Having your baby start solids is an exciting time! Most foods will be safe for your baby to eat, while others can cause serious harm if given too early. These are the 6 items I always caution parents to avoid until appropriate; making sure their baby's safety and health come first.

1. Honey

Honey can cause a serious disease called " Botulism", in children younger than 12 months. Toxins from a bacteria called, "Clostridium Botulinum", attack the body's nervous system and results in muscle paralysis. This can lead to difficulty breathing or even death.

Foods to avoid include raw honey or any food containing honey ( yogurts with honey, cereals, crackers). " Honey Nut Cheerios" and " Honey Graham Crackers" are a definite no until your baby can safely consume them.

2. Unpastuerized Food /Drinks

3. Sugar

Foods with added sugar should not be given to your baby until 2 years of age. These include: muffins, flavored yogurts, cookies, sugar sweetened drinks, flavored water with sugar and juice drinks. Feeding large amounts of sugar before the age of 2, can lead to heart disease, obesity and high blood pressure. Using healthy alternatives like ripe bananas, apple sauce or dates, is the best way to avoid the extra sugar.

4. Salt

Large amounts of salt can have a negative impact on your child's health later on. The most common complications are high blood pressure ( yes, children can have high blood pressure!), and kidney problems. Cooking your baby's food with limited amounts of salt ( after 12 months) is important. Avoiding processed meats and canned foods is also helpful - especially until the age of 1. Your baby won't miss what they don't know!

5. Foods that are high in Mercury ( Think Fish)

While many types of fish are safe to eat and full of healthy nutrients, others are best to avoid. High levels of mercury can cause damage to your baby's brain and nervous system. If you and your family are avid fish lovers, here's some information for making sure the fish your baby eats is safe to consume.

6. Cow's Milk

Feeding you baby cow's milk before they turn 1, can lead to serious digestive complications. Due to high levels of proteins and minerals, a baby's kidney's doesn't yet have the capacity to deal properly filtrate those items. Additionally, cow's milk lacks the proper nutrients your baby needs to grow! Formula and/or breastmilk are the best things a baby should drink until their first birthday.

As your baby grows and their digestive system matures, they will be able to experience all the foods you eat. Until then, keeping your child's rapidly developing body safe and healthy is the main goal. Healthy eating habits begin early on. Gifting your child the tools they need to make healthy choices, is a gift that will always keep on giving.