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In your baby’s first year of life, he or she is incredibly strong and develop quickly, but also still very vulnerable. Most babies can consume solid foods at about six months old. While you’re there to help them try many new tastes and textures, be sure to keep in mind this list of foods that should be avoided while your baby is under 1 year old.
- Honey
Honey is a great sugar alternative for kids and adults of a certain age. It’s sweet and all natural. However, it should not be fed to babies as it is a potential source of Clostridium botulinum spores, which can multiply in baby’s intestines and develop into infant botulism. Be sure to look at the ingredients in foods you give your baby. Many common foods have unrecognized sources of honey, such as cereals and graham crackers.
- Milk
Breast milk or formula have all the fats and nutrients that babies need during the first year of life. Cow and nut milk contain proteins aren’t digestible by your baby yet. Milks also contain some minerals that can damage their still-developing kidneys, or that they can be allergic to, such as lactose.
- Peanut Butter
Babies’ immune systems are developing even after they’re born. Some babies may be temporarily allergic to certain fabrics and foods. Peanuts and peanut butter can cause serious allergic reactions. Even if your child has proven to be fine around peanuts, peanut butter is very sticky and thick, and babies can easily choke on this.
- Some Vegetables
While you want to make sure your baby has a healthy diet and receives appropriate nutrition, there are some veggies that you should avoid due to the level of nitrates, even when cooked. These include beets, spinach, fennel, collard greens and lettuce. Babies under 1 year old have weaker stomach acids than adults do, and they are unable to break down the nitrates, which can block the blood’s ability to transport oxygen. Babies can eat cooked veggies like carrots, squash, sweet potatoes, peas, and other (soft) high-vitamin, low-nitrate veggies.
- Fish
Mercury levels in fish are too high to be consumed by children under 1 year old. Hold off on any fish and shellfish until they are at least 3 years old.
- Some Fruits
Berries may seem like a sweet natural treat, but strawberries, blueberries, raspberries, and blackberries contain a protein that infants and early toddlers are not able to digest well. Oranges and grapefruit are highly acidic and can cause an upset stomach and rashes. Grapes are a choking hazard that should be avoided as well. The best fruits for a baby are bananas or cooked apples and pears.
- Egg Whites
While most babies love eggs, many can be severely allergic to eggs and egg whites. Your pediatrician can perform an allergy test to see if your baby is allergic.
As a parent, we understand that you’re concerned for your child’s safety and health. At Children’s Health Care, we’re here to help you care for your child and provide them with the cleanest bill of health possible. Call us today to set up a consultation at (978) 465-7121 or (978) 388-9880 or (978) 373-6557.
