17. Foods to Avoid for Infants Before one

9/25/2020

Are you struggling with your baby’s solid food? Do you have headache of choosing the right solid for your baby? Do you know what to offer and what to avoid when giving baby solid foods? Most babies begin to eat solid food at about 6 months old. By the time they are 7-8 months old, babies can eat a variety foods from different food groups. However, there are certain food you should not give to your baby until he/she turns 1 year old. 

Do not offer your baby honey. Infants under the age of 1 should not be fed any form of honey. Honey is bad for babies because it can harbor Clostridium botulinum, which can produce botulinum spores. These spores secrete toxins that can lead to muscle weakness, poor sucking, a weak cry, constipation, decreased muscle tone and even paralysis in young infants. An infant’s intestinal track isn’t strong enough to fight off these spores and toxins. 

Do not offer your baby cow’s milk. Stick to breast milk or formula until your child's first birthday. A child under the age of one can't digest the enzymes and proteins in cow's milk, and certain minerals in it can cause damage to your baby's kidneys. Also, unlike breast milk or formula, cow's milk doesn't provide all the proper nutrients for a growing infant. giving your child fresh cow's milk before 1 year of age, you may increase her chances of developing iron-deficiency anemia (a low number of red blood cells). Iron deficiency in infants can harm brain and nerve development.

Do not offer your baby juices. fruit juice offers no nutritional benefits for infants younger than 1 year, therefore, it should not be offered to them unless clinically indicated. Parents may think fruit juice as healthy, but it is not a good substitute for fresh fruit and just packs in more sugar and calories, Small amounts in moderation are fine for older kids, but are absolutely unnecessary for children under 1. some fruit juices are naturally high in vitamins and minerals, including vitamin C and potassium, they are also high in sugar and low in other important nutrients, such as fiber. In fact these juice can cause an upset tummy and/or acid reflux in your baby.

Please also be mindful of offer your baby small hard foods like nuts, popcorn, whole grapes, candies. As well as soft food like jellies and marshmallows. They are all choking hazards and can easily become lodged in your baby’s throat. Be careful with potential allergen for babies like shellfish, wheat, spices, and egg whites.  Adding too much salt to a baby's food can be harmful to his immature kidneys, which might not be able to process the excess salt. 

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