Foods that may not be safe for babies of weaning age

The article was consulted professionally with Master, Doctor Phan Thi Cam Van - Neonatologist - Department of Pediatrics - Neonatology - Vinmec Danang International General Hospital.

With Doctor Nguyen Thai Ngoc Chau - Neonatologist - Department of Pediatrics - Neonatology - Vinmec Phu Quoc International General Hospital.

Babies are developing and soon begin to show an interest in trying new foods and it is normal for mothers to want to introduce their babies to new tastes and foods. However, not all foods are safe for babies. So what foods may not be safe for a baby of the weaning age?

1.1. Foods to Avoid for Babies 4 to 6 Months The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends only breast milk or formula for the first 4 to 6 months.
1.2. Foods to Avoid for Babies 4 to 12 Months of Age Honey: Honey can contain spores of the bacteria Clostridium botulinum, which causes botulism. The intestinal tract of adults can block the growth of these spores, but in young children, the spores can grow and produce life-threatening toxins. Cow's milk and soy milk: Your baby has trouble digesting the proteins in cow's milk and soy milk during his first year, and these drinks contain trace amounts of minerals that may not be good for your baby's kidneys. . Risk of choking on food with fingers: Large chunks of food can get stuck in your baby's throat. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that you cut foods into pieces no larger than 1/2 the original size of the food. For example, chop fruits like grapes, cherry tomatoes, and strawberries, and chop or shred meats, vegetables, and cheeses. Raw vegetables: Cook soft vegetables like carrots, celery, and broccoli, then diced, chopped, or cut into pieces no larger than 1/2 before serving. Fruits and seeds: Remove seeds and pits from fresh fruit such as watermelons, peaches, plums, and cherries before serving. And don't give your baby nuts such as sunflower or pumpkin seeds. The seeds may be too small to choke on, but can get stuck in a child's airway and cause an infection. Hard or crunchy foods: Nuts, popcorn, and crackers are all choking hazards, as are all hard candies and cough suppressants. Sticky foods: Chewing gum and sticky foods - such as jellies or marshmallows, dried fruit and marshmallows - can get stuck in your baby's throat. Melted cheese, and raisins can also be a choking hazard. Nut butter: The sticky consistency of peanut butter and other nut butters can make it difficult for your baby to swallow. Spread nut butter thinly on bread or crackers. Or dilute with water or apple sauce. Certain foods cause allergies: Doctors used to recommend waiting until a child is 1 year old or even later to introduce foods that can cause allergies, especially to children at risk of allergies. response. However, studies show that introducing allergenic foods later in life does not help prevent allergies and may even increase the risk of developing them more in children. If you believe your child is likely to have a food allergy - for example, if allergies run in your family or your child has eczema - check with your doctor to determine the best feeding strategy. allergenic foods, including eggs, milk, peanuts, wheat, soy, tree nuts, fish, and shellfish.

As soon as your baby is 6 months old, this is the time when you should introduce your baby to a variety of foods with different textures and flavors. Since this is a curious age for both parent and baby, it's not a good idea to feed your baby all the fussy foods you're approached. Here is a list of foods you should avoid giving your baby when giving solid foods:
2.1. Honey Always tops the list of restricted foods for babies and children. Because it contains the bacterium Clostridium botulinum, which produces a toxin called botulinum that can cause lethargy, impaired feeding, muscle weakness and constipation in infants. Using for a long time, the baby will show signs of discomfort and dizziness. More dangerous, it can cause poisoning leading to death in children.
The intestinal tract of adults can block the growth of these spores, but in young children, the spores can grow and produce life-threatening toxins. Do not give honey to children at least until the child is 1 year old.
2.2. Cow's milk As is widely known, breast milk is the best source of nutrition for your baby. With all the nutrients and enzymes, breast milk is an absolutely healthy meal for your baby. However, cow's milk is higher in lactose, which can affect your baby's belly. Therefore, cow's milk can be avoided until the baby turns one year old.

