Despite the recent changes in recommendations around introducing potentially allergenic foods into the infant diet, there still remains a number of foods that need to be avoided by infants under the age of 12 months.
These include:
Honey
Honey must not be given to infants under the age of 12 months. Honey can be infected with the spores of the Clostridium botulinum bacteria, that if ingested, grow and multiply in the intestines of the infant and release toxins into the bloodstream, leading to infant botulism. Botulism is a very serious illness – that if left untreated – can be fatal in young babies.
Tea
Tea – as well as being a source of caffeine – also contains tannins and other compounds that can interfere with the absorption of iron and other minerals.
Nuts
Whole nuts need to be avoided in young children because of the risk of inhalation and choking. Some pediatricians recommend avoiding giving nuts or nut products to babies before their first birthday as nuts can trigger a severe allergic reaction in some children. In light of recent changes to recommendations around introducing allergenic foods into the infant diet, parents need to work with their child’s pediatrician to decide when to introduce nuts and nut products to their small child.
Fruit Juices
The use of fruit juice is discouraged in children as excessive consumption of fruit juice has been associated with gastrointestinal symptoms, failure to thrive, decreased appetite and loose stools. Juice should not be given to infants under 6 months of age.
From 6 months of age, the following recommendations have been made by the American Academy of Pediatrics:
- Limit consumption of fruit juice to 4 – 6 ounces per day.
- Offer juice in a sippy cup. Do not offer juice in a bottle or an easily transportable cup that allows juice to be freely consumed throughout the day. Never offer juice at bedtime.
- Encourage children to eat fruit, as opposed to fruit juice, to meet nutrient needs.
- Never offer unpasteurised juice.
Reduced Fat Milks
Babies and toddlers have high energy needs in relation to their relatively small body size. Fat is a concentrated source of energy that – in addition to serving other important functions in the body – is essential in helping young children meet their energy needs. Some experts suggest switching to semi-skimmed milk after the child’s 2nd birthday.
Cows Milk as the main drink
Cows milk is inappropriate as the main drink for babies under 12 months as it is a poor source of iron, has excessive protein and sodium and can lead to gastrointestinal bleeding in infants. Breastmilk is the ideal milk for babies under 12 months – and where breastmilk is unavailable – infants should receive an iron fortified infant formula. Cows milk is fine to use in cooking.
Popcorn – Hard Candies – Other Small, Round Food Objects
These all present as choking hazards in young children.
References
American Academy of Pediatrics. The Use and Misuse of Juice in Pediatrics. Pediatrics. 2001;107(5):1210-1213.
National Health and Medical Research Council. Dietary Guidelines for Children and Adolescents in Australia incorporating the Infant Feeding Guidelines for Health Workers [Internet]. Canberra: Commonwealth of Australia; 2003 [cited 2010 Oct 9]. Available from: http://www.nhmrc.gov.au/_files_nhmrc/file/publications/synopses/n34.pdf
Photo Credit: Wildxplorer
{ 3 comments… read them below or add one }
Parents should really be aware of this list.
We may hear some ‘traditional’ insights from our friends and relatives.
But still we must consult experts first, and continue to educate ourselves.
Very useful information. Is it all nuts that need to be avoided or can they have hummus?
It is more that whole nuts (regardless of which type) need to be avoided as they pose a choking risk. When you are ready you can try things like nut butters or, like you said, hummus. Does your hummus recipe have nuts in it? I tend to make hummus using chickpeas, lemon juice, olive oil and garlic.
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