Wednesday, August 26, 2009

Dangerous Foods for Children Younger than One

There are certain foods you should never give your baby, especially before they are one. Honey and corn syrup should never be given to a child under the age of one. The reason being is because of the spores they contain can cause Botulism, food poisoning. After your child turns one the botulism risk will decrease. Here are the signs for Infant botulism: Constipation (often the first sign)
Floppy movements due to muscle weakness, and trouble controlling the head
Weak cry
Drooping eyelids
Tiredness
Difficulty sucking or feeding
Paralysis
Call your pediatrician if you have any questions or concerns that your baby may have eaten raw honey or corn syrup. Botulism is treatable, even though it is considered serious.

Foods to avoid during the first year are due to choking hazards.
Raw carrots, peas and apples.
Raisins
Grapes
Nuts
Popcorn
Hot dogs(no matter how you slice them)
Corn Kernels
Hard candy

Some foods to avoid during the first year due to food allergies are:
Strawberries
Egg whites
Cow's milk
Wheat
Seafood
Citrus fruits
Tomatoes
Ice cream
Chocolate

If someone in your family has allergies to the food listed above, you should talk with your child’s dr. and ask when to introduce and what symptoms to look for.

Monday, August 24, 2009

Homemade baby food warning!

Here is something I learned that I had never heard of before. Beets, Carrots, Collard Greens, Green beans, Squash, Turnips and Spinach can contain high levels of nitrates and should not be made at home. However the jarred versions of Beets Carrots, Collard Greens, Green beans, Squash, Turnips and Spinach are fine to eat. Baby food companies monitor the nitrates from these vegetable to make sure that they do not get to high. Please check with your pediatrician to find out more information on making homemade vegetables that are high in nitrates. I found that only one infant death has been reported on this type of poisoning. So be careful and talk with your child's doctor.