Foods to avoid under 1 year

Honey is off-limits until 12 months — including cooked into products — because of the risk of infant botulism. Cow's milk as a main drink is also off-limits under 12 months (though yogurt and cheese in food are fine); it's low in iron and can cause micro-bleeding in the young intestine. High-mercury fish (shark, swordfish, king mackerel, tilefish) should be avoided at any age; salmon, cod, and sardines are safer. Skip juice entirely, even 100% juice — it teaches a strong preference for sweet drinks without nutritional benefit. Salt and added sugar are largely unnecessary at this age. Season baby's portion separately before adding salt to the family meal, and keep sweeteners out of purees. Their taste preferences are being shaped now.