A baby’s digestive system isn’t as developed as older children’s. What is completely fine for a child to eat further on down the line, can have enormous negative effects if introduced too early. So it isn’t always a matter of the substance, it’s a matter of timing.
Most fruits and vegetables are fine for a 7-8 month old baby, but keep in mind that citrus fruits can cause a painful diaper rash. Also beets and spinach, although other wise a good choice of vegetable, should be avoided until the toddler stage. These veggies have a high concentration of nitrates that may reduce hemoglobin. Hemoglobin is essential for the transportation of oxygen around the body.
As adults, we seem to assume that a baby has the same preferences to salt and sweet as us. Nothing could be further from the truth. What they do not know, they do not miss. Salt can be harmful for their small kidneys. Sugar can lead to tooth decay, even before their first teeth arrive. And if you think that honey is a natural alternative to refined sugar, think again. Honey may carry spores of botulism, which can cause a serious infection in a baby’s stomach.
If introduced at too young of an age, certain types of food or drink could cause the child to develop food allergies. A baby under one year of age should not be feed egg whites or foods and drinks containing high levels of cow’s milk. Egg yolks, cheese and yogurt can gradually be introduced after the baby is 10 months. Families with food allergies or intolerances should wait as long as possible before introducing eggs and dairy products.
So be patient. In time, the heartbreaker will be able to stomach most everything.
Stay Safe!