8 Foods You Should Never Give To A Baby
The list of foods you should never give to a baby is usually invaluable to new parents.
When your child grows up, you naturally want to take care of him and protect him. The most complete and nutritious food you can give your baby is breast milk.
However, it is also necessary to include certain other foods in his diet and which these are depends on the growth of the child.
The ideal age to start this supplemental diet is about six months old. By this time , your baby can sit and digest other foods properly.
In general, a baby’s diet usually includes some simple, light dishes such as vegetable and fruit purees. You should also consider the foods that you should never feed your little one as they could be harmful to his health.
Foods you should never give to a baby under 1 year old
There are certain foods that you should never give to a baby. Today we will share this list with you to serve as the basis for your meal plans.
1. Sugar
The harmful effects of consuming too much sugar are well known. Avoid adding sugar to a bottle of milk or other drinks as you will only get him used to eating sweet foods.
A baby has not yet fully developed his taste, so he cannot distinguish between sweet and tasteless foods.
- If you do want to sweeten your baby’s meals, use banana puree or a little breast milk to avoid this early dependence.
2. Honey
While it may seem like a natural alternative to sweetening your baby’s food, it’s not a good idea to substitute sugar for honey.
- The consumption of honey by children under one year of age has been linked to botulism. This is an intestinal condition that can cause serious complications.
3. Salt
Like the previous two foods, salt is used to improve the taste of food and it is a bad idea to add it to your baby’s diet until he is at least one year old as it can seriously affect his kidney health. could endanger.
- A baby’s kidneys are not developed enough to process large amounts of sodium.
- You can add it to his food in moderation after his first birthday.
4. Fish and Seafood
Although fish is considered a very healthy source of protein, it is not recommended for babies. Some fish are high in mercury, which can seriously affect a child’s nervous system.
Giving shellfish is also a bad idea because their potential cadmium content can negatively affect a child’s development and function. Think of products such as:
- shrimps
- king prawns
- other crustaceans
5. Low-Fat Dairy Products
While regular milk should never be a substitute for breast milk, it’s a good idea to provide your child with some healthy sources of animal fat. These include products such as yogurt and cheese, but in moderation.
You should avoid feeding your baby low-fat dairy products as they have undergone numerous processes to remove fat and this fat is the essential source of the necessary vitamins and calories.
6. Certain Vegetables
It is true that your child needs to eat vegetables to provide his body with the nutrients and vitamins he needs. For example, among the foods that you should never give to your baby are vegetables such as:
- Swiss chard
- Spinach
- Seaweed
These vegetables contain high concentrations of nitrate, which can cause methemoglobinemia. This is a condition characterized by a bluish discoloration of the skin. It affects the mucous membranes and reduces the amount of oxygen in the bloodstream.
7. Caffeinated Drinks
Some parents don’t know how harmful it can be to give a baby caffeinated drinks, so we’ve added them to the list.
Coffee, soft drinks and tea can contain large amounts of caffeine and other additives that suppress the absorption of iron and calcium. They are also directly responsible for the over-stimulation of a baby’s nervous system.
8. Nuts and prepackaged snacks
You should never give your baby under one year of age nuts as they can pose a choking hazard. You can add these products to your child’s diet from the time your child is about five years old and only under supervision.
It’s also not a good idea to let him eat things like:
- potato chips
- baked and fried products
- other commercial products
These usually contain large amounts of sugar or salt and other additives that can harm your baby’s health.
It is essential that you carefully manage the food you give your child when he is very young. When you start adding solid foods to his diet, you should be aware of the effects they can have on your child’s health.
If in doubt, talk to a specialist first. Don’t forget the tips we shared in this article.