Self Care Articles

Is this your child's symptom?

• When and how to start solid foods (baby foods) in infants
• When and how to start finger foods and table foods
• How to prevent food allergies

Foods to Avoid for Babies

• Honey. Never give your child honey during the first year of life. Reason: rarely, it can cause infant botulism, a muscle weakness disease.
• Cow's milk (whole milk). Do not give during the first year of life. Reason: in some babies, it can cause a low iron level (anemia). Cow's milk formulas are fine.
• High-risk Foods for Choking. Do not give any foods your child might choke on. Some high-risk foods are grapes and hot dogs. These may block the airway and cause sudden death. Raw vegetables (like carrots) and peanuts should also be avoided until 4 years old. Reason: young children can't chew them and they could be inhaled into the lungs. Also, avoid large pieces of any sticky food (such as peanut butter).
• Heavy metals in trace amounts are found in some baby foods. The tiny amounts eaten are harmless. They can't be completely avoided. Reason: heavy metals are normally present in the soil and water (AAP).

Iron-Rich Foods

• We all need iron in our diet to prevent anemia. Certain foods are very good sources of iron. Red meats, fish, and poultry are best.
• Lunch meats are also a good choice. Children may eat ham or turkey slices if they won't eat other meats.
• Other good iron sources are iron-enriched cereals and beans of all types. Egg yolks and peanut butter are iron-rich. Other good foods are plum juice and dark leafy greens. After age 4, raisins and other dried fruits can be offered.

Vitamins: When They Are Needed

• Formula-fed babies get all the vitamins they need from formula.
• Breast-fed babies need extra vitamin D. Start 400 units per day at 2 weeks of age. Vitamin D drops can be found in most drug stores.
• After your child is 1 and eating a balanced diet, added vitamins are usually not needed.
• If your child is a picky eater, give him 1 chewable vitamin pill. Do this at least twice a week. Gummy vitamins are not as helpful. Reason: they have all the vitamins, but not the minerals.