Babies under six months old cannot digest complicated foods other than breast milk since their digestive system is still developing. Breast milk is the best nutrition for babies under six months.

Diarrhea, nutritional deficiencies, reduced milk production, botulism, obesity, and other chronic diseases can result from giving newborns foods or drinks other than breast milk before 6 months.

Foods and drinks to avoid for babies before six months

The following foods and drinks should not be given to newborns under 6 months old:

Water

Although water is considered healthy, newborns under 6 months old should not be given it for the following reasons:

• Breast milk or formula milk can fulfill a baby's fluid needs exclusively during the first six months of life
• Avoid giving the baby too much water, since this can cause electrolyte imbalance
• Overhydration increases the risk of water poisoning, which manifests as lethargy, vomiting, convulsions, and coma
• Excessive water consumption in infants results in inadequate nutrient intake.
• Giving water to infants before 6 months may lead to gastrointestinal issues such as diarrhea and constipation.

Honey

Due to a higher risk of infantile botulism, honey should not be given to infants under one year of age. Infantile botulism is a severe disease caused by the bacterium Clostridium botulinum.

Toxins produced by these bacteria in the developing intestines of the newborn can lead to a variety of symptoms, including anaemia, respiratory distress, paralysis, and potentially death.

Sugar

Sugar is not recommended for newborns under 6 months and children under 2 years. Sugar is high in calories but lacks nutrients for newborn development. Obesity, diabetes, and heart disease can result from feeding newborns sugary meals and drinks.

The consumption of sugar in foods and drinks can lead to a sudden increase in blood sugar levels, followed by a significant decrease. This, in turn, has an impact on a child's energy levels and concentration.

Salt

Salt should not be given to babies under six months. Salt can put an extra burden on the baby's kidneys, which are not yet fully developed. Babies under 6 months of age normally gain all of their sodium from breast milk or formula, so they don't require salt.

Furthermore, salt increases the risk of high blood pressure and other health problems.

Similarly, infants between the ages of 7 and 12 months can still receive salt through breastfeeding or formula feeding. They do not require food that contains more salt. It is recommended to introduce salt into a child's diet only after they have reached the age of 1 year.

Babies shouldn't get their first solid food until they're at least six months old, according to doctors. The digestive tract of a newborn is not fully developed until around six months of age; thus, it is not recommended to feed them solid foods before then. A doctor will recommend and assess whether a baby is ready to begin solid food at 4 months old.

Still uncertain about providing complementary breastmilk foods for your child? If you need medical advice or consultation, you can either visit a doctor or make use of the consultation features that are available in the Ai Care application by downloading the Ai Care application from the App Store or Play Store

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