Not all grubs that are delicious to mom are fair game to baby’s tummy. Think twice before giving these to your child.
- Popcorn – This delightful snack has been retweeted as one of the most common choking hazards for children. Parents must remember not to provide them unless the baby is supervised and over a year old. If giving to babies over one year old, choose only the fluffy part of the popcorn. Avoid husks and unpopped kernels, which are sharp and can get caught in teeth and airways. Choose the plain flavor over the caramel or cheese flavored versions, which are high in sugar and salt.
- Honey Cake – Babies under the age of one should not consume honey. That’s because botulism spores would germinate in his digestive system and cause infant botulism, a rare but deadly disease. For the same reason, don’t give him cake or honey toast, as making it alone may not completely destroy the spores. However, commercial foods that contain honey, such as baby food and breakfast cereals, are safe for your baby because they have been heated sufficiently to eliminate the spores.
- Tiramisu – Babies and toddlers eat the popular Italian cake because of the alcohol in it. Desserts contain caffeine, which can cause upset stomachs, headaches, and increased heart rate.
- Bird’s Nest – Although expensive, bird’s nest is an allergenic food that can cause symptoms such as vomiting, rashes, and abdominal pain. This is especially true if other family members are allergic to the proteins found in them. Introduce this Chinese delicacy to your child only after your child is one year old. If your baby is healthy and free of allergies, bird’s nest can be eaten in small amounts as a supplement. It can sometimes relieve a prolonged dry cough.
- Ginseng – Doting grandmothers may want to make double-boiled ginseng soup for the family, but this is an herb you want your baby to avoid unless the doctor advises otherwise. Ginseng is not safe for children and may cause infant death due to poisoning. Some doctors may advise against eating certain types of ginseng when your baby is deficient. But even for healthy babies, long-term consumption is not recommended because it may lead to early puberty.
- Tapioca – When you were little, your mother probably tempted you with radiant skin because she made you eat a small bottle of tapioca. To be honest, preparing crushed pearls is not a health supplement. This is a mineral that is difficult for a baby’s digestive system to absorb. It should only be consumed on the advice of a doctor and is often used to treat more serious conditions such as cramps or high fever. Children with G6PD deficiency must avoid it.
- Sashimi – No matter how well-known the restaurant you’re eating at, don’t give it to babies under the age of two, even in small amounts. In fact, raw food is fasting for young people because the presence of intestinal parasites in it cannot be underestimated.
- French fries – because they’re high in saturated fat and high in salt, Charlotte doesn’t like to give these to her kids. But if Junior keeps pestering you to have fun at fast food restaurants, you can introduce chips and other fried foods in moderation after he’s a year old. This is also the age when you can start using oil when cooking his food.
- Carbonated drinks – You may like soft drinks, but before pouring the leftover soda into a sippy cup, think about your baby’s health and pearly whites. Sugar and acidic ingredients can also damage your baby’s new teeth. Dental issues aside, carbonated beverages can also ruin your child’s appetite for nutritious foods.
- Runaway Eggs – Essential for cell growth and tissue repair, eggs are known to be an excellent source of protein. They are also rich in cholesterol and choline, both of which are essential for brain development during the first three years of life. However, runny eggs should not be given to babies under one year of age because of the risk of salmonella-related food poisoning. Cook the egg thoroughly until it is firm and there are no visible traces of liquid egg. Then let Junior eat it right away.
- Ham – You should not add salt or sugar to your baby’s food until the baby is one year old, so ham should not be allowed. Choosing ham over fresh meat does not add nutritional value. Also, introducing flavored foods (high in salt) too early will encourage him to develop a preference for salty dishes.
- Whole Nuts – These should be reserved for your little one when he is two years old. Otherwise, they may pose a choking hazard. Nuts need to be chewed well, but a baby’s molars only develop after about 24 months. When Junior is ready to eat whole nuts, nutritionists recommend healthier, unsalted, oven-baked varieties.