Foods and Drinks to Avoid or Limit in Baby’s First Year
Breast milk or formula should be Baby’s main drink in the first year, but small amounts of water can be introduced around 6 months.
Wait until 12 months for cow’s milk, juice, honey, and salt, and avoid added sugar until age 2. Avoid common choking hazards like whole grapes, nuts, and popcorn.
Talk to Baby’s healthcare provider if you have any questions about what Baby should or shouldn’t eat once they start solids.
Throughout their first year, Baby will get most of their nutrients and hydration from breast milk or formula. But around 6 months, Baby will start eating solid foods, exposing them to a whole new world of textures and tastes.
Even after starting solids, there are some foods and drinks Baby shouldn’t have yet. They may be unhealthy for Baby, unnecessary for their age, or could contain bacteria their little body isn’t ready for. Here are some common foods and drinks to avoid or limit, and when Baby can have them.
Water
Avoid giving Baby water before 6 months. Baby's immature kidneys can’t yet process water, and too much can cause a rare but serious condition called water intoxication. breast milk and formula give Baby all the hydration they need.
When can Baby drink water?
Baby can be introduced to drinking water around 6 months. From 6-12 months, Baby can have 4-8 ounces (1/2 to 1 cup) of water per day, offered in small sips in an open or strawed cup (this is great cup drinking practice!) This should be in addition to breast milk and/or formula, which will still be Baby's main drink at this age.
Cow’s Milk
Cow’s milk is not recommended for babies under 12 months old. The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) says cow's milk should not replace breast milk/formula because it doesn't provide all the nutrients Baby needs, like enough iron and vitamin C. It's also harder for Baby to digest, and its high levels of protein and minerals can stress Baby's kidneys.
When can Baby drink cow's milk?
Baby can start drinking cow’s milk after 1 year old. From 12-24 months, any milk they drink should be plain, pasteurized whole milk. Whole milk has a higher fat content, which supports brain development. Offer no more than 24 oz. (3 cups) a day. If Baby can't have dairy, talk to their healthcare provider about the best milk alternative.
Juice and Sugar-Sweetened Drinks
The AAP recommends no juice for babies under 12 months. Juice and other sugary drinks, like soda and sports drinks, offer no nutritional benefit to babies and can increase the risk of cavities. These drinks may also decrease Baby’s appetite and cause them to prefer sweeter flavors, which can cause other feeding issues. However, some pediatricians may recommend 100% fruit juice for babies dealing with constipation.
When can Baby drink juice?
Baby can drink juice after age 1, but the AAP recommends limiting the amount and favoring whole fruit instead. If you do offer 100% juice, limit it to 4 ounces (1/2 cup) a day for ages 1-3. Serve it with a meal, and don't give it at bedtime or in a cup that lets Baby sip it all day.
Honey
Never give Baby honey if they are younger than 12 months old. Honey may taste sweet and harmless, but it can contain spores of a type of bacteria that causes infant botulism. This is a rare but serious illness that can cause muscle weakness and trouble breathing. Avoid honey in any form during Baby's first year, whether it's raw, pasteurized, or cooked. This includes baked and processed foods made with honey, like honey graham crackers.
When can Baby have honey?
You can safely introduce honey after Baby's first birthday. There is no longer a risk for infant botulism at this point. However, the AAP recommends that kids under 2 avoid sources of added sugar and sweeteners, including honey, so it's best to wait until then.
Salt
Don't add salt to Baby's food in the first year. Baby's kidneys aren't ready to handle much salt, and they get what they need from breast milk or formula. Skip seasoning mixes with added salt when cooking their meat or veggies and avoid sprinkling salt onto bland foods. Instead, flavor Baby's food with herbs and spices, like basil, garlic powder, or cinnamon. This helps Baby learn to enjoy a wide variety of flavors.
Because salt is used to bring out flavor and process foods, it may be in many more foods than you think! Here are some salty foods to limit:
Bouillon or stock cubes
Lunchmeat, hot dogs, or cured meats
Chips and crackers
Pre-made foods and meals
Canned foods (choose low-sodium or no-salt-added, or rinse to remove salt)
When can Baby have salt?
