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Foods and drinks to avoid before age 1

The CDC says not to give honey before 12 months, because it can cause botulism, and not to give cow's milk as a drink before 12 months. Babies under 12 months also shouldn't have fruit or vegetable juice, or unpasteurized milk, yogurt, cheese or juice. Under 2 years, the CDC says no added sugars and to avoid high-sodium foods.

Checked October 29, 2026.

Before 12 months

From the CDC's Foods and Drinks to Avoid or Limit
AvoidWhy the CDC gives
Honey, in any formIt can cause botulism. Don't add it to food, water, formula or a pacifier.
Cow's milk as a drinkIt may cause intestinal bleeding, has too much protein and minerals for infant kidneys, and lacks needed nutrients.
Fruit and vegetable juiceBabies under 12 months shouldn't drink any.
Unpasteurized juice, milk, yogurt and cheeseThey can carry harmful bacteria.

Before 24 months

  • Added sugars, including sugar-sweetened drinks.
  • High-sodium foods, such as some canned foods, processed meats and frozen dinners.
  • Caffeinated drinks: soft drinks, tea, coffee and sports drinks.

Choking hazards the CDC names

  • Fruits and vegetables: whole corn kernels; uncut cherry or grape tomatoes; hard raw pieces such as raw carrots or apples; uncut grapes, berries, cherries or melon balls; raisins and other uncooked dried fruit.
  • Proteins: whole or chopped nuts and seeds; spoonfuls or chunks of nut butter; tough or large meat chunks; hot dogs, meat sticks and sausages; large cheese chunks, especially string cheese; bones in meat or fish; whole beans.
  • Grains: cookies, granola bars, chips, pretzels, popcorn; crackers or breads with seeds, nut pieces or whole kernels.
  • Sweets: round or hard candy, jelly beans, gummies, chewy fruit snacks, gum, marshmallows.

The CDC says its list may not include every hazard.

How the AAP says to prepare food

  • Cut food for infants and young children into pieces no larger than one-half inch.
  • Spread nut butter thinly instead of serving thick chunks.
  • Keep high-risk foods away from children until 4 years or older, depending on each child's development and maturity.
  • Have children sit down to eat. Never let them run, walk, play or lie down with food in their mouths. Watch every meal. Remember that older siblings may give dangerous foods to younger children.

Call your pediatrician if…

Your pediatrician knows your child. Call them if you have a worry about feeding or you are not sure what is right for your baby. These pages from the AAP and the CDC can also help:

Peabody editors write these pages from the sources below. We are not doctors, and this is not medical advice for your child.

Sources