We all want what’s best for our children, but even the most well-intentioned moms make mistakes that put their babies’ health at risk. One way you could potentially harm your baby is by giving them baby food dangers or food that their bodies just aren’t ready for. Here’s a list of common foods that you should avoid feeding your baby.
Baby food dangers: Do not feed your baby with these 11 foods!
1. Cow’s milk
Cow’s milk isn’t an appropriate replacement for breast milk and formula because it’s harder for your baby to digest. Some babies’ intestinal linings are slow to mature, and though lactose intolerance is rare in infants, the allergic proteins can seep through the irritated intestinal lining into the bloodstream and cause an allergic reaction which can range from a runny nose to a rash or even ear infections.
There is also very little iron in cow’s milk, so iron-deficiency anemia can be another problem. If the baby is allergic to cow’s milk, the irritated intestines can bleed into the baby’s stools.
2. Very sticky, hard foods and other choking hazards
This includes popcorn, marshmallows, hard candies, hard raw veggies, grapes, and nuts. For a complete list of foods that are choking hazards, read this story: “These foods are choking hazards for your toddler.”
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3. Baby food dangers: Honey
Never give your baby honey before he’s a year old. Honey sometimes contains a spore of a bacterium called clostridium or botulinum that can cause botulism—a rare form of food poisoning—in babies. Symptoms include constipation, listlessness, and a lack of appetite.
Honey can also damage emerging teeth and may also encourage a sweet tooth.
4. Caffeinated drinks
We’re talking soda and iced tea. Not because caffeine stunts growth (that’s nothing but an old wives’ tale), but because it’s hard enough as it is to get kids to go to sleep!
5. Baby food dangers: Fruit juice
You should only give juice to infants who can drink from a cup. Too much fruit juice can lessen your baby’s appetite for breast milk, formula, or other more substantial foods. Fruit juice can also lead to problems with baby teeth. High amounts of fruit juice can also lead to diarrhea.
Photo: Shutterstock
6. Unpasteurized cheese.
Unpasteurized cheese can contain listeria, which can lead to food poisoning. Cheeses using pasteurized milk, however, is considered safe for babies.
7. Seafood and certain kinds of fish.
If seafood allergies run in your family, avoid shellfish, shrimp, lobster, crab, and so forth. You should also avoid feeding your baby certain kinds of fish that have high mercury levels. For more information on safe and unsafe fish, read this article: “A guide to eating fish while pregnant” (it’s also applicable to children).
8. Raw or Undercooked Eggs
Raw or undercooked eggs can carry salmonella, which can cause serious illness in babies. Always ensure that eggs are fully cooked before giving them to your baby. Avoid foods that contain raw eggs, like some homemade mayonnaise or certain desserts.
9. Baby food dangers: Salt and Sugar
Babies’ kidneys are not fully developed, so too much salt can be harmful to them. Similarly, too much sugar can lead to dental problems and encourage a preference for sweet foods. It’s best to avoid adding salt and sugar to your baby’s food.
10. Processed Foods
Processed foods often contain high levels of salt, sugar, and additives that are not suitable for babies. Stick to natural, whole foods as much as possible. Processed foods can also lack essential nutrients that your baby needs for proper growth and development.
11. Certain Vegetables
While vegetables are generally healthy, some should be avoided for babies under a year old. For example, spinach, beets, and carrots can contain high levels of nitrates, which can interfere with your baby’s oxygen-carrying capacity. Always consult with your pediatrician before introducing these vegetables to your baby’s diet.
By being aware of these baby food dangers, you can help ensure your baby stays healthy and happy. Always consult with your pediatrician if you’re unsure about introducing new foods to your baby’s diet. Proper nutrition is crucial in the first year of life, so making informed choices about your baby’s diet will help set them on a path to healthy growth and development.
READ: 8 Dangerous foods you probably have lying around your kitchen
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