At the beginning of life, the baby's body cannot digest all kinds of food, especially food that even for adults is classified as poor. That is why, it is important for parents to pay attention to food intake for babies.
Now, to keep your baby healthy and avoid health problems both now and in the future, see some foods that are not recommended for babies in this article.
Various foods for babies that must be avoided
Salt
Actually, giving salt to the food of babies under the age of 1 year is not needed. Excessive salt intake can actually damage a baby's kidneys because his kidneys have not been able to process excess salt in his body. So, you don't have to bother adding salt to the food menu.
In addition to salt, avoid adding flavorings and sauces to baby food, because these products usually contain high enough salt. The dosage below may be used as a reference before you cook for family members, including your little one.
Based on the Ministry of Health's Republic of Indonesia Mineral Adequacy Rate, the maximum amount of salt recommended for infants and children is:
- 1-3 years: 1 gram per day
- 4 - 6 years: 1.2 grams per day
- 7 - 9 years: 1.2 per day
- 10 years and above: 1.5 grams per day
Sugar
As with salt, sugar intake in food for babies under 1 year is not needed. This is because sugar intake will actually make your baby's food calories more and not good for the health of his teeth and mouth.
Even in some studies it is mentioned that if you eat too much sugar and sweet foods as a child, it will increase the risk of obesity and chronic diseases in children later on. That's why give sugar according to the daily sugar recommendations for children.
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), sugar consumption should not be more than 5 percent in the daily diet.
Honey
Although honey is known to have many benefits, unfortunately honey is not recommended for babies. Honey contains toxin-producing bacteria in the intestine which can cause botulism in infants.
For the good of children, don't give honey before they are 1 year old. Honey also contains sugar, so avoiding the consumption of honey can certainly prevent obesity and tooth decay in children.
All types of beans
All types of nuts, including peanuts, are not recommended for consumption by toddlers because nuts often make children choke. As long as it doesn't cause allergies, you can give them nuts after they are 6 months old. But remember! Beans must be crushed or ground into peanut butter first.
Saturated fat
Saturated fat is called "bad" fat. Avoid foods that contain high levels of saturated fats, such as fried foods, chips, and burgers and cakes. These types of foods contain saturated fats which are difficult for the body to digest, which in turn increases the risk of constipation or difficulty defecating.
Raw food
Food for babies that must be avoided is eating raw food. Exposure to salmonella bacteria contained in raw foods increases the risk of babies suffering from gastoenteritis. As a result, your child may develop symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, abdominal cramps, diarrhea, fever, headaches, chills, and blood in the stool.
Some foods that must be avoided are meat, poultry, and raw seafood. In addition, babies are not recommended to consume raw eggs.