Food Safety for Babies and Toddlers

Because it’s always a good time to keep tiny tummies safe

Summer is just around the bend, and we are all looking forward to barbecues with family, picnics at the park and summer fruits and vegetables. But as the temperatures climb, so does the risk of foodborne illnesses–especially for our tiniest eaters. Food Safety for Babies and Toddlers.

Food safety is a priority for parents and caregivers of babies or toddlers all year round. Summer’s heat and the more relaxed routine of daily life can lead us to forget some basic things. Now is the time to review some practical, simple tips for keeping your child’s food safe and nutritious.

Let’s face it, our children are still developing their immune systems. What may cause mild discomfort in adults can lead to serious illness in them. Here is your comprehensive, friendly guide to 10 important food safety reminders that you should be aware of during this sunny season and every season.

Food Safety for Babies and Toddlers

1. Some foods are not baby-friendly.

Their immune system is still developing. This makes them more susceptible to bacteria, viruses and other contaminants in food.

Here is a list to avoid:

• Unpasteurised milk or juices: While the fancy artisanal cheeses or freshly pressed juices may seem healthy, they can contain pathogens such as Listeria or E. coli. Check labels and ask questions if you are unsure.
• Undercooked or raw eggs can contain Salmonella. Homemade mayo, cookie-dough, mousse and hollandaise are all good candidates for Salmonella.
• Raw shellfish and fish: While sushi and oysters are a tasty treat for adults and older children, they are not suitable for infants and toddlers. Wait until your child reaches an older age before introducing any raw seafood.
• Raw sprouts (like alfalfa, mung bean or mung bean). Although small, sprouts may contain bacteria that are difficult to remove. Wait until your child has grown up to give them.
• Rare meats or poultry: Food for children should be thoroughly cooked to kill harmful bacteria. At this age, pink meat should be avoided.
• Honey for babies younger than 12 months: Honey may contain spores that can cause infant botulism, a rare but serious illness. Honey is safe for babies over one.

What is a good rule of thumb to follow? It’s better to avoid an ingredient or a method of preparation if you aren’t 100% sure about its safety. It’s important to develop trust in food and not fear, but safety is always first.

2. It’s more than just washing your hands!

Yes, hand washing is important. It should be done before you prepare food, use the toilet, change nappies or handle pets. But the importance of handwashing doesn’t end there.

• Trim and clean your fingernails, especially your own. Bacteria under the nails can end up in baby food.
• Clean any surfaces that are used in food preparation, particularly after handling raw meat.
• Clean cutting boards, in particular wooden ones. Keep separate cutting boards for vegetables and raw meat.
• Wash reusable food containers, sippy cups, and utensils thoroughly–especially if they’ve been left in a warm car or bag.

Treat your kitchen as a mini-laboratory, because, in some ways, it is.

You may also like: Safe and Unsafe Foods in Pregnancy

3. Keep hot foods hot and cold foods cold

Temperature control is key to food safety. The “danger zone”, which is between 40°F and 140°F (or 5°C to 60degC), is where harmful bacteria thrive. This is when they multiply the fastest.

Avoid this:

• Serve foods hot immediately after cooking. If holding them for a long time, keep the temperature above 60 °C.
• Refrigerate leftovers as soon as possible. Ideally, within two hours.
• When you’re on the go, use insulated lunch bags and freezer packs. All baby food, milk or cheese sticks as well as cooked meat need to be kept chilled.
• Heat food to a piping-hot temperature (at least 74degC/165degF). Do not just heat it a little. It should be steaming hot. Allow the food to cool down before serving.

A tip: If you’re unsure of how long an item has been out, throw it away. Never take the risk.

4. Think Again About Cleaning Your Fridge

When was the last cleaning you did on your fridge? The summer is the perfect time to deep-clean your fridge and reset its habits. How to make your refrigerator a safe place for your child’s food:

• Place raw meat at the bottom of the container so that it does not drip on other food.
• Store dairy products, leftovers, and eggs in the coolest part (usually the back) of your fridge.
• Check expiry dates regularly, especially for baby formulas, yoghurts and snacks.
• Clean up spills as soon as possible. Give the refrigerator a thorough cleaning every month with a vinegar and water solution or a gentle cleaner.

