Learn which foods you should never feed your baby to ensure safe eating habits and support their healthy growth and development.
Introducing your baby to solid foods is a huge milestone. From those first spoonfuls at six months to experimenting with finger foods around nine months, watching your child discover the world of food is truly a special experience. It can be a lot of fun, but it can also come with a lot of questions.
You want your baby’s food to be safe and nourishing, and it can feel overwhelming to know what’s okay and what’s not, especially when you’re bombarded with advice from family, friends and the internet.
This is all about supporting your baby’s growth and development and helping you have peace of mind. Let’s break it down so you can feel confident in knowing what foods not to feed your baby before 12 months of age.
The foundation: Breast milk or infant formula
For the first six months, your baby’s primary source of nutrition should be breast milk or infant formula. At around six months, you can start introducing solid foods alongside milk feeds, but breast milk or formula remains their main food until closer to 12 months.
Other milk, like cow’s milk or other animal milks, should not replace breast milk or infant formula during this first year. Cow’s milk, goat’s milk or other vegan milks do not contain the right balance of nutrients for infants and can put stress on a baby’s kidneys.
When your baby starts to show interest in trying new foods, nutritionist Amanda Muhl explains what not to feed them in the video below.
Foods that are unsafe before 12 months
Let’s look at specific foods that are not safe or suitable for babies aged under 12 months.
1. Honey
Honey, even if it’s raw and natural, can contain bacteria that cause infant botulism, a rare but serious illness. Babies’ digestive systems aren’t mature enough to fight off these spores. Always wait until after 12 months to introduce honey. This includes honey in baked goods or on a spoon.
2. Salt
Babies’ kidneys are not ready to process salt. Adding salt to your baby’s food (or giving them salty snacks like chips, processed foods or hot dogs) can be harmful. Remember: Babies don’t need food with extra seasoning. Their tastebuds are discovering the natural flavours of healthy foods.
3. Sugar and added sugars
Avoid foods with added sugars like biscuits, cakes, lollies, soft drinks or fruit drinks like juices. These don’t provide proper nutrition, can contribute to tooth decay and may lead to your child developing a preference for very sweet foods. Whole fruit in small, age-appropriate pieces is the best way to offer natural sweetness. You want to avoid your child developing cravings for unhealthy food at a young age, to protect their health and food choices as they grow.
4. Fruit juice and unpasteurised juice
Many parents think a splash of fruit juice is harmless, but it’s not recommended for infants. Juice is high in sugar and low in fibre, which can cause tooth decay and upset tummies. Also, unpasteurised juice may contain harmful bacteria, leading to food poisoning. Offer boiled and cooled water instead of juice.
5. Raw egg and foods containing raw egg
Raw or undercooked eggs can expose your baby to the bacteria salmonella, which causes food poisoning, with symptoms including diarrhoea and vomiting. Always make sure eggs are thoroughly cooked, both the yolk and white, before serving.
6. Unpasteurised foods
Avoid unpasteurised foods such as certain soft cheeses, milk or yoghurt. These can carry harmful bacteria that can cause illness in young children and infants. Always check food labels if you’re unsure about the ingredients.
7. Tea and coffee
It may seem obvious, but sometimes well-meaning relatives might suggest a “soothing” sip of tea. Tea and coffee are not safe for babies. They contain caffeine and tannins, which interfere with iron absorption and affect sleep. Stick with breast milk, formula or cooled boiled water for hydration.
8. Foods that are choking hazards
Even when you’re introducing finger foods around nine months, always be mindful of choking risks. Avoid giving your baby whole grapes, popcorn, nuts or large chunks of raw vegetables. Instead, cut foods into small pieces or mash them. Consider what’s safe for your baby’s age and stage of development, particularly in terms of chewing.
9. Foods with a high risk of food allergies
While most new foods can and should be introduced between six and 12 months, some foods, such as peanuts, shellfish, eggs, gluten and dairy, may trigger food allergies. It’s best to consult a clinical nutritionist for more personalised dietary advice especially if there’s a family history.
Everyday examples for busy mums
Need some ideas on what you can feed your baby? Here are some examples:
- Instead of giving your baby fruit juice at lunch, try offering mashed pear or small cubes of soft banana as part of their meal.
- If your family is having scrambled eggs, make a portion for your baby, but cook it thoroughly and chop it well.
- When relatives suggest dipping your baby’s dummy in honey to soothe them, gently explain you’re avoiding honey due to the risks of botulism.
- If your child is sitting in the high chair while you prepare dinner, let them explore safe foods like cooked carrots or soft pumpkin instead of salty crackers.
Practical feeding tips
Knowing what not to feed your baby is just the first step—equally important is learning how to make mealtimes safe, simple and enjoyable. These practical feeding tips will help you introduce foods with confidence, reduce mealtime stress and support your baby’s healthy development.
- Boiled water: Once your baby starts solids, you can offer cooled, boiled water in small amounts (up to 100ml per day). This helps them learn to drink without replacing their milk feeds.
- Appropriate portions: Babies don’t need adult-style meals. Their portions should be small and age-appropriate. What feels like a tiny amount to you may be just the right amount for them.
- Food labels: When buying packaged baby food, always check food labels for added sugars, salt or unpasteurised ingredients. Many baby snacks marketed as “healthy” still contain too much sugar.
- New foods: Offer new foods when your baby is happy and alert, like after a nap or in the morning. Trying foods when they’re tired or cranky may end in tears for both of you.
- Patience is key: It may take several tries before your child accepts a new taste or texture. Keep offering without pressure.
The heart behind it
At the end of the day, feeding your baby is all about nutrition, quality time together, and watching them grow and develop. Remember, your baby doesn’t need fancy meals. What matters most is offering safe, healthy foods at the right time and trusting yourself as a mum.
If you stick with breast milk or formula as the foundation until 12 months, introduce solid foods gradually around six months and avoid the foods listed above, you’ll be giving your baby the best start possible.
Take it one day at a time, celebrate the small wins and know you are doing an incredible job. Nourishing your child with safe, wholesome foods is one of the many beautiful ways you show your love.
Read next: There are only four things children under five should be drinking. Can you guess which four?
