Revised: Monday April 11 2011
Safety and Allergies
Safety |
Allergies
Safety
How do I keep baby's food safe?
Homemade baby food
- Serve freshly made baby food right away.
- Put a small amount in a bowl before serving.
- Throw out any food that has come in contact with your baby’s saliva.
- Freshly made baby food can also be stored in a covered container in the fridge for 2-3 days.
- You can store baby food in a fridge freezer for 2 months or a deep freezer for 6 months.
Store-bought baby food
- Check the “best before” date on store-bought baby food by reading the label or looking for it on the bottle.
- Make sure the safety seal on the jar of store-bought baby food is not broken.
- Listen for a popping sound when you open a jar of baby food because this means that the jar has never been opened.
- Put the food for your baby into a bowl. The remaining food in the jar can be stored in the fridge for 2-3 days.
- Throw out any food that has come in contact with your baby's saliva.
How do I keep my baby safe?
- Babies can choke easily so always stay with your baby while she is eating.
- Sit your baby up straight and in a high chair.
- Buckle the seat belt on the high chair to help keep your baby safe.
- Stop feeding your baby if she is crying or laughing.
- Never force your baby to eat.
- Do not feed your baby in a moving car.
Foods to Avoid:
- Certain foods that are hard or crunchy can block your baby’s airway and cause choking
- These foods should not be given to children under 4
- Here are some examples:
- Chunky peanut butter
- Hard candy
- Chewing gum
- Popcorn
- Nuts and seeds
- Do not give your baby honey because it can cause botulism (food poisoning).
- Fish that are high in mercury need to be limited to once a month (e.g. Swordfish, fresh or frozen tuna steak).
Allergies
What should I know about allergies?
If there is a family history of allergies:
- Your baby is more likely to have an allergy if one or both parents or brothers or sisters have allergies, asthma or eczema.
- Even if there is a family history of allergies to a food, you don’t have to wait to offer that food to your baby. Be more careful and watch for signs of allergies when you do offer it.
- Speak to your health-care provider.
If there is no family history of allergies:
- There is no reason to delay introducing foods.
- Watch for allergic reactions when you offer new foods.
For more information:
Region of Peel — Public Health
905-799-7700
Monday to Friday 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Caledon residents call free of charge at 905-584-2216
To speak with a Public Health Nurse
Baby's First Foods