Feeding children solids is one of the important milestones in the first year of life. However, besides choosing suitable food, parents also need to pay attention to foods that should not be given to children under 12 months old to avoid affecting health and development.
According to Dr. Anjali Vyas, pediatrician and founder of RIITARA Clinic and Health Care Center, Gurgaon (India), the first 12 months of life are the stage when the digestive system, nervous system and organs of children are still complete. Therefore, the diet during this time needs to be carefully selected.
One of the foods to absolutely avoid for children under one year old is honey. Whether it is pure honey, organic honey or honey mixed in warm water, this product can still contain bacteria that cause botulinum poisoning. The digestive system of newborns is not sufficiently capable of resisting this type of bacteria, causing children to be at risk of constipation, poor feeding, weak crying or more seriously respiratory failure.
Cow's milk is also not recommended as the main drink for children under 12 months old. The reason is that this type of milk contains high levels of protein and minerals, which can put pressure on children's weak kidneys. In addition, cow's milk is low in iron, increasing the risk of iron deficiency anemia if used too early. However, children can still use a small amount of cooked yogurt or cheese from about 6 months old.
Experts also recommend not adding salt or sugar to children's food. Young children's kidneys cannot handle excess sodium well, while giving children a lot of sugar early can form a habit of liking sweets and affect their natural appetite.
Some other foods also pose risks for young children such as whole seeds, uncooked eggs or fish containing high levels of mercury. Whole seeds can cause choking, while raw or undercooked eggs easily increase the risk of Salmonella infection. With sea fish, parents should prioritize safe, low-mercury fish that are suitable for young children.
In addition, fruit juice and processed foods are also not suitable choices in the first year of life. Although considered good for health, juices are often high in sugar but low in fiber, easily making children feel full for a long time and reducing the necessary amount of milk. Meanwhile, processed foods often contain many additives, salt or sugar that are not suitable for young children.
Experts believe that the weaning stage is not only to supplement nutrition but also to help children get used to natural foods. Therefore, parents should prioritize fresh, simple and age-appropriate foods to support the comprehensive development of children.
