Weaning is an exciting time but what foods should you avoid feeding your baby in their first few months of solids? Having lived on sterile liquid for the first few months of life and with more fragile digestive systems than adults babies need to have a more carefully planned diet than older children or adults.

After the first year babies can eat almost any food but until then try to avoid the below;

• Eggs can be introduced from 7 months as long as fully cooked through. Keep a cautious eye on homemade mayonnaise, mouse and ice cream as these can often contain raw egg
• Reduce the risk of your baby developing coeliac disease is reduced by avoiding foods containing gluten, such as wheat, rye and barley-based foods.
• Anything containing caffeine. Especially tea which contains tannin and so hinders iron absorption
• Soft cheeses and liver pate
• Anything containing artificial sweetener
• For babies with family members who suffer from allergies peanuts and sesame seeds should be avoided as they are said to increase the risk of eczma, asthma and food allergies. Some doctors advise not to introduce them until baby is 3 years old.
• Limit sugar and salt intake. Especially salt. Look out for hidden salt in food such as porridge.
• Avoid cow’s milk products
• Avoid shellfish and mercury rich fish such as tuna
• Avoid honey as it is un-pasteurised and can contain botulism