What to Avoid

Lists of "foods to avoid" can become overwhelming. Some restrictions are essential for safety; others are preferences based on philosophy. Here's a clear-eyed categorization.

Truly Dangerous (Non-Negotiable)

Honey before 12 months Risk: Infant botulism (Clostridium botulinum spores) Why it matters: Infant digestive systems can't neutralize these spores. Botulism is rare but can be fatal. Even raw, organic, or fermented honey carries this risk.

Choking hazards (improperly prepared) See the self-feeding article for details, but key ones:
• Whole grapes, cherry tomatoes (quarter them)
• Hot dog rounds (slice lengthwise)
• Whole nuts (avoid until 3+)
• Globs of nut butter (spread thin)
• Popcorn (avoid until 4+)

High-mercury fish
• Shark, swordfish, king mackerel, tilefish
• Limit tuna (especially albacore)
• Safe alternatives: salmon, sardines, anchovies

Excessive salt before 12 months Immature kidneys can't process high sodium loads. No added salt; avoid high-sodium processed foods.

Strongly Recommended to Avoid

Seed oils (soybean, canola, sunflower, safflower, corn oil)

Why: High in unstable polyunsaturated fats that oxidize easily. Linked to inflammation and cellular damage.

Where they hide:
• Most commercial baby foods
• Restaurant cooking
• Packaged snacks
• Salad dressings

What to use instead: Butter, olive oil, coconut oil, animal fats.

Added sugars

Why: No nutritional value, displaces nutrient-dense foods, may establish unhealthy preferences.

Where they hide:
• "Organic" baby snacks
• Flavored yogurts
• Juice (even 100% fruit juice)
• Dried fruit in excess
• Baby cereals

What to do: Read labels obsessively. Choose unsweetened versions.

Processed baby foods (generally)

Why: Often contain seed oils, added sugars, fillers. Heat processing destroys nutrients. May contain heavy metals from processing.

Exceptions: Some high-quality brands with simple ingredients. But homemade is almost always better.

Low-fat dairy

Why: Babies need fat for brain development. Low-fat products remove the most valuable part.

What to do: Full-fat only. Whole milk yogurt, full-fat cheese, butter.

Reasonable to Limit or Delay

Gluten/wheat

The concern: Gluten sensitivity, potential gut irritation, phytic acid.

The nuance: Not everyone is sensitive. Properly prepared (sourdough with long fermentation) is more digestible.

Practical approach: Delay until 9-10+ months. Start with true sourdough. Watch for reactions.

Nightshades (tomatoes, peppers, potatoes, eggplant)

The concern: Can be inflammatory for some people. Alkaloids may irritate sensitive guts.

The nuance: Most babies tolerate them fine.

Practical approach: Introduce after 10-12 months. Potatoes are generally fine earlier. Tomatoes are more acidic—delay until 12 months.

High-histamine foods

The concern: Some babies react to histamine (fermented foods, aged cheeses, smoked meats).

Signs of sensitivity: Rashes, digestive upset, fussiness after high-histamine foods.

The nuance: Most babies handle histamine fine. Only restrict if you observe reactions.

Nuts and nut butters

The concern: Allergies, choking.

Current evidence: Early introduction (around 6 months, with precautions) may actually reduce allergy risk.

Practical approach: Introduce thinly spread nut butters early. Watch for reactions. Avoid whole nuts for choking.

Philosophically Avoided (Personal Choice)

These aren't dangerous—they're choices based on food philosophy.

Conventional produce

Some families prioritize organic to avoid pesticides. The "Dirty Dozen" list helps prioritize.

Reality: Conventional produce is still nutritious. Organic is ideal; conventional is acceptable.

Non-pastured animal products

Ideal: Pastured, grass-fed, organic. Reality: These are expensive and not universally available. Conventional animal foods are still nutritious.

Store-bought vs. homemade ferments

Store-bought ferments with live cultures are fine. Homemade offers control over process but isn't necessary.

Any grains at all

Some families avoid all grains. This is philosophical, not medically necessary for most babies.

At Social Situations

The question always arises: what about grandma's cooking? Birthday parties? Family gatherings?

Perspective:
• Occasional exposure to imperfect foods won't derail development
• Social connection around food has value
• Stress about food purity has costs too

Practical approach:
• Control what you can (your home, daily eating)
• Be flexible in social situations
• Avoid the truly dangerous (honey, choking hazards) always
• Let the occasional seed oil or sugar pass without drama

What to decline politely:
• Juice boxes
• Cookies and cake (offer sparingly after 12 months)
• Highly processed snacks

What to accept:
• Food made with love, even if not perfect
• The occasional french fry won't matter
• Grandma's cooking, which is usually better than commercial baby food anyway

The Core Principle

Avoidance lists can become obsessive. The goal is nourishment, not perfection.

Focus on what you add, not just what you avoid:
• A baby eating egg yolks, liver, bone broth, and vegetables is well-nourished even if they occasionally encounter seed oils.
• A baby eating only "clean" foods but missing nutrient-dense ones has bigger problems.

Hierarchy of importance: 1. Include nutrient-dense traditional foods 2. Avoid truly dangerous items 3. Minimize problematic industrial foods 4. Don't stress about occasional imperfection

The goal is a well-nourished baby with a healthy relationship to food—not a child who's never encountered a suboptimal ingredient.

Keep perspective. Feed well. Let go of perfection.