In short

  • No honey, juice, or cow's or plant milk as a drink before 12 months.
  • Skip added sugar, salty foods, raw milk products and high-mercury fish.
  • Change choking hazards like whole grapes and nuts before serving.

Not before 12 months

  • Honey, in any form. It can cause infant botulism, a severe food poisoning.
  • Cow's milk or plant milks as a drink.
  • Juice.

Not for babies or toddlers

  • Added sugars, including sweetened yogurts, cookies and sweet drinks.
  • Salty foods. Choose canned foods labeled low sodium or no salt added.
  • Unpasteurized (raw) milk, cheese, yogurt or juice.
  • Fish high in mercury, like shark, swordfish and king mackerel.

Choking hazards

Some foods are only safe once changed: whole grapes, nuts, chunks of nut butter, raw hard vegetables and more. See the choking guide in this tab.

Why salt is limited

Babies’ kidneys are still maturing and can’t handle much sodium. Don’t add salt to your baby’s food. Food without salt doesn’t have to be bland:

  • Warm spices: cinnamon, nutmeg and cardamom in oatmeal or yogurt.
  • Savory herbs: garlic powder, cumin, coriander, oregano and basil on roasted vegetables and meats.
  • Citrus: a squeeze of lemon or lime adds brightness without sodium.

Why skip added sugar before age 2

  • Taste habits: early exposure to very sweet foods can build a preference for sweet tastes over vegetables and beans.
  • Tooth decay: sugar feeds the mouth bacteria that cause cavities.
  • Crowding out nutrients: sugary foods fill little tummies without the nutrients needed for growth.

Safety and allergen reminder

Serve foods in shapes, sizes and textures that suit your baby's age and chewing skills, such as thin slices, mashed or pureed, rather than whole round pieces. When offering a common allergen, watch your baby closely for signs of a reaction, and ask your pediatrician about timing and how often to offer it.

Sources

All articles, recipes, guides, tips and chat answers in Mama & Baby Bites are for general information and education only. They are not medical, pediatric or nutritional advice, and they don't replace care from a qualified professional. In an emergency, call 911.