Hot dogs are handy and easy to cook but how about for baby? A baby’s digestive system is said to be ready to eat solid foods by their fourth month. Some pediatricians still recommend waiting at least six months before baby eats solids. Whenever you decide to feed solids to your baby, it is best to know and understand what could be good and what could be bad for your little one.
Aside from being careful in choosing foods that might cause choking or any form of allergy to your baby, also pick foods that are high in nutritional value, such as vegetables and fruits. Let your baby also enjoy meal time by giving them a variety of foods. Some have considered giving their baby hot dogs every once in a while, but is this safe for your little one? They may be the favorite among children, but are they for babies?
Can I Give My Baby Hot Dogs? Answer: No
Hot dogs are undeniably one of the most popular foods among children because of the convenience they offer and the delicious taste they have. However, what nutrition do they provide? Hot dogs are high in fat, salt, and preservatives. They are also said to have chemicals and additives that could cause cancer and other diseases.
If they can be harmful to children, so much more so for babies who need more nutrition for their developing bodies. Also, with a baby’s still-developing digestive system, the high sodium and chemical content of hot dogs may affect baby’s little stomach. Aside from that, hot dogs are made of globs of meat that can choke your baby.
It is still best to turn to foods packed with vitamins and minerals. Your baby needs foods that are high in iron, fiber, potassium, carbohydrates, and other essential vitamins. Begin with rice cereal mixed with breast milk or formula, and then continue with pureed squash, bananas, potatoes, and pears. When they are ready, healthy finger foods may be served such as dry cereal, pasta, carrots, and banana pieces. These foods have been well-recommended by pediatricians because of the nutrition they provide. Foods that are high in salt and preservatives should be avoided, such as hot dogs.
A Note on Solid Foods
Introduction to solid foods is a critical part of baby’s growth. Their body is still growing and developing, which means that their body needs all the nutrition it can get from the food that they take in. What they I contributes to his overall development that is why iron-fortified rice cereals are recommended as a starter, followed by fiber-rich fruits and vegetables. There is no room for foods that have almost zero nutritional value such as processed foods. Hot dogs are considered to be a kind of processed food that contains cancer-causing ingredients. Aside from that, hot dogs also prove to be a major choking hazard.
Hot Dogs Are Tasty, But Definitely Unhealthy
Hot dogs are loved all over the world. Choose from a variety of pork, beef, chicken, or turkey—they are all delicious and tasty. An ordinary hot dog contains 137 calories, 12.4 grams of total fat, 23 milligrams of cholesterol, 507 milligrams of sodium, and other ingredients. Your baby might like the rich and satisfying taste of hot dogs, but would they give any nutritional value to your growing baby? On top of this high fat content, the preservatives and flavor enhancers are a different story. A chemical called sodium nitrate is also known to be found in hot dogs.
What is Sodium Nitrate and What Does it Do?
Sodium nitrate is a chemical compound used in preserving foods such as bacon, ham, lunch meats, and hot dogs. Aside from preventing food spoilage, it is also what preserves the color of the meat. Research says that this chemical forms nitrosamines, which are human carcinogens that could cause diseases such as cancer, Alzheimer’s, and Parkinson’s. Processed foods are said to increase the risk of colon cancer due to the sodium nitrate content. It is recommended that people should avoid taking in foods with this preservative, especially small children and pregnant women.
Stick To Healthy Foods For Your Little One
Introducing solid foods to your baby is a fun and exciting time. It is also a challenge because you have to ensure that they get all the nutrition they need apart from breast milk or formula. While it is tempting to give them food that you think their taste buds might like such as chips, french fries, or hot dogs, always evaluate if your child can get any benefit from them. Remember that fruits, vegetables, and other nutritious foods are still the best foods for your growing baby.