8 foods to avoid for children under 3

Due to their small size and still-developing bodies, nutrition is especially important for young children. However, when it comes to feeding preschoolers, not all foods are created equal. In fact, some foods can pose choking hazards or upset your child’s digestive system if introduced too soon. Read on for eight common foods to avoid when preparing meals and snacks for a child under three.

1. Unpasteurized dairy products:

It is important to avoid unpasteurized dairy products, such as raw milk, cheese and yogurt, for young children under 3 years old. This is because these products can contain dangerous bacteria, such as Listeria monocytogenes, which can cause severe food poisoning in this age group and even lead to death in rare cases. It is therefore best to stick to pasteurized dairy products for young children.

2. Undercooked or raw eggs:

Raw or undercooked eggs contain salmonella bacteria, which can cause serious or even fatal food poisoning. This can be particularly dangerous for children under three, whose immune systems are generally weaker than those of older children and adults, meaning they are less able to fight off the bacteria. To avoid any risk of illness, it is best to never give raw or undercooked eggs to your little one as this can lead to food poisoning which can seriously interfere with their daily activities.

3. Some species of fish:

Fish such as shark, swordfish, king mackerel, tilefish and bigeye tuna should be prohibited for children under 3 years of age as these species can contain high levels of mercury, which can be toxic if consumed in large quantities by very young children.

4. Vegetable milks:

It is well known that plant milks can be a valuable source of plant-based protein, but should not be given to children under three years of age. Plant-based milks are often lower in essential nutrients such as iron and calcium than regular cow’s milk and are not considered suitable substitutes for nurturing the growth and development of young children. Additionally, some almond or rice milks also contain higher amounts of natural sugars, which can be problematic for young children. Under these conditions, it is worth considering alternatives such as lactose-free cow’s milk or goat’s milk specially designed for young children.

5. Hard candies:

Sweet treats like hard candies pose a choking hazard to babies and young children, as they may accidentally swallow them without chewing them properly or get them stuck in their throats trying to eat them too quickly. It is therefore best to avoid hard candies when feeding babies and children under 3 years of age.

6. Too much salt or sugar:

While small amounts of either ingredient are normal in a balanced diet for children over 4 months old, it is important not to give children under 3 years old foods that contain excessive levels of salt. or sugar (including processed snacks), as this could lead to long-term health issues like obesity and heart disease later in life if done regularly during this training period.

7. Honey :

Honey can be sweet and delicious, but it’s not safe for young children. Infants do not have the enzymes needed to break down the bacteria in honey, so consuming it can be dangerous. Despite its desirability and sweetness, it is important to avoid giving honey to children under three years of age. It can cause botulism, a serious disease caused by a nerve toxin that can lead to fatal paralysis if left untreated. Parents should be careful and keep their children away from honey until they reach the age of three, so that they stay healthy and happy!

8. Beans and peas:

Legumes, like beans and peas, are an essential part of a healthy diet. However, due to their texture and size, they may pose a choking hazard to children under 3 years of age. Small pieces of some legumes may be too big or too sticky for toddlers who are still learning to chew and swallow. As a precaution, parents should avoid offering these types of foods to young children until they have mastered the art of eating solid foods. It’s a good idea to introduce other protein-rich meal sources, such as soft tofu or scrambled eggs. Served correctly, legumes can provide a whole range of vitamins and minerals that all ages can benefit from!