We’ve already covered the things you should be doing when weaning your baby and switching them over to solid food. So now let us move on to what you absolutely should NOT be doing. Though we have said that it is important to gradually introduce as much variety as possible, there are also certain things that should be avoided during the first 1 – 2 years of any baby’s life.

Let’s get right into these:

1. Honey; something your paediatrician has probably already suggested that you avoid completely. Though generally very healthy, the primary risk of introducing honey too soon is infant botulism, which is a form of food poisoning, and can be very dangerous and even fatal in babies. Though most doctors say not to introduce honey until after the age of 1, some even go as long as 2 years, at which point your child’s digestive system will be developed enough to process it. To find out more, I found this article from the Cleveland Clinic to be quite useful: When Your Baby Can Have Honey (clevelandclinic.org)
2. Undercooked Eggs; these pose a high risk of Salmonella bacteria, which can make your baby quite sick, so play it safe and opt for well-done eggs every time. Furthermore, be cautious when introducing eggs, as it is after all, a common allergen.
3. Unpasteurised Dairy; pasteurisation kills bacteria in dairy products that may cause infection, so, if your child is a fan of cheese and milk, be sure to only give them pasteurised items for at least the first year. As dairy is also a common allergen, be sure to be cautious when introducing it in any form to your baby’s diet.
4. Processed, Salty, or Sugary Foods; especially during their first year, as your child is growing at such a rapid rate, and both their immune and digestive systems are still developing. It is therefore best to avoid any processed foods, and stick to organic whole foods as much as you can. Salty foods should also be avoided as they tend to dehydrate your child, which can be bad for kidney function, especially at such a young age. Lastly, sugary foods; these are bad for their teeth and gums, the immune system, and overall health. Needless to say, it is unavoidable that your child will be introduced to these food items eventually, and once that happens, they won’t be able to get enough of them. Therefore, do yourself and your child a favour, and avoid these items entirely for at least for the first 1 – 2 years.  
5. Whole Nuts and Peanuts; though good for brain health, they are also a choking hazard. In fact, consult with your doctor before introducing nuts or peanuts to your child, as they are also a common allergen, and perhaps the most dangerous. Assuming your child is not allergic however, I’d recommend grinding and incorporating them into their food, especially during the early stages of weaning.
6. Low Fat Dairy Products; babies need significantly more fat than we do, and it is therefore advised that any dairy products given to them be whole fat. Furthermore, low fat products are more processed, which should also be avoided.

Check out the yufeed blog post on How to Test for Allergies in Babies and Introducing Solid Foods 101

Hopefully this list is helpful, but when in doubt, whatever the food item, always consult with your paediatrician.

Any other foods that should be avoided? Please share in the comments below.