Christmas is a magical time of year filled with family, friends, and, of course, festive feasting. However, as tempting as it may be to share the Christmas cheer - and food - with your little one, there are some foods on the table that might not be safe for your baby. Whether it’s a choking hazard, an allergen risk, or a food poisoning concern, it’s important to know what to look out for.
Here’s a breakdown of common Christmas foods that might pose risks to your bub, along with tips to keep mealtime safe and stress-free.
Honey and Honey-Glazed Foods
Ham
Ham often comes with a honey glaze, which may seem harmless to older kids and adults, but for babies under 12 months, honey can pose a serious risk of infant botulism. This rare but severe illness is caused by bacteria that can grow in a baby’s underdeveloped gut.
Glazed Veggies
Honey isn’t just on ham - it can sneak on top of those delicious looking roasted veggies too. Be sure to double check if honey has been added to the glaze before offering bub a taste of those carrots or sweet potatoes.
Salad Dressings
Also be aware that some homemade dressings and sauces can contain honey so always check with whoever made it that there is no honey in it before giving to bub.
Foods with Raw Egg
Salad Dressings
Festive salads often come dressed to impress, but some dressings, like mayonnaise, can contain raw egg. Raw egg poses a higher risk of salmonella, which can lead to food poisoning - a risk you definitely don’t want to take with a baby.
Potato Salad
Potato salad is another Christmas staple that might include mayonnaise made with raw egg. If you’re unsure about the ingredients, it’s best to skip sharing this dish with bub.
Desserts and Sweet Treats
Alcohol in Desserts
That Christmas pudding or trifle might be tempting for bub, but desserts infused with alcohol - even if baked - can still retain traces of it. It’s safest to steer clear of desserts with any alcohol content when offering food to your baby.
Small Chocolates
Beware of M&M’s, Smarties, or similar small chocolates that may be scattered around the Christmas table or tucked into gift bags. These pose a serious choking hazard for little ones who might grab them before you notice.
Hard Lollies (like Candy Canes)
Hard candies, including festive candy canes, are another common choking risk. Keep these well out of bub’s reach and ensure others know they aren’t suitable for little ones under four.
Marshmallows
While they might seem soft and harmless, marshmallows can compress in a baby’s throat, creating a choking risk. It’s best to avoid these entirely for kids under four.
Cheese and Meat Platters
Soft Cheeses
Cheese platters are a holiday favourite, but be cautious with soft cheeses like brie or camembert, especially if they’ve been sitting out for a while. These cheeses can harbour bacteria such as listeria, which is dangerous for babies and pregnant mums alike.
Meats Left Out Too Long
Similarly, any cold meats on the platter that have been sitting at room temperature for too long can become a foodborne illness risk. Make sure bub avoids these.
Nuts, Seeds, and Small Fruits
Nuts and Nibbles
A bowl of mixed nuts might look harmless on the coffee table, but for babies, these are a major choking hazard. Keep an eye out for wandering little hands near any nut bowls.
Fruit Platters
Whole grapes, cherries, and berries like blueberries and small strawberries can also pose choking risks due to their size and shape. Always prepare and slice these fruits into small, manageable pieces before offering them to your baby.
Allergens
Allergens in Festive Foods
Christmas is often a time for trying new dishes, but it’s not the ideal moment to introduce your bub to new allergens. Stuffing, desserts, or baked goods might contain common allergens like nuts, eggs, or dairy. If your baby hasn’t had exposure to these ingredients yet, it’s better to wait until after the holidays to introduce them in a controlled environment.
Set Boundaries with Family and Friends
As much as family and friends mean well, they might not realise the risks of offering your baby a taste of their plate. Make sure you let everyone know to check with you before giving bub any food. A simple reminder can go a long way in avoiding accidental exposure to unsafe foods.
How to Keep Bub Safe at Christmas
To help you navigate the festive season with peace of mind:
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Supervise Meals: Always keep an eye on your baby when they’re eating.
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Check Ingredients: Double-check the ingredients of any dish before offering it to your baby.
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Cut Foods Properly: For fruits and vegetables, cut them into small, baby-safe pieces.
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Create a Safe Eating Space: Keep your baby seated in a highchair for meals, away from the table edges or low counters where they can reach for food.
Christmas is a time for joy and celebration, but it’s also important to be mindful of the foods on the table that could pose risks for your little one. By staying aware of choking hazards, allergens, and food poisoning risks, you can ensure that your baby has a safe and happy holiday season.
Remember, a little extra caution now will help make sure your Christmas is full of smiles and laughter - without any unnecessary trips to the doctor!
