Some thought to safety is important when feeding an infant. From the earliest age parents have to worry about feeding foods that are too hot or food contamination. When the baby is older, parents need to consider if the food is a chocking hazard.

Here are a few tips to alleviate worry:

Stir foods that have been heated and test how hot it is. Touching the liquid or a drop of the food to the wrist is still an old favorite to see if a food is too hot for baby’s mouth.

If saving money and avoiding food waste is a goal, make sure to dish out small servings of baby food during meal time. To avoid illness from food contamination, do not feed a baby food that has been previously eaten and dispose of food older than 2 days.

Avoid foods that can cause choking. Most snack foods (popcorn, nuts, raisins and potato chips), certain cereals, including dry flake cereal, berries and grapes, raw vegetables and whole kernel corn, hot dogs, and peanut butter.

Use proper feeding utensils and drink contains to avoid choking during meal time in your baby or toddler. Smaller spoons should be used to feed babies and bottles with nipples or sippy cups should not cause choking.

The best tip of all is to be present when your baby or toddler is eating or drinking. It is important that you watch them and are aware if they are having any difficulties.

We’d love to hear your tips as well. Please leave a comment to share.