- 1. Sweets
- 2. Chocolate and chocolate
- 3. Soft drinks
- 4. Industrialized and powdered juices
- 5. Honey
- 6. Filled cookies
- 7. Peanut
- 8. Egg, soy, cow's milk and seafood
- 9. Processed meats
- 10. Packet snacks
- 11. Gelatin
- 12. Sweeteners
Foods that should not be given to babies up to 3 years of age are those rich in sugar, fat, dyes and chemical preservatives, such as soft drinks, gelatin, candies and stuffed cookies.
In addition, it is also important to avoid foods that increase the risk of allergies until at least the first year of age, such as cow's milk, peanuts, soy, egg white and seafood, especially eggs.
Here are 12 foods that should be avoided by babies under 3 years old.
1. Sweets
Every child is born knowing how to appreciate the sweet taste, which is why it is important not to add sugar to baby's milk or porridge and not to offer even sweeter foods, such as candies, chocolates, condensed milk and cakes.
In addition to increasing addiction to the sweet taste, these foods are also rich in artificial colors and sugars, which can cause allergies in the baby.
2. Chocolate and chocolate
Chocolates, in addition to being rich in sugar, also contain caffeine and fat, increasing the risk of problems such as being overweight, irritability and insomnia.
Chocolate products, in spite of being enriched with vitamins and minerals, are also mainly made of sugar, leaving the child addicted to sweets and less willing to eat healthy foods, such as fruits and vegetables.
3. Soft drinks
In addition to being high in sugar, they also often contain caffeine and other chemical additives that cause mood swings and irritate the stomach and intestines.
When consumed frequently, soft drinks also favor the appearance of cavities, increase the production of gases and increase the risk of diabetes and childhood obesity. See the harms of soda for children.
4. Industrialized and powdered juices
It is very important to avoid any type of powdered juice and be aware of the label of industrialized juices, because those that have the words refreshment or fruit nectar are not 100% natural juices and do not bring all the benefits of the fruit.
Thus, the only juices recommended for children are those with 100% natural indication, as they have no added water or sugar. In addition, it is important to remember that fresh fruit is always the best choice.
5. Honey
Honey is contraindicated for babies up to 1 year of age, as it may contain the bacterium Clostridium botulinum, which releases toxins in the intestine causing botulism, which brings complications such as difficulty swallowing, breathing and moving, which can lead to death.
This is because the baby's intestinal flora is not yet fully formed and strengthened to fight foreign microorganisms that contaminate food, it is important to avoid using any type of honey. Know how to identify the symptoms of botulism in the baby.
6. Filled cookies
The stuffed cookies are rich in sugar and fat, ingredients that are harmful to health and that increase the risk of problems such as obesity and diabetes.
In addition, the stuffed cookies can also contain cholesterol and trans fats, and just 1 unit is enough to exceed the fat recommendations for the baby.
7. Peanut
Oil fruits such as peanuts, chestnuts and nuts are allergenic foods, which means that they are at high risk of causing the baby to develop allergies and have serious problems, such as difficulty breathing and swelling of the mouth and tongue.
So, it is recommended to avoid these fruits until the age of 2, and pay attention to the food label to see if they are contained in the product's ingredients.
8. Egg, soy, cow's milk and seafood
Just like peanuts, egg whites, cow's milk, soybeans and seafood can also cause allergies in the baby, and should only be given after the child's first year of life.
In addition, it is important to avoid foods and preparations that contain in their composition, such as cakes, cookies, yogurts and risottos.
9. Processed meats
Processed and processed meats such as sausage, sausage, bacon, ham, salami and bologna are rich in fats, dyes and chemical preservatives that increase cholesterol, irritate the intestines and can cause abdominal pain.
10. Packet snacks
Packaged snacks are rich in salt and fat due to frying, making consumption of these foods help to increase the risk of cardiovascular problems, such as high blood pressure.
As an option, a tip is to make the chips at home, using fruits or vegetables that can be dehydrated in the oven or in the microwave, such as potatoes, sweet potatoes and apples. Here's how to make healthy sweet potato chips.
11. Gelatin
Gelatines are rich in dyes and preservatives that can trigger skin allergies in the baby, causing symptoms such as itching, runny nose and skin blemishes.
Ideally, they should be given only after the first year of life, and only in small quantities once a week, always paying attention to the appearance of signs of allergies. See other symptoms here.
12. Sweeteners
Sweeteners should only be given to children of any age if they are recommended by the doctor or in the case of diseases such as diabetes.
Replacing sugar with a sweetener does not help reduce addiction to sweet taste, and the child will continue to prefer to eat foods high in sugar. So, to sweeten vitamins, milks or yogurts, you can add fresh fruits, for example.