10 Foods You Should NOT Feed Your Baby

The tummies of our little ones are still growing and developing even after they’re born. When it comes time to introduce some new foods to their diet, it’s important to be mindful of ingredients and certain foods that they may not be ready for at this point in their child development. 

Here are 10 foods to avoid feeding your baby until they are a bit older:

Cow’s Milk and Milk Alternatives

Why Not?

• Milk from cows, as well as milk alternatives (almond, oat, soy), tend to lack important nutrients that little ones under a year old need. It’s best to stick with formula or breast milk to make sure they are getting all of their nutrients.
• After they turn 1, if you choose milk alternatives, make sure your little one is getting enough of their vitamins and nutrients through other foods as well so they can have the best toddler health. 

Honey 

Why Not?

• There’s a bacteria known to be carried in honey that can cause botulism in babies under a year old. Honey, or products with honey in them, are best to try after your toddler’s health system builds better defenses against bacteria.

Raw Foods

Why Not?

• Unpasteurized foods can carry bacteria that can be extremely dangerous to young children and babies at this point in their child development.

Fruit Juice

Why Not?

• According to the Academy of American Pediatrics (AAP), we should completely avoid giving juice to little ones under a year old. A taste for juice could deter little ones from wanting formula or breast milk, which is where they are getting a majority of their nutrients at this age for their child development.
• When you do introduce juice after their first birthday, little ones can have about 4 ounces total daily. Another way to limit the sugar intake for the best toddler health is to dilute the juice, making it one part juice and 2 or 3 parts water.

Meats

Why Not:

• High in animal fat and sodium, smoked and cured meats are not suitable for baby consumption.

Sweet Treats

Why Not?

• Like juice, sweet treats have a lot of sugar that is not beneficial for your baby’s growth and child development. Naturally sweet foods that are easy on the tummy, like bananas, are great! 
• Save trying new sweets like birthday cake for their first birthday party!

Choking Hazards

When introducing new foods, make sure the food you put in front of your little one is safe for them to consume – Can they mash it with their gums? Is it dissolvable? Will they choke on it?

Foods that may cause choking and should be avoided until they are older include:

• Popcorn
• Raisins (if not cooked)
• Nuts
• Whole grapes
• Raw veggies and fruit (firm-fleshed)

Foods that require more chewing can be offered when your little one’s first molars come in, around 12 months old. Make sure foods, like fruits and veggies, are diced to about the size of your pinkie nail to avoid choking. Hold off on foods like popcorn, nuts, and other foods until your little one is able to chew and swallow well for the benefit of their toddler health!

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