How to Avoid Nitrates in Baby Food

Nitrates are a type of chemical commonly used in fertilizers and as a food preservative, according to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. They can be found in certain types of foods, such as vegetables, fruits, hotdogs and processed lunch meats. Nitrates can cause young babies to develop anemia, according to the American Academy of Pediatrics' website HealthyChildren.org. In baby food, nitrates can be more of a concern if you make certain types of homemade baby food and feed them to an infant younger than 3 months, but HealthyChildren.org recommends that babies shouldn't begin eating solid foods at that age anyway.

Instructions

    • 1

      Start introducing your baby to solid foods between 4 to 6 months. He should weigh approximately 13 pounds; have the ability to hold his head up; be able to open his mouth for the food; and be able to move food in his mouth to swallow it, suggests HealthyChildren.org.

    • 2

      Buy commercially prepared baby food to prevent worrying about nitrates, since manufacturers test it regularly for your baby's safety, notes HealthyChildren.org. Opt to go with organic baby foods, choosing those with a certified organic label. Organic baby food consists of plants that are grown without the use of synthetic chemicals, dyes, waxes, preservatives, added hormones or antibiotics, according to Family Education.

    • 3

      Make your own baby food, ensuring it's safe and free of the risk of dangerous nitrate levels. Once your baby reaches 3 months, nitrates are a lower risk, and, by 6 months, that risk lowers even more.

    • 4

      Select organic vegetables to use in your homemade baby food, such as sweet potatoes, corn and peas. Wash your produce well, cook it in as little water as possible to preserve its nutrition and puree it with a food processor. Choose lean meats or poultry, removing all skin and fat before cooking. Broil, bake or stew, then puree it in a blender, adding a small amount of water to thin it out if necessary, suggests Family Education.

    • 5

      Use up the homemade baby food you've made within 24 hours or freeze it, since placing it in the refrigerator can increase nitrate levels, according to DrGreene.com

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