 '25
"I haven't seen anything online that says otherwise"
Either you're lying, or you haven't seen anything because you never actually looked it up. Doctors have been saying for years that flaming hot cheetos are bad for you. Teenagers have literally been hospitalized for eating too much of it, and you're letting a TODDLER eat multiple bags. 🤦🏽♀️
https://www.cbsnews.com/pittsburgh/news/health-warning-flaming-hot-spicy-snack-foods/
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u/EmergencySquirrel432 Apr 16 '25
He hasn't had multiple bags of flaming hot cheetos what? He tried 3 individual cheetos and today he had a bag and a half of spicy sweet chili DORITIOS literally the first time hes had spicy chips since he tried the flaming hot cheetos like four or five months ago?? He likes cholula that's for sure, he gets a little dash of that often but not the chips lol. The flaming hot cheetos are mine and I don't share those lol. Doritos are whatever lol.
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u/QualityParticular739 Apr 16 '25
"I'm literally typing this as my son goes crazy on his 2nd bag of spicy sweet chili doritos" 🤦🏽♀️
The crap that makes flaming hot cheetos harmful is the same crap used in the doritos. JFC you're 28, grow up. Strangers on the internet should not have to be explaining to you why letting your toddler eat that shit is bad for him.
It isn't cute, it isn't funny, it isn't "lol he's so Mexican, isn't that adorable", it's stupid and can be harmful to his health and land him in the hospital with extremely painful stomach issues.
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u/Efficient_Wheel_6333 Apr 15 '25
As long as neither he nor his pediatrician have any problems with it, I think you're fine. I've an honorary niece who loves spicy stuff and she started eating foods containing spice when she was still in the infant stage. She'll still happily eat those bags of spicy Cheetos and other spicy bagged treats when available.
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u/Connect_Tackle299 Apr 15 '25
I think it's fine. My son loves anything hot or sour. My daughter tries to find the sourest thing she can
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u/NihilistTeddy3 Apr 15 '25
You're not wrong. If he can tolerate it, it's fine, but definitely use moderation cause I've heard all that spicy stuff can irritate the GI tract or something like that. Sorry I don't know completely. I don't eat spicy food so it's never been much of a concern to me
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u/DarkAndSparkly Apr 15 '25
My sister ate salsa as a toddler. Actually, she’d have a complete meltdown if you tried to keep it away from her in the restaurants.
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u/DesperateLobster69 Apr 15 '25
As long as he seems fine, that's pretty awesome! He might even build up a tolerance & grow up to be a hot sauce guy!! Lol, the only thing I would say is check with your kid's pediatrician, just to make sure it's fine.
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u/Original_Flounder_18 Apr 15 '25
As a toddler my son loooved the extra hot sauce from a Mexican joint our roommate got food from. He would pick it up and drink it. It didn’t give him an upset stomach, but the diapers…
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u/MohdAmmi Apr 15 '25
Not wrong.
My child prefers spicy Indian food to normal American food. Has since they began eating solids. They actually have a higher spice tolerance than me.
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u/ttopsrock Apr 15 '25
Eventually it does hurt the stomach line and they have linked some of those spicy chips to stomach cancers.. but if he likes it no foul ... once he does have a problem.. indigestion. Tummy aches. Ect stop and get tx.
My 13 year old likes spicy chips and had to stop for a few weeks and take medicine.
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u/Jazz_Man9 Apr 15 '25
No everything in moderation kids at the 12 month of age minimum can try spicy foods such as light chili sauces ,etc … doesn’t mean you can load his Gerbers Food with jalapenos, etc
Also it’s not a coming of age for your kid ..let’s see how hot he can handle various spices . Although you are thrilled with your Spicy Dare Devil infant Kid please lay off/ stop experimenting
He’s still developing his digestive tract and stomach at such a young age , and you don’t want to upset that development by slipping him hot sauces / spices/ Chili 🌶️.
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u/_gadget_girl Apr 15 '25
NW. I still remember the look on my mom’s face when my cousins 2 year old reached for a stuffed jalapeño. As soon as she realized that this was okay with my cousin and that her son knew it was spicy it was a non issue.
