Why Riddhima Kapoor Kept Daughter Samara Off Salt and Sugar Until 18 Months

Riddhima Kapoor Sahni has drawn attention not only for her stature as a fashion designer and daughter of the iconic Raff Kapoor, but also for her thoughtful and considered approach to parenting her daughter, Samara. One of the most talked-about aspects of her parenting style has been her decision to delay adding salt and sugar to her child’s meals until she turned 1½ years old. That decision, she says, sparked questions from relatives and onlookers, but for Riddhima, it was always about giving her child a healthy and natural start in life.

Early Parenting Philosophy: Health First

Riddhima and husband Bharat Sahni have always prioritized health and wellness, both for themselves and for their growing family. From the moment they brought home baby Samara, they made it clear that they intended to follow a systematic, research-backed approach to her nutrition. Riddhima, who has a background in health awareness and parenting spaces, spent months preparing for Samara’s arrival—researching infant nutrition, healthy eating schedules, and childhood development.

When it came to introducing solid foods, Riddhima chose to follow a simple but firm guideline: start with thin vegetable and fruit purees, free from sugar, salt, and processed ingredients. The practice wasn’t uncommon among parents focusing on wholesome nutrition, but Riddhima took a strong stance on avoiding added sugar and salt for as long as possible.

Why Delay Salt and Sugar?

Riddhima’s decision to keep salt and sugar out of Samara’s diet until she was 18 months old was grounded in several reasons:

1. Protecting developing taste buds
   Newborns and infants naturally prefer sweeter tastes—something found in breast milk or unsweetened fruit purees. Introducing heavy salt or sugar early can distort these natural preferences, making children crave intense flavors later in life.

2. Guarding kidney health
   A baby’s kidneys take time to develop. High sodium intake can be tough on these still-maturing organs. By holding off, Riddhima ensured that Samara’s young kidneys weren’t under unnecessary stress.

3. Fostering healthy eating habits
   By 18 months, Samara had already grown up eating fresh fruits, unsalted vegetables, whole grains, and homemade soups. Her baseline appreciation for food was untainted by cravings for sugar-coated or overly salty processed snacks.

4. Minimizing processed food exposure
   Processed foods are often packed with hidden sugars and salt—even those that seem ‘healthy.’ By preparing baby-led foods at home, Riddhima controlled every ingredient that went into her child’s meals.

Facing Family Pressures

Despite her conviction, Riddhima didn’t have an easy time convincing everyone. As her daughter grew and family get-togethers included more indulgent food, relatives would ask: “Kabhi kabhi toh thoda namak-cheeni de hi do [Give her a little salt and sugar sometimes].” In our culture, baby food is often relaxed at family meals—extras like sweets, cakes, or crisps are commonly offered.

Riddhima found herself gently declining: “No thanks, we prefer she learns the natural flavors first.” Some relatives expressed concern, worrying that the child might feel left out or develop a dislike for ‘normal’ food. Riddhima responded with calm reassurance: “She’s getting everything her body needs—plenty of vegetables, grains, fruit. Her palate is clean, and she’s happy and growing well.”

Gradual Introduction After 18 Months

Once Samara turned 1.5 years old, Riddhima began to introduce minimal, natural salt and sugar into her meals:

• Salt, in the form of a small pinch in dal, khichdi, or steamed veggies—never more.

• Sugar, using jaggery or unrefined brown sugar, and only in homemade desserts like date balls or fruit daliya.

There was no sudden switch to packaged snacks or sugary treats. The transition was slow and moderate, always with an eye on quality rather than excess.

Reactions from Others

Even after this cautious introduction, Riddhima faced the inevitable parental judgments:

• Some applauded her discipline and praised her for raising a “health-conscious girl.”

• Others suggested she was being too rigid, claiming children must be exposed to typical tastes from infancy to develop sound eating habits.

• A few were curious about her methods—asking what she believes the emotional impact or social effect on Samara might be.

Riddhima remained consistent in her explanation: early taste control doesn’t lead to rigidity later on. In fact, she emphasized, “Samara can have her piece of birthday cake when it’s time. We’re not denying joy, but we are mindful.”

Health Benefits Noticed

Riddhima reported several positive observations:

1. No early sugar cravings
   At 2 and beyond, Samara wasn’t fixated on ice cream or chocolates. She enjoyed fruit and delved into a variety of vegetables when offered.

2. Easy weaning off breastfeeding
   Since food was always nutritious and well-balanced, Samara accepted meals readily. Neither mom nor child faced a challenging weaning phase.

3. Good dental health
   Without early sugar exposure, Samara’s first teeth were cavity-free. Riddhima attributes that to the sugar-free first year.

4. Attitude toward food
   Rather than resisting greens or salty snacks, Samara treats food as fuel—a habit that Riddhima says has already translated into better appetite regulation.

Reflections on Cultural Trends

Riddhima’s decision did more than spark family chatter—it encouraged a wider conversation. Parents in her community began asking: “Should we be feeding kids sugar that early?” The shift prompted her to share tips on natural sweeteners, low-sodium recipes, and smart meal planning.

Especially in urban India—where convenience often means processed foods—her approach became both aspirational and realistic. She would often say, “It’s not about being perfect—it’s about being mindful.”

A Balanced, Long-Term View

Riddhima stresses that her approach isn’t a “one-size-fits-all” rule:

• She advocates consultation with pediatricians and nutritionists.

• She emphasizes understanding individual child needs and behavior.

• She believes that some families may prioritize cultural or social feeding norms, and that’s valid too.

• Above all, she insists, “We are sculpting habits, not imposing rules.”

Looking Ahead

As Samara grew older, her food journey included birthday slices of cake, snacks at school, and some celebrate-occasion treats. But by then, Riddhima’s thoughtful groundwork ensured moderation and balance—not dependence on junk food.

Now at the age where school lunches and peer pressure play a role, Samara’s dietary habits already reflect a strong instinct for wholesome choices. When she eats a pastry, she savors it. When she passes up chips, enjoy her apple instead, mom knows it was never demanded—it was nurtured.

Why This Matters for Parents Today

In a world filled with processed options and early sugar exposure, Riddhima's approach highlights several key lessons:

• Conscious parenting in meal choices can nurture healthy habits.

• Delaying unnatural additives empowers children to appreciate food for taste, not intensity.

• Balancing health with happiness—allowing treats but not dependency—helps prevent sugar-driven habits.

• Gentle boundary setting with relatives or well-meaners is possible and healthy.

By waiting until 1.5 years to introduce salt and sugar, Riddhima Kapoor Sahni orchestrated a nurturing launch into lifelong healthy eating for her daughter. In doing so, she sent a message to parents and caregivers—intentional choices, even small ones, shape a child’s relationship with food in profound ways. Samara may grow up knowing the joy of cake and spoiling on snacks, but first and foremost, she will know food as a source of nourishment.

Of course, caregiving is never about perfection—it’s about balance, thoughtfulness, and adaptability. In adopting a tradition of mindful transition, Riddhima offered her daughter not just taste training, but a healthier, happier foundation—thereby adding a little sweetness in life, carefully, and at the right time.