It’s also a great time to check the reality of those half-used jars, opened containers of soft cheese or mysterious bags of greens in the back…

5. Safe food preparation starts with smart practices

Food safety is based on the principle of avoiding cross-contamination. This is what a kid-friendly kitchen looks like:

• Do not place cooked food on the same plate as raw food.
• Separate knives and cutting boards should be used for fruits and vegetables, meats and other foods.
• Thoroughly wash all produce, even if the label says “ready to eat” or “pre-washed”. Dirt and bacteria may remain.
• Do not wash raw chicken. You are more likely to spread bacteria in your sink than remove pathogens. The safest way to cook it is to thoroughly cook it.

The food safety process begins long before the meal is served on the highchair tray.

You may also like: Baby’s First Foods Guide

6. Take Care of Leftovers

Even though leftovers are a great way to save time, they do come with some safety precautions. This is especially true for infants and toddlers.

• Label the containers with dates to know how long you’ve had them in the refrigerator.
• Share leftover food within 3-4 days if it is adult food.
• Never reheat anything more than once.
• Do not refreeze food that has been thawed, unless the food was cooked after it thawed.

Remember that leftovers are meant to make your life easier and not more dangerous.

7. Pre-packaged foods and Pouches: Be cautious

While convenient, store-bought snacks and baby yoghurts can spoil or be contaminated.

• Check expiration dates and packaging integrity. Do not use if the bag is inflated or the seal has been broken.
• Refrigerate after opening, even if you don’t think it is necessary.
• Do not leave open pouches for long periods of time. If left out too long, even fruit-based pouches can develop bacteria.
• Do not share utensils with your mouth or jar, especially if you intend to store the remainder for later. Spit introduces bacteria to the food, which continue to grow when stored.

8. Take Care with Milk and Formula

Storage and preparation are important, whether you’re nursing, using formula or switching to cow’s dairy milk.

• Store breast milk expressed properly. You can store it in the refrigerator (up to 4 days), or freezer (up to 6 months).
• For babies younger than 3 months, prepare formula as instructed using sterile distilled water.
• Throw away any bottles that are not finished within one hour. It’s painful to waste milk, but bacteria can quickly multiply in milk that has been heated and partially consumed.
• Do not use the microwave for heating bottles. It can cause hotspots that burn. Instead, use a warm water bath or bottle warmer.

9. Teach Your Toddler Basic Food Hygiene (Yes, Even Now! )

It’s never too soon to teach your child good food hygiene.

• Teach your children to wash their hands before eating. Even if this is just a symbol dip, it will help.
• Do not allow them to pick up food on the floor, even if they announce with enthusiasm, “five-second rule!”
• Encourage eating while sitting. It’s not only safer to prevent choking, but it is also more hygienic.
• Get them involved in the food preparation process. Age-appropriate activities include washing fruits, stirring with supervision or setting the table.

They will continue to develop these habits and enjoy a lifetime of healthy eating.

10. Keep Calm and Do Not Be Paranoid

Last but not least, let’s remind ourselves that food safety is very important. However, it should not feel overwhelming. It’s not necessary to run a professional kitchen or throw out food when you have any doubts.

Trust your instincts, use common sense and follow good hygiene. When in doubt, it’s best to be cautious. You should also be aware that minor mistakes (a dropped fruit, a licking of cookie dough) can happen.

It is unlikely that harm will occur.

It’s not perfection that matters, but mindfulness. Your child will be protected from most risks by a clean, safe and well-organised kitchen.

Final Thoughts – Feed with Confidence and Care

It can be a challenge to feed toddlers and infants, let alone navigate food safety. With a few simple habits, you can serve nutritious meals to your children that are also safe.

Childhood is a time when food is important, not only for the growth of children, but also for their bonding, education, and enjoyment. Don’t hesitate to pack a picnic or make a smoothie, but remember these safety tips. You’ll be able to rest easy knowing that your child will have a healthy stomach.

Enjoy a safe and healthy summer, as well as a happy, healthy eating experience all year round.