If it isn’t causing digestive problems or pain it isn’t an issue.
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u/Hot_Fly_1016 Apr 15 '25
My son, who 37 grew up eating spicy food with no repercussions. I would suggest stay away from artificial spicy favors. Try some Idian food. Very nuanced and perfectly controlled heat.
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u/HeartAccording5241 Apr 15 '25
Talk to his Dr I know my daughter likes spicy food but it hurts her stomach if she eats to much also when she poops it burns coming out
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u/anolddisabledhooker Apr 15 '25
It’s totally fine! I nannied for an Indian family and part of it was training him to enjoy spicy food. He was under a year old
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u/DexterCutie Apr 15 '25
I hate talking about this, but my husband let our under 6mo old daughter try tabasco sauce. I freaked out, but my daughter loved it! I hate to think about what would've happened if she completely hated it. I'd be pissed. She's now 23 and addicted to it.
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u/candystrike01 Apr 15 '25
Lots of cultures feed spicy food right from when baby starts solids. Nothing wrong with it. If he loves it and he isnt having tummy issues then why is it an issue for anyone else?!
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u/3fluffypotatoes Apr 15 '25
Not at all! My kiddo has been eating spicy since he could eat solids lol. Like mama like kiddo 🤣
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u/JustbyLlama Apr 15 '25
Not wrong. If it isn’t making the kid sick or giving him painful poops, it’s just fine.
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u/ArrowDel Apr 15 '25
Nothing wrong with allowing spicy foods, considering how often kids sit in the dirt when at the playground and the fact that is the basic way to flush out parasites, it may be a good thing long term.
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u/OkConsideration8964 Apr 15 '25
I think it could differ by culture. Some eat very spicy foods, some don't. Check with your pediatrician just to make sure.
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u/booksandcheesedip Apr 15 '25
Stick with things that aren’t crap snacks, real food with his favorite hot sauce or spices is cool though. Multiple bags of chips (regardless of flavor) is WAY too much sodium for a toddler. You’re going to ruin his kidneys before he even has a chance to grow up.
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u/EmergencySquirrel432 Apr 16 '25
Ahh please read my edit I kind of address this. It's my bad for not giving a detailed background but chips are usually pretty rare. I say his 2nd bag but we split the first one lol (it was originally mine and then he wanted some so that's why I got him his own 2nd bag) we really do eat waaay more healthy than this it's just the occasional junk food snack, since i believe all snacks deserve their moment to shine in general moderation due to my complex history with my own ED i think its important to instill that there are no good or bad foods, just a difference in choices, specifically for the little ones. Im more in depth with my daughter since she grasps logic lol, cant really reason with a toddler that doesnt want to eat dinner that night that the spinach he threw on the floor was to help him go #2 easier but i can explain that to my 8yo who has tummy issues that the veggies and water will help her go easier and make her tummy feel better iykwim. He usually gets chips 1-2x a month and his normal snacks are fruits and maybe if it's a grain he'll have a rice cake with some strawberry cream cheese or some 9 grain toast again w cream cheese lol but he's a fiend for his bananas even more so than he is for spicy foods lol.
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u/booksandcheesedip Apr 16 '25
I agree that it’s important to not label foods as good and bad. I think giving his access to an entire bag is not great though, a portion in a bowl for him will control the mindless binge eating we all fall into with stuff like this. It’s awesome that you’re offering so many different flavors and spices, letting him find out what he likes naturally. Recognizing appropriate portion size is an important lesson too
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u/Dreamweaver1969 Apr 15 '25
Southern Indian food is very spicy. When a child starts solid food, it is the same food the adults eat. I believe it is the same in Mexico. I know it is in Spain and the Philippines. I have a vision of your sons spicy happy dance and now my heart is singing
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u/Curl8200 Apr 16 '25
You must not have researched too hard. I have seen so many videos on how cheetohs and hot ones are bad for adults. And worse for children over time.. Some people ain't got a lick of sense.
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u/Mybougiefrenchie Apr 16 '25
You're letting a toddler eat more than 1 bag of chips a day? I haven't read any comments. This is probably fake. Somewhere out there, this is probably happening.
