In this episode, we’re talking all about first birthdays because it’s BIRTHDAY WEEK here at My Little Eater™! We’re celebrating four years as MLE, and I wanted to weigh in on this really popular topic for your sweet baby’s first birthday milestone... sugar or sugar-free smash cake, what’s better? Typically, I see opinions fall either very strongly on the sugar-free side, or very strongly on the sugar-filled side - so where do I fall on the spectrum? I’m a little more in-between! Listen in to hear what the actual nutritional recommendations are when it comes to offering sugar at 1 year old, why it’s really ok if you opt not to go the sugar-free route, what I decided for my own boys, and whether or not I would change my mind if doing it all over again today. Here’s the thing, at MLE we never judge or criticize your decisions as parents - you know what’s best for your family - so you won’t catch any of that here. But you will be able to hear both sides of this argument, and better be able to assess what exactly will work for your family. Plus, as an added bonus, you can download my favourite added sugar-free smash cake recipe below - because I’ll be honest, a lot of them are kinda gross. As always, if you get value from this episode, please leave a rating and review at Apple Podcasts! And, I’d love for you to share some pictures of your baby enjoying their first birthday cake (and if you use my smash cake recipe, let me know your thoughts!) by tagging me on Instagram - these pictures are always so sweet! Enjoy this milestone with your baby - no matter what you choose! ADDITIONAL RESOURCES: As I mention in the episode, this smash cake recipe is typically only available to members of the Little Eaters Club. This is my monthly membership program that offers you ongoing support for any questions or changes that come up, as well as provides you with access to an extensive library of resources, guides, and recipes to help you tackle this whole feeding your kids thing with confidence! And if you’ve previously completed one of my courses, it also provides you with the opportunity to chat one-on-one with me in my monthly coaching calls, exclusive to members. LITTLE EATERS CLUB: https://mylittleeater.com/little-eaters-club/ Now that your baby will be entering the toddler stage, it’s time to learn how to handle the changes that happen in toddlerhood, and be prepared to prevent or manage picky eating. Check out my Feeding Toddlers online course for all the steps you need to enjoy happier mealtimes with your toddler! FEEDING TODDLERS ONLINE COURSE: https://mylittleeater.com/feeding-toddlers/ FREE SMASH CAKE RECIPE: https://courses.mylittleeater.com/episode-78-ultimate-smash-cake-recipe MORE ON OFFERING SUGAR/SWEETS: https://mylittleeater.com/healthyrelationshipwithsugar/ SKIP TO... The nutritional recommendation (4:30) Why it’s ok to offer a sugar-filled smash cake (7:10) What I decided for my own kids (8:32) Would I choose sugar or sugar free now? (9:29) My favourite smash cake recipe (13:07)