Few Unhealthy Baby Foods to Avoid

From birth to 3 years old, the baby is growing at a faster pace. He, therefore, has very specific nutrient needs, the right dose. And particularly, lipids to build his brain, iron to resist microbes, without too much salt or sugar.

Introduction of semi-solids from 4 months old

In fact, during the first months of life, breastfeeding is the best way to feed the baby, if not then you can use formula milk. 

Then, food diversification can begin, ideally at the end of 4 months or at the beginning of the fifth month. Before this age, milk fulfill all the needs of the body. But, after 4 months, breast milk or infant milk is not enough to cover all the needs of the child. In addition, all of his digestive tools are put in place for a more solid diet such as his gums, intestine, and the ability to discover new flavors. Finally, starting food diversification at this age would also limit the risk of allergies.

What foods should you avoid between 0 and 3 years old?

Food diversification is a slow process. During this period, parents should introduce the baby to all the food groups. Pediatricians recommend introducing one new food at a time. However, the order of introducing different does not really matter. In general, parents start by making babies discover fruits, vegetables, and infant cereals, then proteins (meat and fish). Then, from 1 year old, the baby can eat like the rest of the family by adopting the textures and quantities. From this age, only infant milk intake remains specific.

The vegetables

It is possible to introduce fruits into a baby’s diet when you start to diversify in food, between his fourth and six months. Avoid exotic fruits such as kiwis or mangoes for example they are very allergenic before one year. Another type of fruit to avoid giving to your cute baby such as nuts. As for vegetables, parents should not give their baby fermenting vegetables or legumes.

The best way to introduce the majority of vegetables to babies is during the introduction to semi-solids, provided they are cooked and mixed. But, you should avoid starting with those with a strong taste or those that are not easily digestible like peppers, leafy cabbage, celery, peas, turnips, green leeks. One should avoid raw vegetables as well before the age of 12 months 

Dairy products

The vegetable drinks such as milk (soy types, almonds, rice, etc.) and non-bovine milk (goat, sheep, etc.) are not at all good to feeding your baby, and their use can be dangerous. Also, avoid cow’s milk before 1 year. Even before 3 years, you should not give raw milk cheeses to a baby.

In addition, you must continue infant milk. A child of 1 to 3 years old needs 500 ml of growth milk per day, this corresponds to two bottles, for breakfast and afternoon tea, for example.

The drinks

The only drink for babies is water: water with low mineral content, tap (if your town hall confirms it is good), or bottle water. Fruit juices are not essential for babies. Therefore, avoid giving him sodas or syrups, which contain a lot of sugar.

Plant milk

Your baby should drink breast milk or infant formula from 1st and 2nd age until his first birthday. Don’t replace it with vegetable milk (soy, almonds, rice, etc.) or milk of animal origin (goat, donkey, mare, etc.).

Honey

Another food to avoid for babies when they are not yet one year old is honey. The World Health Organization (WHO) indicates that honey can be contaminated with spores of C. botulinum, responsible for infant botulism. These spores are responsible for the infant for the appearance of bacteria colonizing the baby’s intestine. It can cause constipation, loss of appetite, weakness, impaired crying, and a striking loss of head control in babies.

Watch out for chips and fries

There is a big No to chips and fries as the main course. These are high-calorie foods that promote obesity and are difficult for babies to digest. Also, too much salt can be problematic because a baby’s kidneys have a hard time tolerating salt. You can give him a taste of French fries or chips, but these are not foods that he should eat too often.

The sweets

A baby generally likes anything sweet. But be careful not to give him sugary drinks and nibbling on cakes or candies, for example. The ideal is for the baby to taste these products as late as possible, especially to preserve his health.

Soft-boiled eggs

Eggs are generally popular with babies. It is possible to give it to the baby, crushed and cooked when you start its food diversification. However, you should not give it to her before she is six months old. From its seven to twelve months, give it a quarter of an egg and from 18 months, half an egg. If you want to give the baby a soft-boiled egg taste, don’t give it until he is 18 months old.

Meat

Little by little, the meat should be integrated into the baby’s food. It is necessary to start with white meat in mixed form from its six months and this, without exceeding 10 g/day. Don’t give her ground meat until she is nine months old.

Babies can eat red meat on their first birthday. In addition, be aware that your baby does not have the same needs as you, so do not give him meat to eat at midday and in the evening.

Finally, avoid feeding your baby foods that are too soft in texture. This will limit the risk of your baby choking. You will certainly notice this when you start to diversify foods that baby is curious and loves to discover new foods. Be aware, however, that certain foods are not good for baby’s digestive system.