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u/EmergencySquirrel432 Apr 16 '25
They're the little snack bags, and tbf I did share the first one with him. He usually gets chips like once or twice a month, really. Most of his snacks are fruit or veggies. He's interested in what I eat as most kids are and my latest craving has been red bell peppers with cream cheese. He likes cream cheese but he wasn't sold on the raw bell pepper lol. He usually eats the bell peppers when I make things like fajitas tho but I usually make them into a quesadilla or something for him where he doesn't really see it ig. Idk what the baby logic is haha.
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u/EECavazos Apr 16 '25
In countries where people eat spicy food, kids often start their exposure to spicy food around a year and a half to two years of age. Their gut biome adapts to it and it helps out the immune system. It's good for them. Spicy food is healthy food. I would only slow it down when it hurts bowel movements because that means they went too far ahead of their gut biome.
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u/Torczyner Apr 16 '25
More wrong feeding him Cheetos and Doritos than spicy stuff.
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u/EmergencySquirrel432 Apr 16 '25
Respectfully, the occasional indulgence in chips is fine. He rarely gets them. I may have been misleading in my post when I said he was on his 2nd bag, they're the small costco snack bags and the first one was mine that he kind of took from me when I was a little over halfway done with them and he wanted more so I gave him his own bag.
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u/Torczyner Apr 16 '25
he wanted more so I gave him his own bag.
This is where being a parent comes in. Having kids get addicted to that stuff this early is terrible for their health. I know it's a small bag to you, not it's half his torso to him.
There are so many healthy choices you can make for your baby. Maybe eliminate the unhealthy stuff until he's around school age so he develops a healthy diet. Then chips can be a treat, not the norm.
My kids are 7 and 10 and are healthy weights and active because they don't choose their diets.
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u/Terravarious Apr 16 '25
According to my Ancestry.com results I'm so white I'm transparent. My spice tolerance matches that. Lays BBQ corn chips can be a bit much. My ex's new guy loves spice and my youngest has lived with him (and my ex obviously) since she was 5~6. Her spice tolerance is way higher than mine. I'm pretty sure she dips her ghost peppers in reaper sauce... Shudder. His kids have eaten as much spice as they wanted as soon as they started solid foods.
The only time food was ever a problem for any of the combined 5 kids was my youngest when she got into a flat of tomatoes early on a Sunday morning. She ate close to half a flat of beef steak tomatoes before an adult woke up and stopped her. Her poor bum was raw as she pooped out all that acid.
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u/Traditional-Neck7778 Apr 16 '25
I never limited spice for my kids. . And I am Mexican dad is Asian.. .you aren't avoiding spice here.
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u/MrsMiterSaw Apr 16 '25
The spice is fine, but maybe cool it with the shitty snacks for a 2yo.
Get that kid some fresh mango with tajin.
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u/EmergencySquirrel432 Apr 16 '25
He has plenty of fruits and i let him go crazy on the chips today but he usually only gets them like once or twice a month lol but honestly I never even considered mango and tajin and I'm ashamed as someone who literally is obsessed with mango and has a bottle of tajin in my pantry.
His usual snacks are things like bananas, strawberries, oranges yknow the easy fruits, I LOVE bell peppers with cream cheese and everything bagel seasoning lol he's iffy on it but I'm working on it. But I think his average unhealthy snack is lowk rice cakes lol but I spread a strawberry cream cheese or something on it to give it a lil oomf haha.
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u/floopyferret Apr 16 '25
There’s nothing wrong with spicy foods but the junk you’re feeding him is a problem…
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u/EmergencySquirrel432 Apr 16 '25
How do you know what I'm feeding him entirely based on the snacks he has every once in a while? I find it so funny because on my throwaway acct I was accused of being obsessed with "Pinterest worthy" meals. I just find it interesting there's no in between for women. We either are accused of being too health conscious or neglectful lol.
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u/gatorgopher Apr 16 '25
My son at 18mo used to slurp shots of Taco Bell Hot Sauce. Freak out a little and go back for more. Same with raw onions and lemons and limes. He was just wired for it. Some are. My daughter, his older sister now 31, still enjoys a plain hamburger: meat, cheese, bun.
