Age changes some food and drink recommendations. This guide covers three assessed limits; the linked source provides broader guidance and qualifications.

Avoid honey before twelve months

Do not add honey to an infant’s food, formula, water, or pacifier before twelve months. The restriction includes small amounts because of infant botulism risk.

THE POINT TO REMEMBER

Avoid honey before twelve months.

Sources: CDC · Foods and Drinks to Avoid or Limit ↗

Do not replace infant milk feeds with cow’s milk

Before twelve months, cow’s milk is not recommended as the main drink replacing breast milk or infant formula. Using dairy in food is a separate question.

THE POINT TO REMEMBER

It does not replace an infant’s milk needs.

Sources: CDC · Foods and Drinks to Avoid or Limit ↗

Avoid unpasteurized milk

Unpasteurized milk can carry harmful germs and should not be given to young children. Check the product rather than assuming that being natural makes it suitable.

THE POINT TO REMEMBER

Unpasteurized foods can carry harmful germs.

Sources: CDC · Foods and Drinks to Avoid or Limit ↗

Read it. Try it. Come back to why.

Read one point at a time, then use the linked scenario to check your understanding. The practice is a chance to return to the explanation and reflect, rather than a measure of parenting ability.

Practise all 3 questions →