Generally children can eat pretty much any food from the age of 6 months old, with the exception of below.
Salt
Babies should not eat too much salt, therefor try to keep their intake to a minimum. For more information click here (link to “How much salt should baby have?” Page)
Sugar
Babies and young children do not need extra sugar in their diet and introducing high sugared foods from an early age could allow them to grow a preference for these tastes, reducing the possibility of them learning to enjoy a well-balanced diet. Sugar foods also run the risk of decay of their teeth, therefor keep the intake to a minimum. Rebecca’s meals have been developed to be low in sugar, but the added sugars are always optional and can be reduced or removed if serving to very little ones.
Honey
Honey cannot be served to babies under one, due to the risk of infant botulism, which in some but rare cases can cause unfortunate death. Therefor avoid serving food to babies under the age of 12 months, which has any traces of honey in it, even if the product has been cooked. Ensure to look out for the ingredients on food packaging as some low sugar food products often use honey as a healthier alternative.
Saturated Fat
Foods that are high in saturated fat like traditionally baked cakes and biscuits are high in saturated fat, and not good for children or adults. Try to keep this intake to a minimum, all of Rebecca’s recipes have been developed to be low in saturated fats.
Whole nuts
Whole nuts must not be served to children under the age of 5 as this is a choking hazard. Instead, opt for finely crushed or nut butters like peanut or almond butter.
Nuts can and should be served from 6 months of age, and in recent years there has been studies showing the delayed introduction of nuts can possibly bring on an allergy. If there is a worry of an allergy or have previous history of food allergies in your family, consult your doctor before serving to little ones.
If you notice a reaction, seek medical assistance.
Raw or partially cooked eggs
Children from 6 months old can be served eggs, they are a fantastic source of protein and full of good fats. However, raw or lightly cooked eggs can be unsafe for babies, with the risk of food poisoning.
Unless the egg is British Lion Stamped which is checked to be safe to consume, then fully cook till the yolk is firmly set before serving. This applies also to duck, goose or quail eggs too.
Be mindful that some shop bought products like mayonnaise is made with raw eggs, so always look out for that reassurance from the British Lion stamp.
Uncooked mould ripened cheese
Cheese is a fantastic source of calcium, protein and vitamins, and babies from 6 months of age can eat pasteurised cheese like cheddar, cottage cheese and cream cheese. However, you must avoid mould ripen cheese for babies and young children, like brie or Camembert, or ripened goats milk cheese. There is a higher risk of a bacteria called listeria in these cheeses which could cause food poisoning for little ones.
However, in most cases, these cheeses can be used as part of cooked recipes as the listeria is killed in the cooking process, in foods like baked Camembert, ensure the food is piping hot throughout before serving.
Rice milk drinks
Children under the age of 5 should not consume rice drinks as there is a risk that they contain high levels of arsenic. Rice as a grain can be served to children from 6 months as the arsenic levels are monitored in the EU.
Some fish
Avoid serving raw or partially cooked shellfish like mussels as there is an increased risk of food poisoning. And avoid serving shark, swordfish, and marlin to babies all together as they contain too high levels of mercury which can affect the development of baby’s nervous system.
NHS British guidance, for further information consult your health provider.