Foods to avoid at 7 to 9 months

Your baby is able to cope with an increasing range of tastes and textures, but play it safe by steering clear of these potential problem foods

There are few foods that are off-limits for babies over the age of 6 months. You’re more likely to be limited by her own particular preferences than by a list of banned foods. But her gut is still maturing, so it’s advisable to introduce new foods gradually and watch closely for any reactions.

There are a few foods which are not recommended for babies at this stage, no matter how good an eater your little one is. So what should you cross off the shopping list for now?

Cheese

Don’t give soft, unpasteurised or blue cheeses in the first year due to risk of listeria – a rare but serious form of food poisoning.

Shellfish

Shellfish should be avoided until nine months as it could trigger allergies and is a major cause of food poisoning. If you do give shellfish, ensure it is fresh and well cooked: never give raw shellfish to a baby.

Kiwi fruit

Although it’s not officially counter-indicated for babies, kiwi is the fruit most likely to cause an allergic reaction, so you may want to avoid giving it to a sensitive baby at this stage.

Eggs

Hard-boiled or well-cooked eggs are safe from six months, but to avoid the risk of food poisoning, raw or undercooked eggs must not be given until your baby is 12 months old.

Nuts

Nuts can pose a choking hazard so you shouldn’t give your child whole or chopped nuts until the age of five. Seeds, nut butters or ground nuts can be introduced safely at this stage, but many experts advise against giving them before the age of three if you have a history of food allergy, hay fever, eczema or asthma in your family.

Pate

This should not be given until 12 months to avoid the risk of food poisoning.

Honey

Honey is not suitable for babies under a year old, as it can cause infant botulism, a potentially dangerous type of food poisoning that affects young babies.

Sugar

To minimise the risk of tooth decay or encouraging a sweet tooth, it’s best not to add sugar to food. Also avoid giving too many sweet foods and drinks, such as biscuits, fruit juice and squash, and sugary breakfast cereals.

Salt

Babies’ kidneys are too immature to process salt and it can also contribute to dehydration, so it shouldn’t be added to food before 12 months. Salt is found in a surprising number of unexpected places, so read the ingredients on packaged food. Baby-specific food has very strict guidelines around salt and sugar content, and generally is very low in both of these.

Low fat or low calorie foods

Babies’ energy and growth needs mean they need full-fat, calorific foods. Avoid low calorie or diet foods, which may also contain artificial sweeteners and additives that have been linked by some studies to health and behavioural problems.

High fibre foods

Avoid giving high fibre foods like bran and too much wholemeal pasta and rice, as babies can get too full and not eat enough calories. High fibre foods may also interfere with your baby’s absorption of key nutrients.

Cow’s milk for drinking

Full-fat cow’s milk is safe to use in cooking and on cereal, but don’t offer it as a drink until 12 months. Compared to breastmilk and formula, it’s too low in fat, calories and nutrients for your growing baby’s needs.