Your baby's eating habits are shaped early, so it is important to offer him a healthy variety of foods, and everything he eats should be tailored to his size, age and nutritional needs. There are some foods that are not safe for your baby to eat, especially in the first year of life. It is important to understand which foods to avoid in order to keep your baby safe and healthy.
Solid Foods in Infancy
Your baby should avoid eating anything but breast milk and formula for the first four to six months of life. Her digestive system is not developed enough to handle solid foods in the early months, and consuming anything else might cause her to become sick. Her doctor might give the green light for solid foods when she has doubled her birth weight, shows an interest in foods and can sit supported.
Honey and Corn Syrup
Both honey and corn syrup contain spores of Clostridium botulinum, which can grow and multiply in your baby's intestines. These spores can cause botulism, a form of fatal food poisoning. Avoid giving honey or corn syrup to your baby until he is at least 1 year old and his intestinal tract has developed further.
Citrus Fruits
Avoid giving your baby citrus fruits during the first year of life. The acid in citrus can cause a bad diaper rash after it makes its way through your baby's digestive system. Citrus fruits include oranges, lemons, limes and grapefruit. Avoid giving your baby citrus fruit juices as well, as they can have the same effect.
Choking Hazards
Your baby should not eat anything that could be a potential choking hazard. Avoid large amounts of peanut butter, which can stick to the roof of her mouth and be difficult for her to swallow. Marshmallows can be hard for her to swallow as well. Cut whole grapes and melon balls into small pieces that are safer to chew and avoid hard or slippery foods like nuts, popcorn, raisins and hot dogs.
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