Having solid food from only milk is a major transition for infants. Mostly the babies can digest certain solid food from the age of four to six months. Since their digestion system is still weak, there should be certain precautions to follow before giving them solid food. The best way is to consult your pediatrician about the food intake, as feeding solid food before certain age can lead to improper growth. You should ask them the quality and the quantity of food. Your baby needs tremendous amount of energy in his primary years. Therefore, a proper solid food becomes a necessity. You should also continue nursing them with mother’s milk as long as possible. There are several qualities of solid food for babies. It should be easily digestible and should have enough water content so that it is not stuck in their food pipe. Proper care should be taken to feed the babies. Improper feeding may lead to asphyxiation. There are certain foods that you should generally avoid while feeding your baby.
Here is the list of unsafe food items for babies:
1. Cow milk or bottled milk
First and foremost thing you should avoid cow milk. Cow milk is not easily digestible before the age of 12 months. The high amount of protein, lactose, sodium and potassium is not good for baby health. Moreover they lack iron and vitamins that may lead to anemia or improper growth. Mother’s milk is best for babies. Therefore, you should continue giving them unless you do not produce any more.
2. Honey
Some mothers do follow the practice of dipping the nipples in honey. This practice is not good for babies. Honey should only be given when it is properly boiled. Honey is rich in sugar and that may cause damage to tender internal parts of baby due to plasmolysis. Moreover, there are high chances of bacterial contamination with honey as they are good food source for them. Clostridium, streptococcus, Staphylococcus genus of bacteria predominates in high sugar rich food.
3. Citrus food
There are certain claims that citrus food can cause nappy rashes. Some doctors prescribe oranges for babies. However, it is better to be safe, so follow the guidelines set by your pediatrician.
4. Sticky food
Kids always love food that lingers in their mouth, so mother’s often give peanut butter or butter with sugar to babies. This practice should be avoided as they may cause choking troubles for your kid.
5. High roughage food
High fiber or roughage food can cause loose motion in babies. Therefore, try not giving them these fibrous foods. These fibrous foods are good for adult health but it is not the case with babies having weaker digestive system
6. Raw vegetables and fruits
Fruits and vegetables are rich source of sugar that makes them prone to bacterial attack. Moreover use of colors, pesticides and other preservatives can make them toxic for babies. They may be rich source of vitamins but you should always wash them with hot water or better try to avoid them unless, necessary. However banana can be a good alternative because it is rich in minerals and can be peeled-off to remove toxicants.
7. Egg, fish and meat
These are rich source of proteins for adults only. Babies do not have the digestive system to digest them. Therefore, you need to avoid them until they reach their first birthdays.
These are some of the food items that you should avoid giving them to your babies. Always remember, mother’s milk is best for your baby. Nurse them as long as possible. These above food items are just preventive guidelines. You should always follow your pediatrician and consult regularly about your baby’s food.