Foods Not Good for Babies

Sugar, high fructose corn syrup, salt and caffeine

Delay introducing as long as possible

Avoid foods that contain these items as main ingredients.

High nitrate foods

Introduce over 8 months

Beets, carrots, green beans, spinach, and collard greens. Also hot dogs, ham, bologna, sausages, salami, and many other deli meats.

Foods that can contain disease-causing bacteria

Introduce over 12 months

Honey, un-pasteurized foods (i.e. apple cider), blue cheese, brie, and raw fish.

Frequent allergens

Introduce over 12 months, possibly much later

Berries, chocolate, citrus fruits, cow's milk, egg whites, fish and shellfish, nuts, peanuts, and tomatoes. Processed foods with additives, coloring agents, and preservatives

Choking hazards

Introduce at 2-3 years

Nuts (other than finely ground); peanut butter; caramel; candy; gum; whole grapes; raw, hard fruits and veggies; chunks of meat; pieces of bacon; hot dogs; sunflower seeds; popcorn; raisins; potato chips; and hard candy.

Hot foods

Introduce after 2-3 years

All foods should be served cold, at room temperature, or slightly warm.