The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) has determined that breast milk or alternative formula provides all of the nutrients an infant needs and recommends that this be the sole food for babies up to at least 4 to 6 months of age, unless otherwise directed by a physician. Introduction of solid foods and water usually occurs between 4 to 6 months. However, experts caution parents against giving certain foods to infants under 12 months due to an infant's weak immune system and susceptibility to allergic reactions and choking.
Allergenic Foods
An infant's immune system continues to develop until the age of 3, causing babies to be highly susceptible to allergic reactions to common foods. Cow's milk, egg whites, wheat, peanuts and soy are the most common culprits. The AAP highly recommends that these foods be avoided for the first 4 to 6 months or that children be tested for allergies before eating. Rice and corn products are considered to be hypoallergenic and are recommended as starter foods for infants 4 to 6 months of age.
Choking Hazards
Even at 8 to 9 months, a baby has difficulty chewing and swallowing foods that are small enough to be caught in his throat. Chunks of peanut butter can be difficult to swallow and can cause choking. Hot dogs, typically cut into small circles and given to children as a finger food, popcorn, raisins, nuts and other small foods can be dangerous if improperly chewed and should be avoided for at least the first year of life.
Infant Botulism
Infant botulism, a food-borne illness caused by toxins produced when an infant consumes the bacteria C. botulinum. Honey, light and dark corn syrups, and foods containing these products are susceptible to bacterial invasion. The American Academy of Pediatrics cautions parents against giving infants these foods for at least the first 6 months while the immune system is still developing.
Building Preferences
The order in which foods are introduced greatly affects what foods children prefer as they become old enough to make their own food choices. The AAP recommends serving vegetables and fruits to infants plain. Casseroles, mixtures, blends and desserts tend to contain fewer nutrients, be higher in calories and displace more nutritious whole foods. Fruit juices should be diluted with water and should not be given to infants until at least 6 months of age to encourage the consumption of breast milk or formulas prior to this point. The AAP suggest that parents avoid feeding infants sauces, butter, salt, sugar and other heavy seasonings until age 1.
