Introducing solids to your otherwise breast-fed baby can be very exciting. From scrambled eggs to peanut butter sandwiches to honey pancakes, you want him to try everything.
But while there are a number of foods that you should include in his diet, there are certain others that you shouldn’t as they contain known allergens that can affect your baby’s still-developing digestive system. Here are five of them:
1. Honey
Though some parents find it safe, most pediatricians advise against giving honey to babies before they turn a year old. Honey contains a host of bacterium known as Clostridium botulinum, which can affect your baby’s immature digestive system and can cause infant botulism, which, though rare, can be life-threatening.
2. Cow Or Soy Milk
Breast milk or formula milk is the recommended choice for babies that are less than a year old. Both cow’s milk and soy milk contain proteins and minerals that are difficult for your baby to digest and harmful for his kidneys as they may cause diarrhea and other allergies.
Cow’s milk is very low in iron and soy milk does not contain vitamin B12, both of which are imperative for your baby’s health.
3. Peanut Butter
While a peanut butter sandwich can be a wholesome breakfast for your infant, it should definitely be avoided till your baby turns one. Not only can it cause a peanut allergy, the thick consistency of peanut butter is also a potential choking hazard.
4. Fish
Some types of fish such as swordfish, shark, mackerel and tuna should not be given to infants below the age of one, as they are high in mercury, which can cause brain damage if given in large amounts. If you have a family history of fish allergies, make sure you speak to a doctor before introducing it to your baby’s diet.
5. Berries & Citrus Foods
Most berries such as strawberries, blackberries, raspberries and even blueberries contain a form of protein that is difficult to digest. Citrus fruits such as oranges and grapefruit have a high acidic content and can cause an upset stomach or rashes in your baby’s diaper area, face and neck. Berries are a potential choking hazard, too.
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