Until your baby is 6 months old, all they need is breast milk or formula. If you think your baby needs to be introduced to solids before this time, consult your doctor for advice. Weaning can be a tricky time, and when you are weaning you will often find yourself wondering if your baby can have a particular food. While most foods are fine with the right preparation, there are things you should be careful with and a few things you should avoid.
Knowing what is unsafe for your baby and what should be only given in moderation can help you get on with introducing your little one to the exciting world of food without stress or worry. If you are ever concerned about a particular food or think that your baby may be unwell as a result of something they have eaten, then it is always acceptable to check with a doctor or other health professional who should be happy to put your mind at ease.
Honey
Babies under 1 year old should not be given honey. This advice is due to a type of bacteria that can be found in honey and which causes botulism, a condition that can be very serious.
Nuts and other Allergens
If there is a chance your baby has a nut allergy; if nut allergies run in the family for example, you should take great care with products containing nuts. While severe nut allergies are quite rare, always be aware of the signs your baby is having a reaction to an ingredient in a food, but or otherwise.
Salt
Babies should not consume too much salt so it is best never to add salt to baby’s food and to avoid processed foods that have a lot of salt added. You can buy stock cubes that are designed for babies so you can avoid using stock or gravy that may be high in salt.
Sugar
Avoid giving your baby foods with added sugar and limit the amount of sweet food they eat. Remember that fruit also contains natural sugars.
Mercury
Mercury can be found in some fish ? marlin, swordfish and shark are the most common sources of mercury and should be avoided as mercury is damaging to the nervous system.
Uncooked Eggs
Eggs can be given to babies, in fact they are a good food source for babies over 6 months old; just ensure they are completely cooked, no runny yokes or whites. Foods containing raw eggs should be avoided as well due to the risk of food poisoning.
Choking Hazards
Always err on the side of caution when it comes to potential choking hazards; remove stones and tough skin from fruit before giving to your baby, ensure meat and fish has no bones left in and when in doubt, cut food into small pieces. Avoid giving your child sticky foods that could become lodged in the throat; one such food that has been under the spotlight due to its potential as a choking hazard is marshmallow. Nuts and other hard foods can pose a choking risk and should also be avoided.
Copyright © 2022 babytime.ie
