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10 Most Dangerous Foods For Babies

Team AckoFeb 8, 2024

When it comes to your baby, safety comes first. As your baby grows up, her diet will naturally expand to include new variety of foods. But not all foods are safe for your child. You have to be extra careful which food your baby eats, as some of them are dangerous or extremely unhealthy. Some pose a choking hazard, and few are not good for your baby’s still developing digestive system.

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10 dangerous foods for babies

There are some foods that can be unsafe for your baby and therefore you should definitely be very cautious about feeding it to her. Here is a list of dangerous foods that you should stop feeding your child.

10 dangerous foods for babies

Here is the list of foods, you shouldn't feed your baby:

Raw milk

Raw or unpasteurized milk and foods made from raw milk like cheese and ice creams can be a cause of severe illnesses like prolonged diarrhea and stomach cramps. Young children whose immune systems are not fully developed are more susceptible to infection and diseases. Moreover, cow’s milk or soy milk as a replacement for breastmilk or formula milk below 1 year of age is hard for your baby to digest. These raw beverages contain minerals in amounts that can damager her kidney.

Hard or crunchy foods

Food that is either sticky or really hard such as popcorn, hard candies, etc., can cause your baby to choke. Any kind of hard candy has the potential to get stuck in your baby’s throat. Hard raw veggies like carrots, jumbo blueberries, chunks of apple, etc., can also cause choking hazards. Make sure to cut foods into a small dice and monitor your child when she eats. Soft foods like marsh mallows (or gummy candies) are definitely not good for your baby. They can be a potential choking hazard, not to mention being too full of sugar.

Crisps and fast food

Crisps such as wafers or chips are likely to fill your baby up, leaving less room for more nutritious foods. They are high in salt and extremely unhealthy. Fast foods like pizzas, burgers, deep fried foods are high in salt and sugar, not to mention saturated fat, and are not suitable for your baby. By making your own, heathier versions, you have complete control over the ingredients.

Raw fish

Sushi and raw fish can be dangerous for your baby. Bacterial contamination and choking are the two important concerns for young children. The best approach is to wait until age 5 or 6 years, after your child has developed a strong immune system.

Honey

Honey contains spores of bacteria which can cause infant botulism in children below 1 year of age. Once your baby turns 1, the natural microorganisms that grow in your child’s gut, keep these bacteria from growing and making her ill. Don’t give your child homemade food bakes or foods made with honey like granola or bread. Wait to introduce honey or honey made products until she turns 1.

Sugar

Babies are born with a preference for sweet flavors. Eating sweets strengthens this taste preference. If you can, hold off on giving your tiny one sweet food in the first 2 years. Remember, her nutritional needs are high, her tummy is little, and every bite counts for nutrition and growth. You may be surprised to hear that many breakfast cereals also contain high levels of salt and sugar, so always check the label. If your baby does eat a sweet, make sure she has a piece of cheese or some milk to follow, to help neutralize the sugars.

Nuts and seeds

Children below 5 should not eat whole nuts because of the risk of choking. Ask your child care expert before you offer your baby peanuts and if you have a family history of allergies. They can get lodged in your baby’s throat and become a choking hazard, too. Even nuts can get stuck in the airway and cause infection. Nut butters, stirred into purees or spread on toasts are perfectly acceptable, though.

Hot dogs and grapes

Some foods are easy to prepare like hot dogs but the circumference of a big hot dog proves to be a potential issue for your baby’s throat. You can cut them into noodle-like strips and feed to your child. Grapes, although delicious, are actually the perfect size to get stuck in your baby’s throat. Don’t worry, just cut them into one fourth pieces and make sure they are seedless before giving it to your baby.

Soft drinks

Anything caffeinated, such as soda or iced tea contains high levels of sugar and artificial sweeteners, some also contain caffeine, which can build up in your baby’s body, causing her to be wakeful, restless or cranky. The acidity if these drinks can damage your baby’s emerging teeth.

Cakes and doughnuts

These are low in nutrients and high in sugar and saturated fat. If your child eats them regularly, they may result in making your baby overweight as well as damage her teeth. Try to keep cakes and biscuits for special occasions only.

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Disclaimer: This content is for informational purposes only, based on industry experience and secondary sources. It is not a substitute for professional advice. Please consult a qualified expert for health or insurance-related decisions. Content is subject to change, refer to current policy wordings for specific ACKO details.

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