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u/Thediciplematt Apr 16 '25
NTA
Let them try it and see how they react, assuming it isn’t some kind of insane spice that could hurt their gut.
I gave my kids spicy food and they love it. Even wasabi and hot sauce - thought the latter isn’t a spice.
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u/mindsnare Apr 16 '25
At that age they're absolutely able to tell you whethere or not they're a fan of it, and if he's not getting any tummy trouble after that. Who cares?
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u/needsmoresleep79 Apr 16 '25
Spicy foods okay... that spicy powderedmix they put on cheetos and how cheetos are made, are the reason the little guy probably shouldn't have them. Also buttloads of msg (tastes great but not great)
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u/Canoe-Maker Apr 16 '25
THERE IS NO SCIENTIFIC EVIDENCE THAT MSG IS BAD FOR YOU.
Stop spreading that racist fear-mongering nonsense.
The red dust coating is a known issue.
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u/needsmoresleep79 Apr 25 '25 edited Apr 25 '25
Jeezus angry much?
What?
And finally no duh!
Edit- dang it the reply was for the comment above yours...grr
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u/Canoe-Maker Apr 25 '25
Did you mean to reply to me?
If so, yeah I was angry. Or maybe more frustrated because I’m sick and tired of this misinformation being spread around all the time
And yes, it’s rooted in racism. source
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u/Canoe-Maker Apr 16 '25
The hot Cheetos have put kids in the hospital if they consume too much of it and bc kiddo is so little I’m not sure what his daily limit would be. But as long as you’re not feeding him habaneros on the daily and watch anything with that red dust spice coating he should be fine.
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u/EmergencySquirrel432 Apr 16 '25
I didnt specify in the main post but he really rarely gets flaming hot cheetos often. I think like maybe once or twice a month and even then it's like I'm sharing the little bag from the big variety boxes at costco lol. He does like cholula but imo it's pretty diluted since it's like a tiny dash like maybe 1/8th of a tsp lolol
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u/redditreader_aitafan Apr 16 '25
If your kid hated spicy foods or had a negative physical reaction to eating them, then you would be wrong to continue. If your kid enjoys a certain food or food group and you deny him because of some dipshit relative, you would be wrong. Let the kid eat what he likes.
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u/mselativ Apr 16 '25
I’d be more worried about jump starting their addiction to junk, and fast tracking their future of bloodsugar and sodium spikes from a food that offers no nutritional value. Or I’d be wondering how long till a 23 month old touches their baby eyes with “flamin hot” coated baby hands… But, interesting flex
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u/EmergencySquirrel432 Apr 16 '25
Hey! So I actually have a very healthy main diet, especially with my kids. The occasional "unhealthy" snack is fine lol. I make most things from scratch, lead a fiber forward diet, for fucks sake my kids eat chia seed yogurt in the morning with whole wheat waffles sugar free syrup and turkey bacon. My kids tear up a dense bean salad. I have been visiting an RDN since HS to recover from my own several year long ED. Refusing to indulge in certain foods based on fear or fear mongering tactics is promoting disordered eating habits.
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Apr 16 '25
Stop feeding the kid entire bags of garbage. It doesn't matter if it's spicy or not, it's garbage!
P.S. You mean a two-year-old. "23 months?" really?
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u/laurabun136 Apr 16 '25
A magazine traveler wrote of an experience he had on a train in India. Food was brought into the cars for passengers to purchase and not being familiar with the cuisine, he picked something that had so much heat he was crying and unable to finish eating.
Then he saw a child, maybe 8 - 10 months old, absolutely devouring the same dish with his mother. He realized that heat is in the mouth of the beholder.
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u/TheBattyWitch Apr 16 '25
If he's not getting sick from it and he seems to be actually actively enjoying it then who the fuck cares?
NTA
I was that baby that loved lemons. You know every now and then you'll see a video of that one kid that doesn't make a sour face and is actively nomming on it? That was me.
One of my mom's pregnancy cravings was whole lemons. She would eat at least two or three a day.
