Food

40 Popular Foods Children Shouldn’t Be Fed

3. While popular, babies and toddlers shouldn’t eat marshmallows. A common component in both s’ mores and a large variety of sugary cereals, marshmallows should be… Trista - June 15, 2019

*Yummy, but dangerous for some little kids. Shutterstock*

3. While popular, babies and toddlers shouldn’t eat marshmallows.

A common component in both s’ mores and a large variety of sugary cereals, marshmallows should be avoided where possible. As a spongy substance, marshmallows are an obvious choking hazard and risk blocking a child’s airway. In addition to being a choking hazard, marshmallows are fluffy, sweet treats that are incredibly high in sugar, and not much else. Marshmallows offer very little nutritional value and can also increase a child’s taste preference for sugary treats. Increased consumption of sugary treats can then lead to tooth decay and possibly a refusal to eat their veggies. Their palettes should avoid sugary foods, so they do not become accustomed to them.

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*Although a popular holiday treats, eggnog is not suitable for children. Shutterstock*

2. Do not feed children raw eggs and raw egg products.

For similar reasons that children should avoid eating rare beef, they should also avoid raw eggs or products that contain raw eggs. Although most eggs in the United States are pasteurized, which removes many of the health risks, they still carry a risk of salmonella. Underdeveloped immune systems, such as those in children, have a hard time fighting should it be contracted. This means that children should never be fed raw cookie dough, eggnog, and running egg yolks. These risks are difficult for adults to fight off but more so for children who have an immune system that is not as strong.

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*Raw fish such as sushi can be a popular food among individuals. Shutterstock*

1. Like raw milk and egg products, children don’t need raw fish.

Sushi, sashimi, and poke are considered delicious, protein and omega-3 fatty acid packed foods. However, children should avoid eating any raw fish at all costs. There are many risks associated with eating raw fish that can be harmful to children. Eating raw fish contains potential hazards such as hepatitis, parasitic infections, and salmonella. The emerging, developing immune systems in children can’t always fight these risks. It is more important to be safe and not take the risk. Children’s immune systems have not fully developed, and issues such as hepatitis or salmonella are too intense for them to fend off.

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