LabelBaby ingredient guide
Which ingredients should babies avoid in the first year?
The first year is when a baby's gut, kidneys and immune system are least able to handle certain ingredients. Each entry below explains why it is rated Avoid or Caution for 0–12 months, reviewed and signed by a named reviewer.
20 reviewed ingredient guides. Looking for older or younger? See the 12–24 months guide.
Avoid
- Is Any sunscreen under 6m safe for 0–12-month-olds?FDA and AAP advise against using any sunscreen on infants under 6 months. Keep young in...
- Is BPA can lining baby food safe for 0–12-month-olds?BPA migrates from epoxy can linings into food, especially when heated; associated with ...
- Is DEET over 30pct safe for 0–12-month-olds?AAP recommends no insect repellent of any kind for infants under 2 months; and a maximu...
- Is Essential Oil diffuser near infant safe for 0–12-month-olds?Diffusing essential oils in enclosed spaces where infants are present creates concentra...
- Is Fluoride toothpaste excess safe for 0–12-month-olds?Regular swallowing of fluoride toothpaste by infants can cause dental fluorosis. AAP an...
- Is Formaldehyde safe for 0–12-month-olds?IARC has classified it as a Group 1 concern. A respiratory and skin sensitizer that can...
- Is HFCS safe for 0–12-month-olds?High fructose content contributes excess sugar calories with no nutritional benefit; AA...
- Is High Mercury Fish safe for 0–12-month-olds?Fish with high methylmercury content should be avoided entirely for this age group. FDA...
- Is Honey safe for 0–12-month-olds?Not recommended for infants under 12 months. Bacterial spores that an infant's immature...
- Is Melamine in formula safe for 0–12-month-olds?Melamine adulteration of infant formula was linked to widespread kidney problems in inf...
- Is MSG safe for 0–12-month-olds?An excitatory amino acid; the infant brain has an underdeveloped protective barrier. AA...
- Is Parabens in baby products safe for 0–12-month-olds?Estrogenic compounds absorbed through infant skin; associated with hormonal development...
- Is Peanuts whole safe for 0–12-month-olds?Whole peanuts present a choking concern and are a top allergen. Smooth peanut paste may...
- Is PFAS food packaging baby safe for 0–12-month-olds?PFAS compounds in grease-proof food packaging may migrate into baby food. EPA recommend...
- Is Phenoxyethanol in baby prod safe for 0–12-month-olds?FDA issued a specific safety warning after reports of reduced alertness and vomiting in...
- Is Red 40 safe for 0–12-month-olds?Part of the Southampton Six artificial dyes; a major UK FSA study associated these dyes...
- Is Secondhand Smoke exposure safe for 0–12-month-olds?IARC classifies secondhand tobacco smoke as a Group 1 concern. Associated with SIDS, as...
- Is Sodium Lauryl Sulfate wipes safe for 0–12-month-olds?Disrupts the skin barrier in the sensitive genital area; associated with irritant conta...
- Is Synthetic Fragrance safe for 0–12-month-olds?A single term that may represent hundreds of undisclosed chemicals including phthalates...
- Is Titanium Dioxide food safe for 0–12-month-olds?EU prohibited this as a food additive in 2022 following an EFSA safety review that coul...
General feeding information, not medical advice. Talk to your pediatrician about your child's allergies and needs.
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