I'm a careless mommy, been given my son Orange juice while he was 4 months+ and knowing nothing about the foods that I should avoid before 1 years old. After I read the article below, I think it’s better to share with all of you in case you are not aware of this.
Looking forward to serving your little one his first PB&J? Chocolate milk shake? Eggs and a side of toast with honey? You'll have to wait. As exciting as it is to introduce new foods to your little one, there are a few items that should stay off the menu — at least for the first 12 months. That's because they contain allergens or other irritants that can disrupt your baby's sensitive (and still developing) digestive system. Here's your guide to foods to avoid during your baby's first year, from peanuts and cow's milk to strawberries and egg whites, along with recommendations for when it's safe to introduce them.
Nuts and Peanuts
In a nutshell, you'll have to nix nuts and peanuts from baby's diet during the first year and maybe even beyond if you have a history of allergies in your family. That's because nuts are highly allergenic, and if a baby indulges in them too soon it could lead to a serious peanut sensitivity or intolerance. So wait for the green light from your doctor. Once you get it, start your child off with smooth varieties of nut spreads and butters (your child won't be ready for the chunky kind, or whole nuts, until age four). Despite the fact that peanut allergies are on the rise, causing this lunch-box favorite to take some heat, nut spreads and butters can be a healthy, protein-packed snack for your little peanut if he has no reaction to it.
Egg Whites
Sunny-side up? Down? How about all around? Eggs are a great source of protein, vitamin D, and other vitamins and minerals, but your younger baby may have to get by without egg on his face. Because egg whites are allergenic, most doctors won't recommend giving whole eggs to babies less than a year old. However, egg yolks (minus the whites) should be fine at the seven-to-ten-month mark.
Honey
Honey ingested in the first year can create a sticky situation for your baby's health. Not only is it full of sugar (and cutting baby's sweet tooth is something you should try to postpone for as long as possible), it may contain the spores of Clostridium botulinum. Although harmless to adults, these spores can cause botulism in babies — with constipation, poor appetite, and lethargy as side effects. While some doctors okay honey at eight months, most recommend waiting till year's end.
Cow's Milk
It may do a (bigger) body good, but babies under one year of age should steer clear of cow's milk, for several reasons. First, though milk allergies are rare (only two to three of every 100 children develop a true milk-protein allergy), exposing an infant to cow's milk too soon does make developing one more likely, especially if other family members have a history of allergies. Second, cow's milk can be hard for young infants to digest, and the high concentrations of protein and minerals may stress a newborn's kidneys. Finally, cow's milk also doesn't provide enough iron and vitamin C for baby (breast or formula are the best milk sources in the first year). Once your baby is past the one-year mark, however, whole cow's milk is fine in moderation (avoid giving low-fat milk, which lacks needed fat and calories, until two years of age).
Wheat
Wheat is another food that can cause an allergic reaction in some children younger than a year old. The problem is gluten, a difficult-to-digest protein that can cause a skin rash, loose stools, constipation, or poor sleep for some babies when ingested. The good news? Babies usually outgrow wheat and other allergies by their first birthday (peanut allergies, however, are usually lifelong). Still, it's probably best to wait to introduce wheat until you know for certain that your baby has had no reaction to it.
Citrus Fruits and Juices
Although packed with vitamin C, citrus fruits and juices — such as oranges, grapefruits, and tangerines — are very acidic and can cause tummy trouble or allergies in infants (with still underdeveloped digestive systems). They are also (like all juices) packed with sugar. For that reason, it's best to avoid juice altogether or at least limit it. If you do serve it up, choose apple, pear, or white grape juice, diluted with water, which are tummy-friendly alternatives. When you do introduce citrus fruits, be sure to do so gradually, getting rid of any rind and cutting fruits into small pieces.
Shellfish
While baby won't be eating any lobster dinners for quite a while (so save those lobster bibs for the grown-ups in the family), you may wonder when you can crack a claw for your little sailor. Like wheat and cow's milk, shellfish can be highly allergenic to babies less than a year old. Most doctors recommend slowly introducing shellfish, such as shrimp, lobster, or crab, after one year. If your family has a history of allergies, however, it's best to wait until your child is at least three years old.
Strawberries
This favorite fruit — packed with antioxidants and vitamin C — is a healthy and delicious addition to your family's diet but not necessarily your baby's. Your doctor may recommend holding off on strawberries until at least the one-year mark (longer if there is a history of allergies in your family). Not only are strawberries acidic (which can make them hard on tiny tummies), but they are a potential allergen and may prompt rashes or reactions, even in babies that are not food-sensitive. Don't worry, baby, you'll be able to indulge after one year.
Chocolate
Just as you wouldn't give your baby a cup of coffee, you should steer clear of giving a baby chocolate — even if it's just a little taste. Because of its high caffeine content (not to mention sugar), it's best to avoid giving any chocolate to babies under one year of age — and even beyond (your child has his whole life to discover his inner chocoholic, so don't rush it!).
**Info provided http://www.whattoexpect.com/photo-gallery/foods-to-avoid-feeding-baby.aspx
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