Foods to avoid under 12 months
Hey mama, now you have started weaning, are you clued up on what babies can and can't eat? Babies under 12 months old are still developing their gastrointestinal system so it's important you know when to introduce certain foods and what to avoid.
Here are 5 foods you should never let your baby have until they turn 1 year old:
- Honey
- Cow’s Milk
- Fruit Juice
- Unpasteurized Dairy
- Salt
What’s wrong Honey?
Honey is a big no for babies under 12 months old because it can contain the spores of the bacteria clostridium botulinum. This bacteria is harmless for adults, but for babies it can cause infant botulism, a serious but rare fatal illness which attacks the nervous system causing full body paralysis.
My baby already drinks Milk, what's the big deal?
Cow’s milk is hard for infants to digest, it has too many proteins and minerals for your baby’s kidneys to handle, it can irritate the lining of the stomach and intestine causing intestinal bleeding. It also doesn't have all the nutrients a baby needs such as iron on vitamin E so stick to your breastmilk or baby formula for the first year mama.
But they love Fruit!
Your baby may love fruit mama, but fruit juice is pretty much sugary water because juicing removes the nutritional value from fruit. Fruit juice contains a lot of calories but very little of the good nutrients and vitamins your baby needs. Too much sugar can also cause tooth decay and diarrhea. Always opt for a balanced diet of meat, veg and fruit when weaning alongside your baby’s milk.
What's the difference between Pasteurized and Unpasteurized?
The process of pasteurizing food products usually involves heating them to a specific temperature for a certain period of time in the manufacturing process to kill any harmful bacteria which cause foodborne illnesses.
Raw milk products such as milk, cheese and yogurt carry harmful bacteria that can make your baby very sick. Therefore, it's important to avoid unpasteurized dairy products such as mold-ripened soft cheeses. Mama, you should always check the label to ensure any milk products are pasteurized before serving them to your baby.
Not even a little Salt?
No mama, your baby shouldnt eat much salt, it's not good for their kidneys and they get all the salt they need from their milk. Don't add salt to your baby’s food or cooking water, avoid stock cubes or gravy too as they are usually high in salt. You should also avoid serving salty processed foods such as bacon, sausages and chips.
Remember, every baby is different, so it's essential to pay attention to your baby's cues and seek professional medical help if you have any concerns over weaning and what to serve / not serve, especially when it comes to allergies and intolerances. You know your baby better than anyone and what works for you.
Check out our baby weaning range for some must have weaning products.
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