Seeing how your baby reacts to certain foods is one of the fun parts about becoming a parent. However, there are certain foods that won’t sit well with your baby, especially if they aren’t 1 yet.
Honey
Honey is a potential source of Clostridium botulinum spores, which are able to multiple in your baby’s intestines and develop into infant botulism. Watch out for foods with honey such as Honey Nut Cheerios and Honey Maid graham crackers.
Milk
Milk from cows or nuts, like almonds, contain proteins that are healthy for adults but aren’t digestible by your baby. Milk also contains minerals that may damage developing kidneys. Stick with breast milk and formula. By doing that, you also ensure not triggering a possible lactose intolerance.
Peanut Butter
The same way babies can be allergic to milk, they can be allergic to peanut butter. This is because their immune systems are continuing to develop after they’re born. Babies may be temporarily allergic to peanut butter, which is common, so it’s safe to avoid it.
Certain Vegetables
Babies should avoid vegetables with a high level of nitrates, such as:
- Beets
- Spinach
- Fennel
- Collard greens
- Lettuce
Babies aren’t able to break down foods with a high level of nitrates and this can block their ability to transport oxygen.
Babies can eat vegetables with low-nitrate levels, such as:
- Carrots
- Squash
- Sweet potatoes
- Peas
Fish
Mercury levels in fish shellfish are too high for babies under 3.
Certain Fruits
Fruits you should avoid giving to your babies under 1 include:
- Strawberries
- Blueberries
- Raspberries
- Blackberries
- Oranges
- Grapefruit
- Grapes
Infants and young toddlers are not able to digest a protein found in berries well. Oranges and grapefruit can actually cause them to have stomach aches and even rashes. Lastly, grapes are a choking hazard.
Fruits young babies can eat include:
- Bananas
- Cooked apples
- Pears
Does your baby need an allergy test? Request an appointment at Pediatrix today.
