foods not suitable for infants and toddlers
The following is a guide to foods that should be avoided and for how long:
Honey should not be given to children under 12 months due to high amount of simple sugars and spores of potential bacteria (Clostridium botulinum). While this bacteria is harmless to adults, in children under one it can cause constipation, changes in appetite, lethargy, and even changes in sucking, resulting in dehydration and pneumonia. It appears that Australian honey is relatively safe with only a few cases being reported, but it is always best to err on the side of caution.
Tea contains tannin which has a strong drying effect on the body’s liquid stores and therefore reduces iron-absorption.
Nuts should not be given to infants due to the risk of inhaling and possible allergy. Nut pastes are a better form of introducing nuts. These can be given safely; however, avoid introducing peanuts in the first year, and first three if there is a family history of allergy.
Small, hard foods should be avoided as they pose a risk of choking, eg. nuts, seeds, popcorn, whole grapes and whole beans.
Spinach, which contains oxalic acid, may also be a problem until later in the first year.
Wholegrain products are not suitable for babies due to the seeds, although light wholemeal bread is fine.
Soy, cows’ milk, goats’ milk, almond milk or oat milk are not suitable formula substitutes, although fine for cooking or small drinks from ten months. Alternative fluids as drinks are fine after the first year.
Low-fat or fat-reduced products are not suitable for children under two years as they do not provide enough of a child’s energy needs.
Caffeine-containing drinks such as tea, coffee, cola, caffeinated drinks or drinks with Guarana are not suitable for children.
Sugar and salt should not be added to food for children; this includes breakfast cereals, porridge, and baked goods. Read labels to check for these additives. • Fruit juices are not recommended (unless well-diluted) as they pose a risk of tooth decay and diarrhoea (especially apple juice).
Fizzy drinks or soft drinks contain a lot of sugar and some contain artificial sweeteners; none provides any nutritional benefit.
Avoid the use of margarine; butter is nutritionally a far better choice. Adult concerns regarding the composition of fat in butter are not relevant for young children. A great additional option is avocado or nut spreads.
Not sure for spinach leh! Given my son so much liao.
The following is a guide to foods that should be avoided and for how long:
Honey should not be given to children under 12 months due to high amount of simple sugars and spores of potential bacteria (Clostridium botulinum). While this bacteria is harmless to adults, in children under one it can cause constipation, changes in appetite, lethargy, and even changes in sucking, resulting in dehydration and pneumonia. It appears that Australian honey is relatively safe with only a few cases being reported, but it is always best to err on the side of caution.
Tea contains tannin which has a strong drying effect on the body’s liquid stores and therefore reduces iron-absorption.
Nuts should not be given to infants due to the risk of inhaling and possible allergy. Nut pastes are a better form of introducing nuts. These can be given safely; however, avoid introducing peanuts in the first year, and first three if there is a family history of allergy.
Small, hard foods should be avoided as they pose a risk of choking, eg. nuts, seeds, popcorn, whole grapes and whole beans.
Spinach, which contains oxalic acid, may also be a problem until later in the first year.
Wholegrain products are not suitable for babies due to the seeds, although light wholemeal bread is fine.
Soy, cows’ milk, goats’ milk, almond milk or oat milk are not suitable formula substitutes, although fine for cooking or small drinks from ten months. Alternative fluids as drinks are fine after the first year.
Low-fat or fat-reduced products are not suitable for children under two years as they do not provide enough of a child’s energy needs.
Caffeine-containing drinks such as tea, coffee, cola, caffeinated drinks or drinks with Guarana are not suitable for children.
Sugar and salt should not be added to food for children; this includes breakfast cereals, porridge, and baked goods. Read labels to check for these additives. • Fruit juices are not recommended (unless well-diluted) as they pose a risk of tooth decay and diarrhoea (especially apple juice).
Fizzy drinks or soft drinks contain a lot of sugar and some contain artificial sweeteners; none provides any nutritional benefit.
Avoid the use of margarine; butter is nutritionally a far better choice. Adult concerns regarding the composition of fat in butter are not relevant for young children. A great additional option is avocado or nut spreads.
Not sure for spinach leh! Given my son so much liao.
