Before childbirth, parents should equip themselves with knowledge about a baby’s food habits. The infant should not be given anything other than breast milk for the initial few months. After they pass the 6-month threshold, you can introduce them to complementary food items like cereal and fruits.
Of course, babies are curious about everything. That means your baby would want to try new things or the food you are having.
However, do not fall for their angel-like glee or puppy eyes because regular food can harm them. Listed below are the three items that you should swear off. In the blog, you will find certain safe food times for your infant.
#1. Synthesized Baby Formula
Baby formula, or infant formula, is a mixture of cow’s milk, whey protein, vegetable oil, vitamin-mineral mix, and other ingredients. Usually, parents use this to feed their children below the age of twelve months.
Amongst them were the famous brands Enfamil, Similac, and more. However, upon research, the Enfamil formula was linked to Necrotizing Enterocolitis (NEC). TorHoerman Law states that this formula can lead to an inflamed intestine due to swollen tissue, which can cause the baby to die. Moreover, NEC can cause sepsis and a perforated intestine.
Once this was discovered, various affected families filed an Enfamil lawsuit against Mead Johnson Nutrition Company. In 2022 the company had to pay USD 8.4 million due to false advertisement and lack of warning.
#2. Any Type of Nuts and Honey
Nuts have antioxidants and help lower cholesterol in adults. It also reduces the risk of heart attacks. Since nuts have a high concentration of vitamins and minerals, these are good for your 6-month-old.
However, you should avoid giving whole nuts or peanuts because of two reasons:
- Nuts can be a choking hazard for the child
- Your baby might have a nut allergy that you are not aware of
Similarly, as adults, you might love having honey due to its taste and benefits. Honey has antioxidants along with antibacterial and anti-inflammatory agents. While these are good for adults, honey can be dangerous for your child.
It contains bacteria that might be toxic to your baby’s intestines which can lead to a severe ailment called botulism. Moreover, honey has sugar in it that may lead to tooth decay.
#3. Some Dairy Products Like Cheese and Soft-Boiled Eggs
Cheese can provide toddlers with a balanced diet and nutrition due to calcium and protein. Moreover, pasteurized full-fat cheese like cheddar, cream, and cottage cheese contains vitamins. But you should avoid giving a 6-month-old any cheese before consulting a doctor about lactose intolerance.
At the same time, soft cheeses like brie or blue-veined cheese should be avoided. These can be mold–ripened making them highly bacteria-ridden with listeria. Cheeses made from unpasteurized milk can be harmful to your baby’s tummy.
On the other hand, eggs are a powerhouse of vitamins, iodine, selenium, folate, and minerals essential during the developmental stage.
You can feed your baby eggs but try to choose the Grade AA-labeled product. Ensure to hard boil them and avoid giving the baby poached, fried, or soft-boiled eggs. Otherwise, your child might contract salmonella.
What Can You Feed Your 6-Month-Old Baby?
Being the parent of a 6-month-old baby can be challenging. During this time, your baby’s emotions start to develop. They will babble and feel separation anxiety. Hence, you will need to spend much time playing, talking, and reading together.
That is why proper nutrition is crucial during this stage. You can give your 6-month-old the following food items:
- Boiled vegetables like peas, broccoli, asparagus, green beans, and spinach
- Fresh fruits like bananas, mango, oranges, melon, and apples
- Starchy food items like potato, rice, wheat, porridge, oats, and bread
Ensure to boil or mash these items so that it is easy for your baby to gobble them up. You can soft cook the vegetables or blend the fruits.
The Bottom Line
As a parent, you would want to ensure your baby’s perfect health. The best way to do that is to monitor their food habits. At six months of age, babies tend to become curious about food items.
However, it is your responsibility to regulate what they eat. For example, you should stay away from baby formula as it can lead to NEC, an intestinal infection. At the same time, nuts and honey can be dangerous for a 6-month-old. While you can rely on high-quality hard-boiled eggs, you should avoid giving them any cheese.
Instead, you can choose boiled vegetables, fresh fruits, and cereal for your baby’s nutrition. This way, your baby will be healthy, happy, and safe.
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