242 Part Three Infants
Starting solids too early may
cause physical problems.
Some solids have too much
sodium. This may increase the
baby’s chance of high blood
pressure as an adult.
Solids may be too high in
calories. This may make the
baby gain weight too quickly.
Holding a baby close while
formula- or breast-feeding gives
the baby a warm feeling of
physical closeness. Spoon-feeding
does not do the same.
Introducing New Foods
When babies are ready for
solids, parents should introduce one
food at a time. They should feed the
new food in small amounts, such as
a bite or two.
Parents should not add another
new food for at least fi ve days.
This helps the parent see whether
the baby has an intolerance for
the food. Intolerance is a negative
physical reaction that eating a
certain food can cause. A food may
cause fussiness, a rash, or an upset
stomach. If the baby’s stools become
looser, more watery, or contain
mucous, parents should inform the
baby’s doctor.
Food intolerance among infants
often shows in one to four days.
Many doctors suggest waiting
until after the fi rst birthday to try
an offending food again. If babies
react to many foods, doctors can
test the baby and give him or her a
special diet.
Foods to Avoid
Babies should not eat some
foods, 11-3. For example, small or
hard foods may cause the baby to
choke. Some foods and beverages
may have too much sugar, sodium,
Foods Babies Should Not Eat
Choking
Raw, hard fruits and vegetables
(apples, berries, carrots, celery)
Thick-skinned fruits unless peeled
Marshmallows
Hard candy
Grapes and raisins
Hot dogs sliced in rounds (rounds
should be quartered)
Pretzels
Nuts and peanut butter
Whole kernel cooked corn and popcorn
Too much sugar
Cake, in excess
Candy, in excess
Cookies, in excess
Too much sodium
Saltine crackers, in excess
Little or no nutritional value
Artifi cially fl avored fruit drinks
Soft drinks
Hard to digest
Yeast or unpasteurized yogurt
Stimulants
Coffee
Tea
Soft drinks with caffeine
Cocoa
Depressant
Alcohol
11-3
Some foods are not good for a baby’s health.