2.3. Avocados and peanuts These are delicious, healthy, and full of protein. Peanut butter is every kid's favorite, but it all depends on how early parents want to introduce it. It's a good idea to get allergy testing done in case someone in your family has a nut allergy. Peanuts are a choking hazard. If you want to feed your baby peanuts, you can grind peanuts into a fine powder to make peanut butter and then feed them in small amounts. This should be strictly enforced for all children under the age of four.
2.4. Seafood and shellfish Seafood, especially shellfish such as shrimp, lobster, ... can cause allergies in babies. You can give your baby seafood after he is 1 or 2 years old to avoid allergies. Certain unhealthy fish such as tuna, shark and mackerel are high in mercury. These should be completely avoided no matter how old your child is. Once your child has passed the 2 year mark and if you want to introduce seafood, you can try starting with white fish like cod and halibut. Always check for reactions and hygiene before giving it to your baby, and be careful about how often you feed your baby; Once a week is ideal. A pediatrician should be consulted to prevent any allergies.
2.5. Chocolate Chocolate is one of the unsafe foods for young children, as it contains caffeine. You would never want to give your child a caffeinated drink, would you? Digesting solids is another important milestone that babies go through during their first year, and you need to make sure that little ones don't have any tummy troubles. In addition, chocolate has a lot of sugar, which is not suitable for the baby until the baby turns one year old, then it should be given to the baby in moderation.

2.6. Egg whites Egg whites contain many vitamins, proteins and minerals. You can feed your baby in moderation if he doesn't have allergies. Swallowing egg whites at an early age can cause irritation, rashes, and even activate the digestive system and lead to diarrhea. To be on the safe side, you can start using egg whites after 1 year of age, and after the baby has been tested for allergies.
2.7. Canned juices Fruit juices contain a lot of healthy elements and have a delicious taste. However, canned fruit juice has preservatives, so it is not safe for babies. It's better for babies to eat fresh fruit or fresh fruit juice and avoid canned juice altogether.
2.8. Berries Although this fruit belongs to the citrus family and berries are essential for our body, strawberries, blueberries, raspberries, raspberries, oranges, lemons, ... have acidic content and Vitamin C is high, which can cause stomach upset and even lead to a rash in the diaper area. It's a good idea to wait until your baby is 1 year old, or you can juice and dilute them to prevent allergic reactions or colic.
2.9. Wheat Wheat can be given to a baby after the baby is 7 to 8 months old and begins to tolerate foods well. However, you must be tested for wheat or gluten allergies (Celiac disease) in your family or checked for signs of allergy in your baby after introducing wheat to them after 7 or 8 months of age.

2.10. Raw vegetables There are two main reasons you should not give your baby raw vegetables:
Raw vegetables are a choking hazard for children. Raw vegetables contain high levels of nitrates. Raw vegetables and foods with strong flavors should be avoided for babies under 1 year of age. Pale and seasonal vegetables can be given to babies after 6 to 7 months of age, but only if they tolerate solid foods well.
2.11. Grapes or raisins Grapes are a must for babies until they can chew their food properly and are large enough to not choke. The skin, size and hardness of the grapes can cause the fruit to choke or block the airways.
2.12. Sugar Sugar should not be part of your child's diet until your child turns one year old as it can affect his appetite and disrupt the diet. Your baby may also start to refuse to breastfeed if sugar becomes part of his or her diet. This is mainly due to taste preferences. Therefore, it is better for mothers not to include sugar in the child's diet. When your baby is one year old, you can start with natural sugars like honey and gradually switch to powdered sugar, but should be fed in moderation appropriate for the age to avoid obesity.

For children to be healthy and develop well, it is necessary to have a nutritious diet in terms of quantity and quality balance. If children are not provided with adequate and balanced nutrients, it will lead to diseases of excess or lack of nutrients, which adversely affect the comprehensive development of children in terms of physical, mental and motor skills.
The period of baby eating solid foods is an extremely important period to help children develop comprehensively. Children who do not eat properly are at risk of micro-mineral deficiencies, causing anorexia, growth retardation, malabsorption, etc. If they notice the above signs, parents should supplement their children with supportive products. The supplement contains lysine, essential micro-minerals and vitamins such as zinc, chromium, selenium, and B vitamins to help fully meet the nutritional needs of children. At the same time, these essential vitamins also support digestion, enhance nutrient absorption, help improve anorexia, and help children eat well.
Parents can learn more:
Signs of zinc deficiency in children
Micronutrient deficiency and failure to gain weight in children
Please regularly visit Vinmec.com website and update useful information to take care of your child. Take care of the baby and the whole family.

Reference sources: babycenter.com, parenting.firstcry.com