Bumps SmittenBabies are such a joy, but also a lot of work. One question that new mothers often have is what foods to avoid feeding their baby. While there are many different schools of thought on the matter, there are a few general rules that most people agree on. Here is a list of some common foods that you should avoid giving your baby:
Raw Honey
Raw honey should not be fed to infants because it can contain bacteria that cause infant botulism. Honey is a natural food, but it can also contain Clostridium botulinum, the bacterium that causes infant botulism. This type of bacteria produces a toxin that can paralyze the baby’s muscles, including those that control breathing. Infant botulism is a serious illness and can be deadly.
Unpasteurized Milk
Unpasteurized milk is a popular choice for many people looking to avoid the processing involved in pasteurization. However, unpasteurized milk can contain harmful bacteria like E. coli and salmonella, which can cause serious illness in both children and adults.
In fact, unpasteurized milk is responsible for more than 100,000 cases of food poisoning each year in the United States. If you are considering feeding your baby unpasteurized milk, please be aware of the risks and talk to your pediatrician before making a decision.
Soft Cheeses
Babies are at an increased risk for listeriosis, a serious infection caused by the bacteria Listeria monocytogenes, which can be found in soft cheeses. Pregnant women and their newborns are particularly at risk for developing listeriosis, which can cause miscarriage, premature labor, or serious illness in the newborn baby.
To reduce the risk of listeriosis, pregnant women and their families should avoid eating soft cheeses such as brie, camembert, feta, queso blanco, queso fresco, panela, roqueforti and gorgonzola. These cheeses may contain high levels of Listeria monocytogenes and can cause serious illness in pregnant women and their newborns.
Uncooked Eggs
It is important to avoid feeding uncooked eggs to your baby because they may contain salmonella, which can cause nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. Salmonella is a bacteria that can be found in raw eggs and it can be very harmful to young children. It is important to make sure that any eggs you feed your baby are cooked all the way through so that the bacteria is killed.
Sugary Treats
Giving your baby sugary treats can have a lot of negative consequences. For one, it can lead to tooth decay. For example, Jello is high in sugar and can cause cavities if given too often. In addition, sugary foods can cause weight gain and contribute to childhood obesity. They can also lead to blood sugar spikes and crashes, which can be harmful to young children’s development. So if you want to keep your child healthy, avoid giving them sugary snacks and treats.
High-Mercury Fish
When it comes to fish, pregnant women and young children should avoid consuming high-mercury fish. These fish can contain a toxin that can cause brain damage. The types of fish that are highest in mercury include tilefish, shark, swordfish, king mackerel and tuna. So, what types of fish are safe to eat? Low-mercury fish include salmon, trout, sardines and herring.
Conclusion
In conclusion, there are many types of food that should be avoided when feeding a baby. These foods can cause health problems, such as diarrhea, vomiting, and constipation. It is important to consult a pediatrician before introducing any new foods to a baby’s diet in order to prevent any adverse reactions. By following these simple guidelines, parents can ensure that their child will have a healthy and happy first year of life.
