Foods to Avoid

There are some foods that pose a high choking risk to your baby, depending on how it’s prepared, so it’s best to avoid these foods until your baby is developmentally ready, which may not be until 2-4 years of age for some foods.

• Hard, raw fruits and veggies (carrots, apples, celery, etc.)
• Whole cherry or grape tomatoes
• Whole cherries, berries, and grapes
• Melon balls
• Dried fruit (raisins, dates, prunes, etc.)
• Whole and chopped nuts, chunks of nut butters
• Large, tough chunks of meat
• Hot dogs and other meat sticks
• Fish with bones
• Large chunks of cheese
• Tough or hard breads
• Cookies, granola bars
• Popcorn
• Hard candy, jelly beans
• Marshmallows

Some other things to be aware of:

• Honey should be avoided until 1 year of age due to the risk of botulism.
• Undercooked foods like eggs or meat, which can pose a food-borne illness risk, should be avoided.
• Cow’s milk should not be introduced until 1 year of age unless used in baked goods.
• Unpasteurized dairy and lunchmeats should not be served due to the risk of listeria.
• Low-fat versions of foods (vs. full fat) should not be served because babies need fat for growth and development. 
• Foods high in salt and sugar can be harmful to babies’ health.