As your baby gets older and begins eating solid food, you may have questions about what to feed her. Before the age of 1, there are many foods that you should avoid feeding your child, either because they are likely culprits for allergic reactions, they may contain harmful bacteria, they may be too difficult for an infant to digest or they may be too difficult to chew.
Foods That Can Cause Allergies
While there isn't enough evidence to suggest that delaying the introduction of certain foods can prevent allergies, infants younger than 1 may be less capable of surviving the allergic reaction caused by a severe allergy. Milk, eggs, tree nuts, peanuts, fish, shellfish, soy and wheat are the foods that are most likely to cause an allergic reaction, according to the American Dietetic Association. As a result, you should avoid feeding your infant these foods during his first year or even longer.
Foods That May Contain Bacteria
Some foods may contain bacteria that can cause food poisoning. Do not feed your infant soft cheeses, such as brie, or undercooked lunch meat because these foods can contain the listeria bacteria. In addition, avoid feeding your infant any uncooked or undercooked meat, such as steak that has not been cooked thoroughly or sushi or undercooked seafood. An infant may not survive a bout with food poisoning, so these foods aren't worth the risk even if your baby can chew and swallow them.
Foods That Are Difficult to Digest
Some foods that you may enjoy as an adult are too highly seasoned or difficult to digest for an infant. Do not feed your baby very spicy foods such as jalapenos or a spicy curry. In addition, you should avoid vegetables that are hard to digest such as cabbage or bell peppers. While these foods may not present a direct health risk, they may make your baby feel sick or give her severe indigestion.
Foods That May Present A Choking Hazard
Your baby probably lacks his molars and other grinding teeth at 1 year of age, which makes eating hard large pieces difficult. Do not give your infant hard foods such as crisp raw vegetables, hard candy or large pieces of food. In addition, avoid foods that have pits or seeds such as popcorn, raisins, nuts or grapes with seeds or cherries. Always cut your baby's food into very small pieces that are easy to gum and swallow to reduce her risk of choking.
Sweets
Do not feed your infant sweets. The period from the age of 6 months to 1 year is an important time for your baby and he is learning about taste and eating. Feeding him sweets may reduce his desire to eat savory foods or foods with more subtle flavors. In addition, babies do not need a lot of food and every ounce of food he eats should be nutrient-dense. Sugary foods present empty calories that do not contribute to his nutrient intake.
