Newborns have special dietary considerations in their formative years, especially as they reach about six months old, the World Health Organization's recommended age to end exclusive breastfeeding. To provide appropriate nutrition from solid foods, parents need to be strategic about menu planning and mindful of the foods that babies shouldn't eat. To protect against allergies, digestive upset and challenges in later life, it is important that parents know the foods to avoid during infancy.
Cow's Milk or Goat's Milk
Giving infants cow's milk or goat's milk before they are at least 12 months old is not recommended. DrSpock.com notes that cow's milk has been linked to allergic reactions in some children, and giving it to infants may be laying the foundations for a life-long allergic response. The nutritional profile of cow's and goat's milk is also not correct for infants, as it does not contain enough iron for their needs, according to Drugs.com.
Nuts and Seeds
Nuts and seeds can cause multiple problems for infant health, and should be avoided in the first 12 months. On a basic logistical level, infants lack the teeth and chewing sophistication to have small, hard foods like nuts and seeds be anything other than a choking hazard for them. Additionally, DrSpock.com notes that early introduction of nuts and seeds can cause allergies to develop. This includes peanuts and peanut butter as well as almonds, sunflower seeds, cashews and other common mixed nuts.
Shellfish
It is not recommended to allow children under 12 months of age to consume any shellfish. DrSpock.com and Drugs.com point to the potentially severe allergic response, which an infant will be unable to communicate.
Honey
Honey should be avoided during infancy because it may make infants ill. As infants do not yet have a fully developed immune system, exposure to the complex profile of pollens and bacteria in honey can result in illness according to Uptodate.com and Drugs.com. Uptodate.com notes that the potential for exposure to botulism through honey is a primary reason to keep it from your children.
Sugary Juices or Colas
Infants should not be given sugary juices or colas. Keep Kids Healthy notes that these items have little to no nutritional value for infants. They may also allow sugar to pool in infant mouths, allowing cavities to develop in delicate, young teeth.
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