12 Foods you Should Never Give to Babies Less Than 1 Year

5 years ago Baby Destination Editor

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When it comes to what you are feeding your baby, you can never be too careful. The digestive system of a baby under the age of 12 month is still developing. The body is still unable to produce several digestive enzymes. This is why certain foods that are perfectly fine for toddlers and children can actually be extremely harmful to a baby under the age of 1. Here are 12 foods to avoid for babies less than 1 year old:

Honey
Caffeinated Drink
Seafood
Cow Milk
Fruit Juice
Nut Butter
Chocolate

12 Foods to Avoid for Babies Less Than 1 Year

#1. Honey

Honey is known to contain the spores of a strain of bacteria called Clostridium Botulinum.This is a type of bacteria that is eliminated by the intestines of adults. However, in the case of children, it can lead to infections that can be fatal or may even leave the baby feeling extremely gassy and irritable.
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#2. Any Caffeinated Drink

Drinks such as iced tea or soda can ruin the sleep cycle of your child. The last thing that you want is having a baby who is up all night or is unable to get enough rest during nap time.

#3. Shellfish and seafood

Any sea food, especially shellfish are extremely allergenic in nature. There also are certain types of fish, especially king mackerel and swordfish that tend to be very high in mercury. These foods can cause allergic reactions and even mercury poisoning in children and must, therefore, be avoided at all costs.

#4. Soy Milk or Cow’s Milk

For a baby under the age of 1, the best option is the mother’s milk. It is loaded with nutrients and enzymes that keep the digestive system of the baby healthy. It is advised that you do not introduce cow’s milk to your child until the age of one because the body is unable to produce lactase which is required to digest milk proteins. This can lead to several health issues like bloating and gas or even kidney issues. As for soy milk, it is highly allergenic and is hard for the child’s system to digest.

#5. Fruit Juice

Any canned fruit juice or processed fruit juice is only full of sugar. It does not have any nutritional value to help your child’s developing body. Even with natural juices such as orange juice, the acidic nature can lead to digestive issues in a baby. Choosing diluted juices such as apple or pear might be suitable for your child.
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#6. Unpasteurized foods

All unpasteurized foods are risky for your baby as the may still contain some amount of the dangerous bacterial that is removed using pasteurization. This can lead to serious infections in your baby.

#7. Any Nut Butter

Nut butters such as peanut butter are highly recommended for adults as they are rich in proteins and fiber. However, for babies under the age of 1, they can spell disaster. Nuts can cause serious allergic reactions. So, before you introduce these butters to your child, irrespectiveof ageof the age, it is suggested that you have an allergy test done. If there is a history of nut allergy in the family, especially, you must make sure that the child is tested. It is advised that peanut butter be avoided till the age of 4 as it is also a choking hazard.

#8. Chocolate

Kids love chocolate. There is no doubting that. However, for babies that are under the age of 1, chocolate should be avoided by all means possible. This is because chocolate also contains caffeine which is very harmful to children and can lead to severe tummy related issues. The sugar content in chocolate can also leave the child feeling uneasy or may lead to him or her becoming hyper active.

#9. Citrus Fruits and Berries

Berries such as blackberries, blueberries, and strawberries usually have a high protein content. This can be hard on the tummy of your little one. As for citrus fruits, they are highly acidic in nature and will lead to an irritated tummy. This can also lead to diaper rashes or skin issues. It is a good idea to introduce diluted juices of fruits and berries when your child is over 1 year old.

#10. Refined Grains

Any refined grain means that the nutrition is stripped from it. It is a good idea to introduce whole grains like brown rice when you introduce your child to solid foods instead of white rice, for instance. It has more nutritional value.

#11. Wheat

Products made with wheat are also potent allergens. They contain gluten that can cause digestive issues. If you have had a history of gluten intolerance or any allergy to wheat, it is best to refrain from giving it to your child.

#12. Raw Veggies

Raw vegetables are a choking hazard for the baby. In addition to this, some veggies like beets may also be rich in nitrates that babies are unable to digest easily. It is a good idea to give a baby cooked veggies like sweet potato that are gentler on the tummy.