You can introduce salt after Baby's first birthday, but in small amounts. Toddlers aged 1-3 should have no more than 2 grams of salt (less than half a teaspoon) per day.
Added Sugar
The AAP recommends no added sugar for children under 2 years old. Baby's small tummy needs room for nutrient-rich foods, and sweet foods can crowd them out. Check the Nutrition Facts label for added sugars, which can be listed under names like corn syrup and dextrose. Natural sugars in breast milk, formula, plain milk, and whole fruit are fine.
When can Baby have added sugars?
While added sugars can be introduced after age 2, the AAP recommends limiting intake for your child's health. For children age 2 and older, aim for less than 25 grams (about 6 teaspoons) of added sugar per day.
Choking Hazards
Some foods can be a choking risk for babies and young children. Avoid them, or change their shape or texture to make them safer. Common choking hazards include:
Whole grapes (cut them into quarters)
Hot dogs cut into rounds (cut them lengthwise into thin strips instead)
Hard raw vegetables, like carrots (cook them until soft)
Spoonfuls of nut butter (spread it thinly on foods)
Whole nuts (avoid until age 4)
Popcorn (avoid until age 4)
Talk to Baby's Healthcare Provider
This list doesn't include every food or drink Baby should avoid or limit. Every baby is different, and Baby may have specific needs because of food allergies or a medical condition. If you have questions about what Baby should or shouldn't eat, talk to their healthcare provider.
Sources
Bradin, Stuart. “Choking Prevention for Babies & Children: What Every Parent Needs to Know.” HealthyChildren.org, American Academy of Pediatrics, 27 Feb. 2026, www.healthychildren.org/English/health-issues/injuries-emergencies/Pages/Choking-Prevention.aspx. Accessed 22 Oct. 2026.
“Foods to Avoid Giving Babies and Young Children.” NHS, 18 Feb. 2026, www.nhs.uk/baby/weaning-and-feeding/foods-to-avoid-giving-babies-and-young-children/. Accessed 22 Oct. 2026.
“How to Reduce Added Sugar in Your Child’s Diet: AAP Tips.” HealthyChildren.org, American Academy of Pediatrics, 14 Aug. 2024, www.healthychildren.org/English/healthy-living/nutrition/Pages/How-to-Reduce-Added-Sugar-in-Your-Childs-Diet.aspx. Accessed 22 Oct. 2026.
Korioth, Trisha. “Added Sugar in Kids’ Diets: How Much Is Too Much?” AAP News, 25 Mar. 2019, publications.aap.org/aapnews/news/7331/Added-sugar-in-kids-diets-How-much-is-too-much. Accessed 22 Oct. 2026.
Muth, Natalie D. “Recommended Drinks for Children Age 5 & Younger.” HealthyChildren.org, American Academy of Pediatrics, 3 Oct. 2023, www.healthychildren.org/English/healthy-living/nutrition/Pages/recommended-drinks-for-young-children-ages-0-5.aspx. Accessed 22 Oct. 2026.
“Salt in Your Diet.” NHS, 17 Apr. 2023, www.nhs.uk/live-well/eat-well/food-types/salt-in-your-diet/. Accessed 22 Oct. 2026.
“When Your Baby Can Have Honey.” Health Essentials, Cleveland Clinic, 23 Apr. 2024, health.clevelandclinic.org/when-is-it-safe-to-give-honey-to-my-baby. Accessed 22 Oct. 2026.
“Where We Stand: Fruit Juice for Children.” HealthyChildren.org, American Academy of Pediatrics, 27 July 2022, www.healthychildren.org/English/healthy-living/nutrition/Pages/Where-We-Stand-Fruit-Juice.aspx. Accessed 22 Oct. 2026.
“Why Do Infants Need Baby Formula Instead of Cow’s Milk?” HealthyChildren.org, American Academy of Pediatrics, 22 Apr. 2024, www.healthychildren.org/English/ages-stages/baby/formula-feeding/Pages/Why-Formula-Instead-of-Cows-Milk.aspx. Accessed 22 Oct. 2026.
