Seven Foods You Should Never Feed Your Baby (2024)
In the first year of life, a baby’s digestive system is still growing and may not be ready for some types of foods. Furthermore, your baby’s ability to swallow is also not completely developed. Moreso, the lack of teeth can make certain foods dangerous.
Here’s a look at some foods you should avoid in the first year of your baby’s life.
Honey can cause botulism, a serious illness if introduced too early to the baby. Do not give honey to a baby under the age of twelve months. Interesting fact: breastfeeding mothers are able to have honey. The acidity in the stomach is enough to kill the bacteria before it reaches the baby. Crazy, right?
Vegetables like carrots, celery or beans should be always be boiled to soften them. Make sure foods are soft enough to where there are no large lumps that could pose as a choking hazard. We use an inexpensive steamer, like this one, for our girls.
This, of course, can change as baby has enough teeth to properly chew them. Fruits like such as banana, grapes, papaya, mango etc. should always be cut up properly (either into small bits or straw-length) before serving to baby (I’ve read a ton of great reviews about this little gadget to make grape cutting easier). Apples can be boiled to make them softer and then mashed or cut into straw-like shapes to serve to baby.
If you want to read more about baby led weaning, read this post.
Cows milk contains proteins that your baby isn’t able to digest in their first year. These milk types contain minerals that can damage your baby’s kidneys. Breastmilk and formula should be their main liquid of choice for the first year, with water being introduced as your pediatrician recommends.
Peanut butter and other nut butters are too sticky to be safe for baby. These consistencies make it hard for your baby to swallow and thus creating a choking hazard. If you would like to serve this to baby, spread it thinly on bread or crackers. You can also water it down with apple sauce. **UPDATE: the view on peanut butter and other nut butters is changing. In 2016, we were told not to serve until 12 months old. In 2018, our second daughters pediatrician told us to start introducing very small amounts at 6 months as there were new studies that showed earlier introduction could lead to a lessened chance of allergy. Discuss this with your child’s pediatrician to see what the best route is for them.
Watermelon, peaches, plums, and cherries all contain small seeds that need to be removed before serving. Sunflower or pumpkin seeds could be too small to choke on but can get stuck in a child’s airway which could pose a risk of infection.
Soda, iced tea, or any other drink containing caffeine should be avoided. Your baby’s stomach is not developed enough to handle caffeine. Plus, a fussy baby who is overtired from the caffeine in their system is not a pretty picture.
According to About Kids Health, unpasteurized cheeses should be avoided while the immune system is still developing. Most of the cheese available in the market is pasteurized, but always double-check the food label just to be sure. Unpasteurized cheese could contain harmful bacteria (think salmonella, E. Coli and Listeria)
It is okay for the baby to have juice starting around 6-12 months, but experts recommend no more than 4 ounces a day. Not only could it cause diarrhea but all that sugar is not good for their developing teeth! Keep in mind that the natural juices from fruit are ok… we’re talking about the juices that had a ton of added sugar in them!
For breastfeeding mama’s… KellyMom.com notes that giving juice to your breastfed baby could cause them fill up on the juice, leading them to have little to no appetite to nurse. You can read more on the topic of juice and babies here (KellyMom.com)
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Steer clear of high mercury fish like king mackerel, marlin, orange roughy, shark, swordfish, tilefish and bigeye tuna. Many baby and kids' foods pack a surprising amount of sugar. Minimized processed and packaged foods that have added sugar.. Honey is a no-go for babies under age 1.
Steer clear of high mercury fish like king mackerel, marlin, orange roughy, shark, swordfish, tilefish and bigeye tuna. Many baby and kids' foods pack a surprising amount of sugar. Minimized processed and packaged foods that have added sugar.. Honey is a no-go for babies under age 1.
Citrus fruits such as lemons, limes, and grapefruits are not recommended for babies until around 8-10 months. These foods are acidic, which can cause an upset tummy and/or acid reflux, or diaper rash.
Too much salt can cause hypertension. Babies who have a lot of salt develop hypertension when they grow to become adults. Kids who have a lot of salt in their bodies are exposed to the danger of suffering from dehydration. Salt makes the body lose water in the form of urine and sweat.
What's more common than allergy is a harmless skin reaction around the mouth from the acidity of the fruit. Although not an allergic reaction, strawberries and other acidic fruits can also cause or worsen diaper rash when consumed in excess.
When you're pregnant, avoid eating soft cheeses, unpasteurised milk products and undercooked meat, fish and eggs — these may contain germs that can harm your baby. Wash all fruits and vegetables and don't eat them if they've been pre-cut.
Foods need to be rich in energy and nutrients. In addition to grains and potatoes, be sure your baby has vegetables and fruits, legumes and seeds, a little energy-rich oil or fat, and – especially – animal foods (dairy, eggs, meat, fish and poultry) every day.
Caution: Do not serve your baby raw or undercooked sprouts such as alfalfa, clover, radish and mung bean, as they may contain harmful bacteria. You do not need to puree fruits.
Stone fruits like mango, apricots, peaches and sweet cherries are rich in fiber as well as many wonderful vitamins. Prunes and figs – Good for babies struggling with constipation. Add a little bit to your fruit and veggie purees for a mild laxative effect.
Salty foods will only amplify the pain your baby is feeling. It's like throwing salt in an open wound. Spicy foods will irritate your baby's gums, so a blander diet is best while teething. Citrus foods are acidic and will also irritate your baby's gums, so feed them vegetables during this time.
Babies younger than 1 year old should not be given honey. That's because a type of bacteria (called Clostridium) that causes infant botulism can be found in honey. Infant botulism can cause muscle weakness, with signs like poor sucking, a weak cry, constipation, and decreased muscle tone (floppiness).
The eight common allergens are peanuts, tree nuts, wheat, soy, dairy, eggs, fish and shellfish. One of the most common food sensitivities among breastfed babies is dairy. “There is a lot of hidden dairy in foods,” Rebecca said. “It takes a lot of reading labels.”
A baby's undeveloped gastrointestinal system can't deal with some foods that an adult's body can. Honey, for example, may lead to infant botulism, which can be fatal. Always steer clear of chunky foods that pose choking hazards such as popcorn, hot dogs, raw fruits and veggies, raisins, and meat or cheese chunks.
Common culprits include beans, broccoli, cabbage, and Brussels sprouts. Bloating, burping, and passing gas are normal. But if your baby is gassy or has colic, avoid these foods for a few weeks to see whether they relieve the symptoms.
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