Foods and Drinks to Limit for Baby
Throughout their first year, baby will be consuming breastmilk or formula for most feedings, in order to obtain nutrients and hydration. Around 6 months, baby will be able to start eating solid foods, which can expose them to many more textures and tastes.
- In baby’s first year, stick to breastmilk or formula for hydration and nutrients. Introduce water around 6 months, but limit the amount. Avoid cow’s milk until 12 months.
- Refrain from giving sugar-sweetened drinks until age 2 to prevent health issues.
- Keep honey away from babies under 12 months due to the risk of botulism.
- Avoid salt, including hidden salt in processed foods.
But throughout their first few years, there are some foods and drinks baby shouldn’t have. They may be unhealthy for baby, unnecessary for their age, or could contain bacteria their little body isn’t ready for just yet. Learn more about what should be limited in baby’s first year.
Water
Baby can be introduced to drinking water around 6 months. Before then, all liquids should be breastmilk and/or formula. Between 6 months-1 year, baby can drink about 2-3 ounces of water at a time, usually between feedings. Baby may drink up to 4-8 ounces of water per day. This should be in addition to breastmilk and/or formula. Breastmilk and/or formula will still be the primary beverage at this age.
Cow’s Milk
Cow’s milk is not recommended for babies under 12 months old. The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) made this recommendation because cow’s milk doesn’t provide all of the nutrients baby needs. Cow’s milk also has protein and fat baby can’t digest yet in the first year.
Baby can start drinking cow’s milk after 1 year old, and from the ages of 1-2 it’s recommended any milk they drink is whole milk. Whole milk has higher fat content, which promotes brain development.
Juice and Sugar-Sweetened Drinks
The AAP recommends children do not have any sugar-sweetened drinks until they are 2 years or older. This is to promote healthy weight and avoid cavities. Sugary drinks may also decrease their appetite, which can cause other feeding issues.
Instead of giving your child sweet drinks, try adding some fruits or vegetables to water, like cucumbers or strawberries. This adds both color and flavor. You can also give children fruits and vegetables by themselves that contain lots of water, like tomatoes, watermelon, berries, and cantaloupe.
Honey
Baby should not have honey if they are younger than 12 months old. Honey may taste sweet and harmless, but it actually contains bacteria. Eating this bacteria can cause an infection called infant botulism, which may cause muscle weakness.
Be sure to not only avoid honey in the first year, but also processed foods that contain honey like honey graham crackers.
Salt
Baby should not have salt in the first year because it’s unhealthy for their kidney function. It can make them excessively thirsty and isn’t necessary at this young age. Skip seasoning baby’s food or salting water you cook pasta in for them; they won’t notice the difference!
Because salt is used to bring out flavor and process foods, it may be in many more foods than you think! Some foods that are high in salt and should be avoided:
- Stock cubes
- Lunchmeat or cured meats
- Chips and crackers
- Pre-made foods and meals
