Foods to avoid

Newborn to 4 or 6 months
All solid food:
The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that you feed your baby only breast milk or formula for the first four to six months.

Foods to avoid: 4 to 12 months
Citrus: Introducing citrus juices before age 1 may provoke an allergic reaction, especially if allergies run in your family.

Egg whites: You can give egg yolks to your baby now, but wait a year on the protein-rich whites because he may be allergic to them. In fact, if you think he may be at high risk for allergies, you might even delay giving your baby the whites until he's 2.

Honey: Honey can harbor spores of Clostridium botulinum (botulism). An adult's intestinal tract can prevent the growth of these spores, but in a baby the spores can grow and produce life-threatening toxins.

Peanut butter: Peanuts are highly allergenic. Rather than risk a violent allergic reaction, wait until your child is a year old before introducing peanut butter. If you or your mate has peanut allergies, wait until your child is at least 3 before giving him a PB&J.

Wheat or wheat products: Most babies can handle wheat (cereal, breads) when they're about 6 to 8 months old, but wheat is the most common grain allergen, so if you're concerned about allergies, it might be a good idea to wait until your baby is 1.

Shellfish: Because it can be highly allergenic, experts recommend delaying shellfish in your baby's diet until reached his first birthday (or until he's between 3 and 4 years old if you suspect he's susceptible to allergies).

Tree nuts (like pecans and walnuts): If you think your baby is at risk for allergies, you might want to wait until he's 3 or 4 before giving him nuts; otherwise he can probably handle them when he's 1, as long as they're pureed in food or in nut butters. (Pieces of nuts pose a choking hazard.)