The introduction of solid foods is an exciting yet often challenging milestone for new parents. Among the most common questions facing families in the United States and globally is whether babies under 12 months can, or should, be introduced to spices and seasonings.

While the primary source of nutrition remains breast milk or formula, the guidance from pediatricians and major health organizations is clear: Strictly avoid certain seasonings, but embrace a variety of healthy fats and gentle flavors.

🛑 The “Big Three” Seasonings to Avoid Completely

Pediatric nutrition experts strongly advise parents to eliminate three key ingredients from a baby’s diet, even in small amounts, until they are at least one year old.

1. Salt (Sodium)

• The Risk: A baby’s kidneys are still immature and cannot effectively process excessive sodium. The necessary amount of sodium for this age group is already present in breast milk, formula, and whole foods (meat, fish, vegetables).
• Recommendation: Adding table salt, soy sauce, fish sauce, or bouillon cubes to a baby’s meal is strongly discouraged. Excessive sodium intake can burden the kidneys and contribute to the formation of unhealthy salty food preferences later in life.

2. Added Sugars

• The Risk of Even “Just a Little Bit”: While a tiny amount of sugar might not cause acute harm, experts recommend avoiding all added sugars for children under two years old. Sugars provide empty calories, offering energy without essential nutrients like vitamins and minerals.
  • Nutrient Displacement: Since a baby’s stomach is small, sugary foods can lead to premature satiety, potentially displacing nutrient-dense foods vital for growth, increasing the risk of micronutrient deficiencies (like iron or zinc).
  • Habit Formation: Early exposure to sweetness can foster a preference for sugary foods, setting the stage for obesity and chronic diseases later in life.
  • Dental Health: Sugar promotes the growth of bacteria that cause tooth decay, even in newly emerging teeth.
• The Exception (A Critical Danger): Honey must be avoided entirely until a child turns one year old due to the risk of infant botulism caused by Clostridium botulinum spores.

3. MSG and Flavor Enhancers

• Bases like monosodium glutamate (MSG) and most seasoning powders are typically high in both sodium and glutamate, which are unnecessary and potentially harmful to a baby’s developing nervous and renal systems.

✅ Healthy Fats: A Crucial Addition to Every Meal

In contrast to salts and sugars, the use of fats and oils in a baby’s diet is not only permitted but mandatory for proper development.

Why Fats Are Non-Negotiable:

• Brain and Nervous System Development: The baby’s brain is composed largely of fat, and essential fatty acids like Omega-3 (DHA, EPA) are vital for cognitive and visual development.
• Vitamin Absorption: Fats are necessary to absorb fat-soluble vitamins (A, D, E, K). Without adequate fat, a baby risks developing serious vitamin deficiencies.
• Energy Density: Fats provide double the calories of carbohydrates or protein (9 kcal/gram), supplying the high energy requirements of rapidly growing infants.
• Preventing Malnutrition: Avoiding fats can lead to insufficient caloric intake, potentially resulting in slow growth and malnutrition.

How to Introduce Fats:

Parents should add about 1–2 teaspoons (5-10 ml) of fat to each solid meal. It is recommended to rotate both plant-based oils and some animal fats:

Application Tip: To preserve nutrients like Omega-3s, always add the oil after the food is cooked and while the food is still warm, rather than cooking the oil at high heat.

🌱 Mild Herbs and Spices: Encouraging Flavor Exploration

The good news is that introducing non-salty, non-spicy, and non-sugary natural flavors is encouraged to help expand the baby’s palate and make meals more appealing.

Safe Herbs and Spices:

• Herbs: Basil, Oregano, Parsley, Dill, Mint, Rosemary.
• Mild Spices: Cinnamon, Turmeric, Ginger, Cumin, Nutmeg.

These can be added in very small amounts (1/8 to 1/4 teaspoon per serving). Parents should introduce new flavors one at a time and wait 3-5 days to monitor for any adverse reactions, ensuring the baby is getting a gentle introduction to the world of flavor.