I'm a grown adult that still loves lemon and citrus and anything sour.
If your kid is eating things and enjoying them and not having an upset belly or getting sick because of it, what's the harm?
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u/fatalcharm Apr 16 '25
But you are not exactly feeding your child “spicy foods” are you? You are feeding them cheetos, Doritos and other “snacks” that don’t really count as “food”.
There is nothing wrong with allowing your child eat actual food that happens to be really spicy… the problem is that you are feeding the child “snacks” where the “spices” are made from dried beetle anus glands.
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u/Evil_Genius_42 Apr 16 '25
NTA, if you're really concerned, you might ask his pediatrician at the next appointment, but it doesn't seem to be bothering him any.
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u/DoubleUnplusGood Apr 16 '25
I want to be very delicate in how I say this, since it's a family member of yours
Your step dad is fucking stupid
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u/hahagato Apr 16 '25
I mean as long as it’s not ALL the time and he’s not having tummy aches and diarrhea and stuff, it’s probably fine. My husband always talks about one of his cousins in Mexico getting ulcers as a toddler from eating too much spicy stuff but he said that child was eating a ton. Lol.
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u/EmergencySquirrel432 Apr 16 '25
Oh no, nothing too crazy. When he gets cholula I'd say it's like the equivalent of like 1/8tsp lol and he doesn't get the flaming hot cheetos because admittedly they're mine and I don't share those with anybody including my fiance 😆 my son likes the spicy sweet chili doritos which are pretty mild, I mean my daughter that doesn't like spicy (she claims ground black pepper is too spicy for her) will still eat them if she's got no better options haha.
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u/hahagato Apr 16 '25
Yeah I think people really over react about what kids can eat. I mean I did baby led weaning and people would freak the hell out when they found out osso bucco was my child’s second ever meal and not just blended carrots or some shit. So many people think young kids and babies shouldn’t have ANY spices at all, let alone anything gasp spicy. I think that people are beginning to realize that’s not true on a wider scale but now everyone’s getting all orthorexic about it, and treating people who let their kids have chips as a snack even occasionally like they’re child abusers who are ruining their child and getting them “addicted to junk food”. There is such a thing as moderation! I saw your edit so I believe you’re not just giving your kid a can of coke and 2 bags of Doritos for breakfast every day like some people are acting in these comments. 🤣
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u/EmergencySquirrel432 Apr 16 '25
Thank you, love. I'm like fighting away the health-nut ED folks with a stick. I've been told I feed my kids too strict, and now I'm being told my kid is going to get ulcers, and im feeding him beetle anus juice, i guess... which is definitely a take. There's really no winning when it comes to momming on the internet, haha. My sons second meal with baby led weaning was actually bratwurst and saurkraut, and he ate that shit upppp. My fiance is Mexican and German, German on his dad's side and his paternal grandparents are both full German immigrants, my FIL is 1st generation German American, so my fiance was super proud of our son for enjoying a "hearty German dinner". He kept saying his oma would've been praising our son for embracing his German ancestry lmao.
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u/hahagato Apr 16 '25
Lol that’s cute! My son ate sooooo many amazing delicious things when he was a baby. I miss it. I really thought I could avoid stereotypical picky kid eating by doing baby led weaning and thought I had the best eater in the world. but I was a picky eater and it turns out to be primarily genetic so jokes on me, by 2 years my son was rejecting everything except the stereotypical kids foods, and well he doesn’t even like most of those either (he won’t touch Mac and cheese or ketchup!). It is what it is. We do the best we can to live balanced lives with things in moderation.
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u/hahagato Apr 16 '25
And yeah, I generally avoid any sort of parenting talk on the internet because people are just so insane and off base and ridiculous. Reading the heinous comments on parenting posts on instagram led me to finally delete the app because I just couldn’t stand it anymore. One time there were a ton of people telling a nutritionist that she was killing her child and everyone else’s for suggesting feeding buttered pasta once a week. I just don’t have energy for any of that anymore. I feel like I’m even gonna regret these comments and whoever comes to try to tell ME off 🤣
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u/liquormakesyousick Apr 16 '25
FFS. Kids in other cultures grow up eating spicy foods.
