Hey new parents, we totally get it - you want to feed your bundle of joy everything you can get your hands on! But here's the kicker, not all foods are made equal when it comes to your baby's safety and nutrition. In fact, some seemingly harmless foods can do more harm than good! Here are ten surprisingly harmful foods you should stay away from:
1# Honey - Wait until your baby's at least a year old before giving them honey, it can have botulism spores that can be life-threatening for your baby.
2# Cow's Milk - Stick to breast milk or formula until your baby's at least a year old. Cow's milk is a hard one for your baby's little body to digest.
#3 Salt - Too much salt is a no-no for babies. It can cause dehydration and other complications. Avoid salty chips or pretzels.
#4 Fish High in Mercury - Stay clear of fish like shark, swordfish, and king mackerel. They can damage your baby's brain and nervous system development.
#5 Grapes and Cherry Tomatoes - Pop them into small pieces before serving as they can be a choking hazard for your little one.
#6 Raw Sprouts - While alfalfa and bean sprouts are trendy, they're not safe for your baby's delicate digestive system. Raw sprouts can contain harmful bacteria that can lead to food poisoning.
#7 Nuts and Nut Butter - Nuts and nut butter might be tough for your baby to digest and can also be a choking hazard. Wait till your baby's at least two years old before serving nuts and nut butter.
#8 Popcorn - Steer clear of popcorn until your baby's at least four years old as it's a choking hazard.
#9 Egg Whites - Egg yolks are fine, but egg whites can trigger an allergic reaction in your little one. Try waiting till your baby's at least a year old.
#10 Certain Fruits and Vegetables - Some fruits and veggies like celery and peaches can cause allergic reactions for some babies, so be sure to keep your eyes peeled on any new additions to their diet.
At the end of the day, feeding your baby can be nerve-racking, but avoiding these harmful foods can ensure they grow up happy and healthy. However, always check with your pediatrician before giving your baby new foods. Stay safe and happy, new parents! 🤗