Pregnancy and the first two years of life are commonly referred to as the first thousand days. This is considered the most critical time in a child’s development. According to a study published by National Centre for Biotechnology Information, the baby’s gut microbes undergo significant changes during this time.
During these early years, the brain of infants develops rapidly. According to a UNICEF report, their neurons create connections at a rapid rate, which does not happen again. And it becomes imperative for parents to provide them with the best possible start to help with that process.
Constant confusion between good and bad
Mothers always strive to provide the best possible care for their babies. However, given the vastness of the information available on the subject – not to mention unsolicited advice from relatives and friends – it can be overwhelming to decide what is best. It is why consulting a professional is the best way to know what works for your baby.
Happiest Health spoke with Dr Meghna Ramaraju, a paediatrician at Little Wonders Clinic in Hyderabad, and Dr Nisha Ojha, a paediatric nutritionist from Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh, to discover what works for infants. They gave a list of foods to avoid:
Sugar
It is strongly recommended not to add sugar to your baby’s meals until they turn two and continue until they are on solid foods. While sugar is an attractive option, it adds calories to the diet, increasing the risk of weight gain. According to WHO, sugar consumption may negatively impact the nutritional value of a diet by providing significant energy while lacking essential nutrients. This not only raises concerns about obesity, but it also increases the risk of conditions such as dental caries, which are a major non-communicable health issue worldwide.
Furthermore, Dr Ojha informs that consumption of refined sugar has been linked to childhood obesity, hyperactivity, and the early onset of cardiac issues. She suggests using date powder, fruit purees (banana, apple, strawberries), fig puree, raisin puree, or ripened apricot puree instead.
Salt
Dr Ojha and Dr Ramaraju advise against using salt in babies between six and twelve months of age. Adults, too, should avoid excessive salt consumption because it increases the risk of developing hypertension. For infants, it can be more detrimental to their developing kidneys, increasing the risk of hypertension and a liking for salty foods later in life.
Honey
Honey, despite being a natural source of sugar, can represent a significant and potentially fatal risk to newborns. This risk arises from Clostridium botulinum, a microbe capable of causing botulism, a condition that causes intestinal immobility and gradual paralysis, Dr Ramaraju explains. Numerous case studies have highlighted the risks of giving honey to infants before they turn one.
Cow’s milk
An infant’s digestive tract is delicate and capable of digesting only human milk. In fact, according to a study published on NCBI points out that the composition of human milk varies from that of other mammals. Human milk contains crucial elements such as lipids, minerals, vitamins, and fatty acids that a newborn requires. Hence, the World Health Organization recommends breastmilk as the primary source of nourishment even after the introduction of top feeds.
Research has demonstrated that using cow’s milk in infants aged six to 11 months may increase the risk of anaemia. There is also additional evidence that early exposure to cow’s milk or cow’s milk-based formula, particularly in pre-term newborns, increases the chance of developing a cow’s milk protein allergy. With this in view, Dr Ramaraju recommends maintaining breastfeeding to ensure the baby receives vital nutrients while introducing solids.
Nuts and seeds
Choking occurs when food gets stuck in the throat, obstructing the airway and abruptly cutting off the oxygen supply. Nuts and seeds are a case in point. According to Dr Ramaraju, any food particle with a firm consistency that cannot be squeezed between fingers should be regarded as a choking hazard when feeding your baby.
Eggs
Eggs could induce allergies in newborns, especially if their parents are allergic to them. Experts suggest an early introduction of allergens as an effective strategy for minimising the risk of developing allergies. Dr Ramaraju recommends that once your baby turns one, you can introduce them to egg yolk before egg white, to see if they tolerate it well. Similar caution applies to seafood as well. Dr Ramaraju adds, “It is essential that such foods be introduced gradually, with close monitoring for any allergies. If no obvious allergies are detected, then you can continue feeding them to your baby.”
Packaged foods
Food additives are added to packaged products to extend their shelf life, improve flavour, and retain freshness. Since the safety of these chemicals is questionable, it is best to avoid feeding your baby packaged foods. There is a chance it could interfere with the child’s physical development, as they are more vulnerable than adults to the negative effects of additives. Dr Ojha insists on avoiding flavoured milk and yoghurt (to avoid added sugar), packaged chips and French fries (for high salt and trans-fat content), and ready-to-eat meals (for excessive salt content that exceeds a baby’s daily intake). Dr Ramaraju agrees. She recommends that all parents prioritise home-cooked meals, even for the purpose of travel, outing, and emergency.
