"Forbidden" Foods and Foods to Avoid for Baby - Foods Baby Should Not Have Until a Certain Age

Is this chart really relevant since the AAP report from 2008 came out?

In 2008, the AAP released a clinical report entitled Effects of Early Nutritional Interventions on the Development of Atopic Disease in Infants and Children: The Role of Maternal Dietary Restriction, Breastfeeding, Timing of Introduction of Complementary Foods, and Hydrolyzed Formulas

There are many who believe that due to this clinical report, there is no longer a need to delay any foods, of any kind, when beginning to introduce solid foods to babies. The report notes the following:

"Although solid foods should not be introduced before 4 to 6 months of age, there is no current convincing evidence that delaying their introduction beyond this period has a significant protective effect on the development of atopic disease regardless of whether infants are fed cow milk protein formula or human milk. This includes delaying the introduction of foods that are considered to be highly allergic, such as fish, eggs, and foods containing peanut protein."

It is important to note that the AAP states in its clinical report that:

"In summary, the evidence from these conflicting studies, in balance, does not allow one to conclude that there is a strong relationship between the timing of the introduction of complementary foods and development of atopic disease. This raises serious questions about the benefit of delaying the introduction of solid foods that are thought to be highly allergic (cow milk, fish, eggs, and peanut-containing foods) beyond 4 to 6 months of age; additional studies are needed."

In the press release, the AAP notes that:

"Current evidence is insufficient to document a significant protective effect of maternal dietary restrictions during pregnancy or lactation. Nor is there sufficient evidence that any dietary intervention after 4-6 months of age prevents allergic disease. This includes delaying the introduction of complementary foods."

At this time, there has not been an AAP Policy Statement firmly declaring that it is safe for (non-allergic) infants to be introduced to all foods, allergenic or not, after 6 months of age. The report makes changes to the policy of using Hypoallergenic Infant Formulas only. The Clinical Report states that more studies are needed and that the report itself is not definitive. The bottom line is that peanuts and eggs have not been proven safe for infants prior to 12 months or older; nor have these items in particular been proven unsafe. It is most important that you discuss introducing possible allergenic foods with your baby's pediatrician.

Our forbidden food chart will remain on our site until there is a major consensus policy issued by the AAP and other pediatric nutrition authorities. Several of the recommendations for delaying the introduction of certain foods are not due to possible allergic reactions rather, they are due to other possible health risks. As we mentioned prior, many foods listed should not be given until a certain age due to possible health issues:

• Honey for example, could prompt infant botulism due to the immaturity of a baby's intestinal tract.
• Whole milk should not be introduced as a replacement for breast milk or formula until after 12 months. This recommendation is due to the fact that whole cow milk cannot properly sustain a growing infant. It simply does not have all the nutritional components needed for healthy growth and development. There is also a bit of difficulty in the digestion of whole milk proteins. Yogurt and cheese are cultured and thus tend to be more easily digested.
• Citrus is very acidic and many infants under the age of 12 months old suffer rashes and tummy upsets due to the acidity. This has nothing to do with allergies.
• Strawberries and Shell Fish, and even Peanuts, can prompt severe, life threatening allergic reactions. The recommendation continues to be one of caution and delay.
• We would also like to point to a few other examples of why it might be prudent to delay the introduction of certain foods. Broccoli for example is known to cause gas in many people. Offering broccoli to an infant who is 6 months of age is really not a good idea. You would not want offer a 6 month old baby Beans either, as these too may cause painful gas.

* Peanuts and Tree Nuts have varied age recommendations for introduction. Typical ages for introduction are:

• After One (1) Year for the Non Food Sensitive/Non-Allergic Child;
• After Two (2) or Three (3) Years for the Food Sensitive/Allergic Child. 

Some Medical Authorities even suggest holding off Peanuts and Tree Nuts until after Seven (7) Years old.  You should introduce these items with the consultation and recommendation of your baby's Pediatrician.

** Strawberries  Please note that the current recommendation for introducing strawberries is after a baby has reached 12 months of age. Commercial Stage 2 baby foods contain strawberries because it is said that processing strawberries at such a high temperature "kills" the protein that causes the allergic response. Visit our Strawberry page to learn more.

** Grapes are not a high allergen but may pose choking hazards. Visit our Grape page to learn about ways to safely offer your baby grapes.

*** Shellfish/Crustaceans introduction depends on a baby's history of food allergies as well as the family's history of food allergies.  Please ask your pediatrician.

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