Baby Talk - Starting Baby on Solid Foods

Although it is exciting to start your baby on solid foods, care must be taken to avoid those that could be potential health hazards. The following are several food categories that could threaten baby’s health.

• Fruits and Vegetables – Although fruits and vegetables are healthy foods, do proceed with caution. Round fruits and vegetable, such as grapes and cherry tomatoes, if served whole, are a choking hazard. Keep an eye for allergic reactions to nuts and peanut butter. Before cutting fruits and vegetables into bite size pieces, be sure to wash and peel them to remove any possible bacteria.

• Salt – At this young age, it is best for baby to avoid foods high in sodium content. Fast food and pizza are not only high in salt, but also saturated fat. Bacon is salty and high in grease content. Convenience food, canned soup, sugar-coated cereal, and processed crackers are also high in salt.

• Eggs – Raw or undercooked eggs contain salmonella bacteria that could lead to food poisoning. Be aware that raw eggs are used in homemade mayonnaise and mousses. You may also be tempted to have your little one lick cake batter off the spoon or beaters, but remember that raw eggs are used in the batter.

• Sugar – Cookies, soft drinks, candy, cake, and doughnuts are high in sugar, posing a risk of cavities in baby teeth.

What other concerns do you have as solid foods are introduced into baby’s diet? Please, share.