There are certain foods that are not recommended for babies and small children, as they may be difficult for them to digest, pose a choking hazard or make them to fall sick. Here are some examples:
Honey: Honey should not be given to babies under 1 year old as it may contain the spores of a bacterium known as Clostridium Botulinum which can cause a rare but serious illness called infant botulism.
Salt and sugar: Young children do not need added salt or sugar in their diet, as it can affect their taste preferences and lead to unhealthy eating habits later in life.
Saturated fat: Do not give your child large quantity of foods that are high in saturated fat, such as crisps, biscuits, and cakes. Checking nutrition labels on products can help you choose foods that are lower in saturated fat.
Hard or round foods: Foods like popcorn, nuts, hard candies, and grapes can pose a choking hazard to young children. Cut these foods into small pieces or avoid them altogether.
Raw or undercooked eggs, meat, and fish: These foods may contain harmful bacteria that can cause illness. Make sure to cook these foods thoroughly before giving them to your child.
Unpasteurized cheese: Many cheeses are made from unpasteurised milk which is unsafe for children. It is safer to avoid giving babies and small children cheese to avoid the risk of the bacteria, Listeria. Babies can eat pasteurised full-fat cheese from 6 months old. This includes hard cheeses, such as mild cheddar cheese, cottage cheese and cream cheese. Checking products label can help you to ascertain if a cheese is made from pasteurized milk.
Spicy or highly seasoned foods: Babies and young children have sensitive taste buds and may not be able to tolerate spicy or highly seasoned foods.
Large fish: Some types of large fish, such as shark and swordfish, may contain high levels of mercury that can be harmful to a child’s developing nervous system. Stick to smaller fish like salmon or trout.
It’s important to consult with a pediatrician or a registered dietitian if you have any questions or concerns about your child’s diet.
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