Foods to Avoid Giving Your Baby

Key Takeaways

• Some foods aren’t safe for babies under 1 because of risks like choking, allergies, or harmful ingredients.
• Knowing what not to serve is just as important as knowing what’s healthy and age-appropriate.
• With safe alternatives and guidance, you can confidently build healthy eating habits for your little one.

Why Some Foods are Unsafe for Babies

Babies’ digestive systems, immune systems, and chewing skills are still developing. Some foods can be hard to digest, pose choking hazards, or expose them to harmful bacteria or chemicals. That’s why pediatricians recommend following age-specific guidelines when introducing new foods.

Foods to Avoid Giving Babies Under 1

Cow’s Milk (as a Primary Drink)

While small amounts of dairy (like yogurt or cheese) may be okay after 6 months, cow’s milk shouldn’t replace breast milk or infant formula in the first year. It doesn’t have the right balance of nutrients and can stress a baby’s kidneys.

Unpasteurized Foods

Avoid raw milk, unpasteurized cheese, or juices, as they may contain harmful bacteria that can make babies very sick.

Honey

Honey can contain spores that cause infant botulism, a serious illness. It’s safest to wait until after 12 months.

High-Sodium Foods

Babies’ kidneys can’t handle too much salt. Limit salty snacks, processed foods, and canned soups.

Sugary Foods and Drinks

Skip candy, soda, sweetened juices, and desserts. Too much sugar can harm baby teeth and shape unhealthy preferences early.

Processed Meats

Items like hot dogs, bacon, or deli meats are high in sodium and preservatives and may pose a choking hazard.

Whole Nuts

Whole nuts are choking hazards.

Certain Fish

Large, predatory fish (shark, swordfish, king mackerel) may contain high mercury levels. Stick with safer, lower-mercury fish like salmon or cod in small amounts.

Choking Hazards

Foods like popcorn, whole grapes, hard candy, or chunks of raw vegetables are risky. Always cut foods into small, soft pieces.

Safer Alternatives for Baby Meals

Instead of worrying about what your baby can’t eat, focus on what they can. Healthy, safe options include:

• Smooth purees of fruits, veggies, and grains.
• Soft, mashed foods like avocado or banana.
• Proteins like lentils, beans (well-cooked), or soft flaked fish.
• Yogurt and cheese (after 6 months), in age-appropriate textures.

And of course, breast milk or infant formula should remain the main source of nutrition in the first year. After 12 months, toddler formulas like Enfagrow Premium Toddler Nutritional Drink can help support continued growth and development.

Learn More About Toddler Nutritional Drinks with Enfamil Family Beginnings^®