As a parent, there’s nothing more important than your child’s nutrition. You want your baby to grow up strong, healthy and happy. But, not all foods are safe for babies and toddlers during their first year or more. Here are 10 dangerous baby foods to avoid.
1. Candy
Many parents aren’t particularly inclined to give their little one sugar-laden candy. Not only because it can make your child hyperactive, there are also important health reasons to steer clear of sweets. Eating sugar can cause babies to develop an unhealthy craving for junk food. This in turn can make it harder to convince them to eat the nutrient-rich foods they need. Additionally, round candy is a choking hazard.
2. Honey
All forms of honey — even cooked — may contain Clostridium botulinum, the spore responsible for botulism. The chance may be small, but trust us, it’s a risk not worth taking. Even at toxin levels far below what it would take to sicken an adult to get sick, botulism can cause muscle problems and paralysis in infants.
3. Cow’s Milk
Hold off giving cow’s milk and other dairy products to your baby. Their systems need time before they can successfully digest the complex proteins and enzymes in milk. If possible, always opt for breast milk. It provides and supplies the best nutrients and antibodies for your baby. If that’s not possible, select formulas designed specifically for infants.
4. Citrus Fruit and Orange Juice
It’s a great idea to introduce fruit and vegetables into your child’s diet. This helps them develop a taste for healthy foods. However, hold off on the oranges, grapefruit, pineapple and other citrus fruits. They are too acidic for a baby’s delicate tummy and could cause stomach pain or acid reflux.
5. Caffeine
Your parents or grandparents may have already told you that caffeinated beverages, such as coffee or soda are a no-no, but what are the reasons behind this advice? For one thing, caffeine makes your child’s heart beat faster, leading to anxiety, restlessness and headaches. Coffee consumption can also cause diarrhea and dehydration. Finally, any amount of caffeine — even from chocolate — gets in the way of a baby’s natural sleep cycle.