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Starting Solids

Ten Baby Food Safety Tips
by Jessica Williams

  1. Never leave your baby alone with food. Stay close during feeding time, and know how to handle a choking baby.

  2. Don't give your baby nuts, hot dogs, pretzel sticks, chips, raw carrots and other items that could cause choking. Give your baby foods that are mashed, pureed, or easily dissolve in baby's mouth (like Ritz crackers).

  3. Never give honey to a child under 12 months of age. Some pediatricians even recommend waiting until your child is more than 18 months old.

  4. Be careful with common allergens such as peanut butter, orange juice, eggs, corn and wheat. If your family has a history of allergies, speak to your pediatrician about what solids you might avoid and for how long.

  5. Don't store uneaten portions of food in the fridge - throw them out. Saliva from your baby's mouth can cause bacteria to grow in unused portions of food.

  6. Never microwave food for your baby. Even if stirred thoroughly, some parts may remain hot and could burn your child. Most jarred baby food doesn't need to be heated anyway, and you can always heat food in your oven or on the stovetop.

  7. Don't reduce your baby's fat intake when feeding solids. Your baby will not benefit from "light" foods or "low fat" foods; he needs the fat.

  8. Never put baby cereal or any other solid food into a bottle for baby. It can be a choking hazard and is not good for the teeth.

  9. Don't give your baby food in the car. Unless you are watching him at all times (which means you aren't watching the road!) you may not hear him if he starts to choke.

  10. Be careful with foods that can get caught in the teeth (such as raisins). Wipe your baby's gums and teeth with a wet washcloth until he is old enough to brush.

About the Author: Jessica Williams is a Pregnancy Today contributing writer and mother of two boys, born in 9/93 and 8/96. She writes breastfeeding, parenting and pregnancy articles from her home in northwest Montana. She is the breastfeeding guide at Suite 101.

Other articles in the series:
Baby's First Solids Ten Baby Food Safety Tips
Mealtime: A New Adventure Foods for Little Fingers
Table Foods: From the Mushy Meal to the Main Course
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