Foods to Keep Off the Menu

A Guide to What Not to Feed Your Baby

2 min read

While it's wonderful to introduce your baby to a wide variety of new foods, there are a few specific items that should be kept off the menu during their first year. This is to protect their delicate digestive systems and keep them safe from potential health risks and choking hazards.

The No-Go Foods for Under Ones

Some foods are a definite no-go until after your baby's first birthday. Here’s a clear list of what to avoid and why.

Food to Avoid	Why It's Not Safe
Salt	A baby's kidneys are not yet mature enough to process added salt. Avoid adding it to food and be mindful of the salt content in processed foods like gravy and sauces.
Sugar	Sugary snacks and drinks should be avoided. They offer no nutritional value, can harm emerging teeth, and may encourage a preference for sweet foods.
Honey	Honey can occasionally contain bacteria that may cause a serious illness called infant botulism in babies under one. It's best to wait until their first birthday.
Whole Nuts & Peanuts	These are a serious choking hazard for young children. You can introduce smooth nut butters from 6 months, but whole nuts should be avoided until age 5.
Certain Cheeses	Avoid soft, mould-ripened cheeses (like brie or camembert) and blue-veined cheeses, as they can carry a risk of listeria. Hard cheeses and full-fat soft cheeses like cream cheese are fine.
Raw Eggs & Shellfish	To avoid the risk of food poisoning, always ensure eggs and shellfish are cooked thoroughly before giving them to your baby.

What About Drinks?

For the first year, breast milk or infant formula should be your baby's main drink. Once you start introducing solids, you can offer small sips of water from a cup with meals. This helps them learn to sip and can aid digestion.

It's best to avoid the following drinks:

Cow's milk as a main drink: While you can use a little in cooking, it shouldn't replace breast milk or formula until after 12 months as it doesn't have the right balance of nutrients.

Fruit juices and sugary drinks: These contain a lot of sugar and can damage your baby's teeth.

Tea, coffee, and fizzy drinks: These are unsuitable for babies.