FOODS TO AVOID

The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends you begin introducing solid foods to your baby around six months of age to ensure she receives proper nutrition. While you are preparing for this momentous milestone, keep in mind there are a number of foods you should not give your baby until she is older, including:

Wheat: Wheat is the most common grain allergen so you should not give your baby wheat or wheat products until she is six to eight months old and can handle rice and oats.

Honey: Honey can harbor spores of botulism, which can grow and produce life-threatening toxins in your baby's intestinal tract. Do not give your baby honey until she is older than one year.

Cow's Milk: Giving a baby cow's milk too early can cause childhood allergies. Wait to introduce cow's milk until she is one year old.

Eggs: Infants older than nine months can have egg yolks, but wait until your baby is older than one year to give her the protein-rich whites.

Citrus: Check with your pediatrician before giving citrus juice to your baby as it can cause allergies.

Peanuts: Peanuts and peanut butter can cause violent allergic reactions and shouldn't be given to children younger than 3 years old.