FORBIDDEN BABY FOODS
There are many forbidden foods that baby should not eat until he has reached a certain age. These forbidden baby foods include egg whites, peanut butter and citrus.
The chart below is a compilation of forbidden foods that may pose an allergy risk to infants of a certain age. Read more about Baby Food and Allergies.
Other forbidden foods are listed as they may pose a certain health risk, though not necessarily an allergy risk. You may find some items not listed as these items pose neither an allergy risk nor do they pose an immediate health risk (i.e. sugar and salt - though sugar and salt should not be added to baby's meals!)
Our Forbidden Foods chart is not to be taken as a replacement for advice given from your baby's pediatrician. As with our solid food charts, this forbidden baby food chart is somewhat conservative in nature compared to guidelines from other sources. It has been researched and compiled from various medical authorities such as private pediatricians, the AAP, the AAFP, and the WHO (see footnotes for resources)
Common Foods That Should Wait Until Baby Is A Certain Age
|
Honey
(not an allergen but may cause botulism in infants under 1yr old)
|
After 1 year |
Peanut Butter
|
After 1 or 2 years* |
(Tree) Nuts
(also may pose a choking hazard)
|
After 1 or 2 years* |
Citrus or Acidic Fruits
Just because a fruit, like tomato, is not in the citrus family does not mean that it is not acidic!
Not an allergen but may cause rash & digestive upset due to acidity. Using a dash of lemon or pineapple juice in a whole fruit puree is NOT the same as giving a baby pureed or sliced oranges, pineapple et al.
|
After 1 year |
Strawberries
|
After 1 year** |
Corn
(possible allergen and not very nutrient rich)
|
After 1 year |
Egg Whites
(many pediatricians will say it is fine for an older infant to have baked goods that include eggs)
|
After 1 year |
Whole Milk
Lactose and milk proteins may cause allergic reactions and may also cause tummy troubles as they are hard to digest - yogurt and cheese are exceptions - see below. Milk also hinders proper absorption of iron; iron is crucial during the 1st yr.!
|
After 1 year |
Wheat
Many suggest that for the infant who has had no issues with gluten in Oats and/or Barley, and who has no history of wheat allergy or gluten intolerance, that offering wheat products (such as wheat toast) is fine around 8+ months - Read more at our topic Wheat for Baby
|
After 9-10 months or 1 year |
Grapes
(not a high allergen but may pose a choking hazard - use extreme caution if offering your older infant or toddler grapes)
|
After 10 months or 1 year** |
Shellfish
(may be a high allergen)
|
After 1 or 2 years*** |
Chocolate
|
After 1 year - if at all |
|
* 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 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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