According to the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), human breast milk is the preferred source of nutrition for infants. The AAP's recommendation is for exclusive breast-feeding until 6 months of age, and continued breast-feeding until the infant is 1 year old and beyond, if it is desired by mother and child. You can introduce solid foods between 4 and 6 months of age, but avoid several foods during this period.
Cow's Milk
Cow's milk is not recommended for infants younger than a year old. According to Medline Plus, cow's milk does not contain enough iron, vitamin E or essential fatty acids for the infant's metabolic needs. Also, cow's milk contains higher levels of protein, sodium and potassium than an infant's system can handle. Iron deficiency anemia is a common problem in infants, which ingesting cow's milk can worsen. Symptoms of iron deficiency anemia include fatigue, difficulty feeding, paleness and increased heart rate. Vitamin E deficiency can result in hemolytic anemia, in which the red blood cells rupture easily; muscle weakness; and slowed reflexes and muscle coordination. Essential fatty acids help in brain development and the production of hormones.
Honey
Even though babies enjoy sweet foods, the Merck Manuals Online Medical Library recommends them in small amounts for infants, as sugar can have negative effects on weight and on immune system and tooth development. Avoid honey altogether, because it contains the spores of clostridium botulinum, a bacterium that secretes a toxin that can cause botulism, a life-threatening condition. Infants who ingest honey also take in the spores of this bacterium, which then grows in the intestinal tract and secretes the toxin. Symptoms of infant botulism include constipation, paralysis of facial muscles, a weak cry, poor sucking, facial droop and loss of muscle tone. As the disease progresses, it paralyzes the muscles responsible for breathing, putting the child at risk for respiratory depression and potential death, if untreated.
Small Solid Foods
Small solid foods are dangerous for infants, as they constitute a choking hazard. These include slippery items like hard candy, hot dogs and whole grapes; dry foods like carrots and popcorn; and sticky foods like peanut butter and clumped raisins. According to Medline Plus, the danger signs of choking include cyanosis, a blue tinge around the lips; difficulty breathing; passing out; and an inability to cry or cough effectively. The best immediate remedy is performing the Heimlich maneuver for infants and calling 911.
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