We do not allow any sweets until they are at least 2 years old - including juice - and with our older daughter I think she was much closer to three when she finally started, our younger daughter is not yet two so we haven't crossed that bridge with her, I'll wait as long as possible. There are just so many different reasons not to give it to them in my opinion I don't see the point, they don't know what they're missing until they have had it and I feel like it's my responsibility to start their eating habits out on the right foot. Eating is very much a habit, like so many things we do. It's learned and the young years are a key time in that learning process. I do have sweets, as does my husband it's not often and in those cases we just substitute something similar for them, if we have ice cream they have frozen yogurt pops (homemade from pure yogurt), if we want cookies we have carob oatmeal cookies, or something similar, air-popped instead of butter soaked popcorn, etc.

It works for us. :) 

Make it a rare thing and then it becomes a 'special treat' Mine didn't like the baby food sweets so I guess I was lucky in that sense.  Fruits etc are sweet naturally so let them enjoy those.  Even yoghurts become treats.  Mine eat lollies now but not everyday.  My 6yr old if you put an apple and a bunch of snakes in front of her she would take the apple. 

I admit it - our little Mia has sweet food if we are.  I cannot say no to her and then eat it myself it is very hypocrytical.  Saying that it makes me not eat it as much and juice is a very rare treat.  Normally it is milk or water.  So how often a week are we talking - maybe 4-5 times.  Never dessert though, might be a baby chino and a cookie for morning tea.  Also should say that it is only when we are out or we have friends over otherwise I eat pretty well too.

For me, the answer is never. I know that's easier said than done though.  My son is 18 months and I haven't given sweets except for 2 occasions. One was his birthday. I wanted him to enjoy a cake like everyon else, but I did make my own cake to control the sugar in it. The 2nd occasion was when we flew for our family vacation. I got a pack of sugar free mini tootsie lollipop to relieve any ear pressure problems.

I tried Gerber Apple Cobbler on him when he was about 6 months and just stopped. He likes fruits and those are better "sweets" than chocolate and other candies. I have never given my son chocolate, though he has seen me eat it. Maybe I can wait until he's much older before he asks for it. Juice is also a no go for us. I've heard my pediatrician say that juice is not really necessary - empty calories and all. My son is just fine with milk and water - chocolate milk sometimes.