Nutrition
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Salt
Babies shouldn’t eat much salt, as it isn't good for their kidneys. Don't add salt to your baby’s food and don't use stock cubes or gravy, as they're often high in salt. Remember this when you’re cooking for the family, if you plan to give the same food to your baby.
Sugar
Your baby doesn’t need sugar. By avoiding sugary snacks and drinks (including fruit juice and other fruit drinks), you'll help to prevent tooth decay. Use mashed banana or other fruits, breast milk or formula milk to sweeten food, if needed.
Honey
Occasionally, honey contains bacteria that can produce toxins in a baby’s intestines, leading to infant botulism, which is a very serious illness. It’s best not to give your child honey until they’re one year old. Honey is a sugar, so avoiding it will also help to prevent tooth decay.
Nuts
Whole nuts, including peanuts, shouldn't be given to children under five, as they can choke on them. As long as there's no history of food allergies or other allergies in your family, you can give your baby peanuts once they're six months old, as long as they're crushed or ground into peanut butter.
'Low-fat' foods
Fat is an important source of calories and some vitamins for babies and young children. It’s better for babies and young children under two to have full-fat milk, yoghurt and cheese, rather than low-fat varieties. See What to feed young children for more information.
Saturated fat
Don't give your child too many foods that are high in saturated fat, such as crisps, biscuits and cakes. Checking the nutrition labels on foods can help you choose foods that are low in saturated fat. See more on food labels.
Shark, swordfish and marlin
Don't give your baby shark, swordfish or marlin. The amount of mercury in these fish can affect a baby’s growing nervous system.
Raw shellfish
Raw shellfish can increase the risk of food poisoning, so it’s best not to give it to babies.
Raw and undercooked eggs
Eggs can be given to babies over six months old, but make sure they're cooked until both the white and yolk are solid.