Quick Answer
Several foods are not safe for babies under 12 months due to risks including choking, bacterial contamination, allergic reaction, and the immature digestive and immune systems of the first year. The most important foods to avoid are honey, added salt, added sugar, whole cow's milk as a main drink, certain fish, unpasteurised dairy, and foods that pose a choking hazard. Knowing what to avoid is just as important as knowing what to offer.
Foods to Avoid in the First Year
Honey
Honey should not be given to babies under 12 months under any circumstances, including in cooked foods. Honey can contain spores of Clostridium botulinum, the bacterium that causes infant botulism. A baby's immature gut cannot prevent these spores from germinating and producing toxin, which can cause serious illness. After 12 months, the gut is mature enough to handle honey safely.
Added Salt
Babies' kidneys are not mature enough to process significant amounts of salt. Too much salt can damage developing kidneys and establish a preference for salty foods that persists into childhood. Do not add salt to any food prepared for your baby, and check labels on any packaged foods carefully. Many adult foods, including bread, cheese, and processed foods, contain more salt than is appropriate for a baby.
Added Sugar
Added sugar provides no nutritional benefit and contributes to tooth decay and a preference for sweet foods. Do not add sugar to your baby's food or drinks. Naturally occurring sugars in fruit, vegetables, and milk are fine. It is the added sugars in processed foods, biscuits, and sweetened drinks that should be avoided.
Whole Cow's Milk as a Main Drink
Whole cow's milk is not suitable as a main drink before 12 months. It does not contain the right balance of nutrients for a baby's needs and is too low in iron. Small amounts of cow's milk can be used in cooking (in a sauce or mixed into food) from 6 months, but breast milk or formula should remain the primary milk drink until 12 months. From 12 months, whole cow's milk is appropriate as a main drink.
Certain Fish
Some fish contain high levels of mercury, which can affect a baby's developing nervous system. Avoid shark, swordfish, marlin, and king mackerel. Oily fish such as salmon, sardines, and trout are nutritious and appropriate in small amounts, but limit to 2 portions per week. Tuna should be limited to 2 to 4 portions per week (fresh tuna counts as oily fish; canned tuna does not).
Unpasteurised Dairy Products
Unpasteurised (raw) milk, cheese, and other dairy products can contain harmful bacteria including Listeria, Salmonella, and E. coli, which can cause serious illness in babies whose immune systems are not yet fully developed. Always choose pasteurised dairy products for your baby.
Raw or Undercooked Eggs
Raw or undercooked eggs can contain Salmonella. Eggs should be cooked until both the white and yolk are solid. In the UK, eggs with the British Lion mark are considered safe to eat runny for babies. Check the guidance in your country. Well-cooked egg is an excellent first food and an important allergen to introduce early.
Choking Hazard Foods
The following foods pose a significant choking risk and should be avoided or modified for babies and young children:
- Whole grapes, cherry tomatoes, and blueberries (always halve or quarter these)
- Whole nuts and large pieces of nut
- Raw, hard vegetables and fruit (always cook or grate until soft)
- Whole or large pieces of meat with bones
- Popcorn
- Hard sweets or boiled sweets
- Large spoonfuls of nut butter (thin with water or spread thinly on food)
Rice Drinks
Rice drinks (rice milk) should not be given to children under 5 years as a substitute for breast milk, formula, or cow's milk. Rice drinks can contain levels of inorganic arsenic that are not appropriate for young children.
Low-Fat or Diet Foods
Babies need fat for brain development and energy. Low-fat, reduced-fat, or diet versions of foods are not appropriate for babies and young children. Full-fat dairy, avocado, oily fish, and other healthy fat sources are important parts of a varied weaning diet.
Caffeinated Drinks
Tea, coffee, cola, and energy drinks are not appropriate for babies at any stage. Caffeine affects iron absorption and is a stimulant that is not suitable for the developing nervous system.
A Note on Common Allergens
Common allergens (peanut, egg, wheat, dairy, fish, shellfish, sesame, soya, and tree nuts) should be introduced from around 6 months, one at a time, as early introduction reduces the risk of allergy development. These foods are not on the avoid list; they are on the introduce-carefully list. Speak to your pediatrician before introducing allergens if your baby has eczema or a family history of food allergy.
Key Takeaway
The most important foods to avoid in the first year are honey, added salt, added sugar, whole cow's milk as a main drink, high-mercury fish, unpasteurised dairy, undercooked eggs, and choking hazard foods. Everything else is about introducing a wide variety of nutritious foods gradually and safely. When in doubt, check with your pediatrician before offering a new food.
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This article is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult your pediatrician or a qualified healthcare provider with questions about your baby's health.