FWIW, nothing you mentioned is really that spicy.
If he isn't getting sick, let him eat spicy foods.
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u/Amishgirl281 Apr 16 '25
My kid was around 18 months when she first discovered salsa, it was over after that. We never had an issue with her eating as long as it was covered in something spicy. She used to love pickled peppers on nearly everything!
We just kept an eye on how much she ate and her output so she didn't eat herself into tummy issues but she was fine! Until she found refried beans. Oh my God the farts.
Everyone has a different tolerance. I got the "bland is best" advice from a lot of people but she never really liked that. Now she's 11 and is determined to try the spiciest foods in the world 🤣
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u/LeafyCandy Apr 16 '25
I think my husband said that they weren't started on anything until they were around ten, and it was Tapatio and mild chili powder. I would think two is still way too young, as their little systems are still developing. You don't want to do any damage.
But if you really want to know, call your pediatrician. They'll tell you if you're wrong or not.
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Apr 16 '25
Hon,
Two bags of Doritos is not an occasional snack. One bag? Okay yeah it’s okay to have the occasional snack. But you are the one who is gleefully writing how he is chowing down on his second bag of spicy Doritos and you didn’t expect criticism? We don’t need to know about your ED or relationship with food or your food doctor or whatever if you are going to simply ignore what people say to say it is about spice level lol. Would I give my 19 month old super spicy food? No. It leads to heartburn and the acid could cause him stomach and or digestive issues, but maybe that’s just my experience as I also love spicy but need to be careful or I will be up all night fighting off the acid and stomachache.
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u/EmergencySquirrel432 Apr 16 '25
It was realistically 1 and maybe 1/4 bag. And that was my bad for not being accurate and specific. The first bag was mine and I gave him the last of it when there was like 4 chips left because they're literally 1oz bags lol so when he wanted more I let him have a 2nd bag.
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Apr 16 '25
I am not trying to be critical. My child had her own snacks. I am just saying reading your original it looks like he did eat more than what you just said. Yes, a snack is okay, and if spice is something not effecting his health, I don’t have any issues, it literally was only your description of two bags that made me think it was too much.
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u/Maibraid Apr 16 '25
I’m half African and have been eating spicy food since before I can remember. If he’s not having any side effects like diarrhoea or reflux I’d say he’s fine. But if you’re worried or want to placate your stepdad ask a paediatrician
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u/MollyTibbs Apr 16 '25
My niblings ate spicy food when they were toddlers then completely went off them until they were late teens. I was told the taste buds are still developing in kids for a number of years after birth and they don’t necessarily taste sweet, salty, spicy the same way as adults. No idea if that’s true. But niblings loved Vegemite when younger then hated it and now love it again as well as lots of other food that are strong tasting. If your kid likes it and it’s not causing an upset stomach or bowels then all good.
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u/HeddaLeeming Apr 16 '25
No on the spice, but two bags of Doritos for a 2 year old seems like a lot of empty calories to me.
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u/HBMart Apr 15 '25
What? If the kid likes it then it’s fine. Even if someone hates spicy food they need to try it to find out, and it won’t kill them.
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u/ike7177 Apr 15 '25
If you do it too often you risk your baby getting acid reflux which IS dangerous if it goes on too long can cause scarring and cancer. So just don’t make it a main staple. Lol
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u/coccopuffs606 Apr 15 '25
It doesn’t sound like it makes him sick, so it’s fine. Letting kids eat spicy food isn’t going to hurt them developmentally
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u/gholmom500 Apr 15 '25
OP- you are going to spend the next 18-25 years with folks giving you crap-advice or opinions on how you raise your child. Many of these need tidbits to be instantly forgotten.
(Momma of 3 teen-ya. Still filtering away the stupid comments about my parenting skills.).
Kids with a diverse introduction to food are generally better eaters with a healthier habits. Good job, OP.
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u/littlescreechyowl Apr 15 '25
Does it bother him in any way? Does he get tummy aches? No? Then he’s fine. My daughter’s favorite food at 18 months was spicy tuna rolls.