| Foods To Watch Out For
From common allergens to potential choking hazards, these are the foods you shouldn’t give to your little one. From 6-12 Months Wheat or wheat products Wheat is the most common grain allergen, and you should wait to introduce it until your baby is six to eight months old and can handle rice and oats. Honey Honey can harbor spores of Clostridium botulinum (botulism), which can grow and produce life-threatening toxins in your baby's intestinal tract. Never give honey to a baby younger than 12 months old. Whole milk Early introduction of cow's milk can cause childhood allergies, and your baby doesn't need it. For the first year, stick to breast milk or formula. Egg whites It's generally OK to give egg yolks to an infant at six to 10 months, but wait a year on the protein-rich whites. As always, check with your pediatrician. Citrus Ask your pediatrician for the go-ahead before giving citrus juices to a baby. They occasionally cause allergies. Peanuts Peanuts can provoke violent allergic reactions and shouldn't be given to a child younger than one year. Smooth peanut butter on crackers or bread is ok for a toddler a year or older who is not at risk for peanut allergies. From 1-2 Years Low-fat milk Toddlers younger than two years need the fat in whole milk. Once they are two, you can start giving them lower-fat milk. Peanuts Peanuts can cause violent allergic reactions. They're also large enough for a child to choke on. To be on the safe side, don't feed your child peanuts (or peanut butter) until she's three years old, especially if either parent has a history of peanut allergies. Hot dogs Toddlers can easily choke on bite-sized pieces of hot dog. To reduce the risk of choking, cut the hot dog lengthwise before slicing it into quarter-inch pieces. Whole grapes Cut grapes into quarters before serving. A whole grape can get lodged in a child's throat. Raw carrots Carrots should be shredded or cooked so they don't get stuck in small throats. String cheese Make sure you shred the cheese for your child. Don't cut it into chunks. Hard candies, nuts, popcorn and lollipops All these snacks are potential choking hazards. If you can't cut it into small pieces, don't serve it. Always consult a pediatrician about your baby’s individual needs. Source: BabyCenter.com
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