As a parent, one of the most exciting milestones is when your baby starts eating solid foods around 6 months of age. It opens up a whole new world of flavors and textures for them to explore! By 12 months, babies have mastered purees and are ready to eat many of the foods that the rest of the family enjoys. One food that parents often wonder about is deli turkey. Can you give a 1 year old deli meat? Let’s take a closer look.
When Can Babies Start Eating Turkey?
Freshly cooked turkey can be introduced as early as 6 months, which is when most babies start solids. Make sure it is cut into long thin strips or small pieces to reduce choking risk. Ground turkey can also be mixed into foods like grains or veggie purees.
However, deli or processed turkey like lunch meats is too high in sodium for babies under 1 year old. Even just 1 ounce of deli turkey can exceed the recommended daily sodium intake for a 6 month old. Other processed turkey products like turkey bacon, turkey pepperoni, and turkey cold cuts also have excessive sodium and should be avoided.
So while real turkey is fine starting at 6 months, deli and processed turkey meats should wait until after 12 months due to the sodium content Always check with your pediatrician if you have any concerns.
Is Deli Meat Safe For a 1 Year Old?
Once your baby turns 1, small amounts of deli turkey can be introduced as part of a balanced diet. In moderation, turkey deli meat can provide protein, vitamins, and minerals. But there are some safety precautions to keep in mind:
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Limit portion size Stick to 1-2 thin slices per serving due to the high sodium content, Avoid feeding deli meats as a main meal,
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Purchase quality deli meat: Look for turkey deli meat that is nitrate-free and made without artificial preservatives. Natural and organic options are best.
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Read nutrition labels: Check the sodium content per serving and choose products that are lower in sodium.
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Heat it up: The CDC recommends heating up deli meats to steaming hot before serving to reduce risk of listeriosis and other foodborne illnesses.
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Supervise closely: Deli meat can be a choking risk. Make sure pieces are cut appropriately and always supervise when your 1 year old is eating.
As long as you follow these tips, deli turkey can be part of a healthy diet for your 1 year old in moderation. Set limits on portion sizes and pair it with fruits, vegetables and whole grains for a balanced meal.
Health Benefits of Turkey for Toddlers
Turkey provides lots of great nutrition for growing toddlers:
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Protein: Turkey contains high-quality protein needed for growth and development.
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B Vitamins: Turkey has B vitamins like B12, niacin, and riboflavin which support energy levels.
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Iron: The iron in turkey helps prevent anemia and aids cognitive functioning.
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Zinc: Turkey is a good source of zinc which boosts immunity.
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Selenium: Turkey contains selenium which acts as an antioxidant.
In addition to these nutrients, turkey provides choline, phosphorus, potassium and magnesium. Lean turkey is low in fat and calories compared to other meats.
Overall, turkey is nutrient-dense and can be part of a healthy, balanced diet for toddlers 12 months and up. Just be mindful of portion sizes of deli turkey due to the sodium content.
Potential Risks of Deli Meat for Toddlers
While deli turkey can be safely added to your toddler’s diet in moderation, there are some potential downsides to be aware of:
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High sodium: Too much sodium is linked to high blood pressure, especially if consumed regularly. Stick to recommended serving sizes.
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Nitrates/nitrites: These preservatives found in some deli meats may have health risks when frequently consumed. Choose nitrate-free options when possible.
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Bacteria risk: Deli meats are at higher risk for Listeria and other bacteria if not handled properly. Always heat to steaming before serving.
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Allergies: Some kids may be allergic or sensitive to turkey. Watch for signs of allergy when first introducing.
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Choking hazard: Deli meats can pose a choking risk for young toddlers. Cut into small pieces and supervise closely.
While these risks exist, they can be managed by following safety best practices and not overdoing it on deli turkey. Moderation and supervision are key!
Tips for Serving Deli Turkey to Toddlers
Here are some tips to safely include deli turkey in your 1 year old’s meals:
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Cut deli meat into small, thin strips to reduce choking hazard. Avoid large chunks.
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Heat turkey until steaming hot – at least 165°F internal temperature. This kills any potential bacteria.
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For young toddlers, consider chopping deli meat very small and mixing into foods like scrambled eggs, pasta, or rice.
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Pair deli turkey with sliced fruits and vegetables for a more balanced meal.
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Read nutrition labels and look for lower sodium options with less than 200mg per serving.
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Combine deli turkey with whole grain crackers or bread for a simple snack or sandwich.
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Turkey roll-ups with cheese make an easy finger food. Spread cream cheese on a slice then roll up with turkey inside.
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Leftover cooked turkey can be shredded or chopped and added to soups, salads, and casseroles.
With some smart precautions, deli turkey can be a healthy addition to your toddler’s developing palate! Just be mindful of portions and proper preparation.
FAQs About Deli Turkey for Toddlers
Is processed turkey safe for babies?
No, processed turkey like deli meats, turkey bacon, turkey pepperoni etc. should be avoided for babies under 1 year due to the high sodium content. Only freshly cooked turkey is recommended starting at 6 months old.
How much deli turkey can a 1 year old eat safely?
A 1-2 year old can safely eat 1-2 thin slices of deli turkey 1-2 times per week as part of a balanced diet. Any more frequently than that may lead to excess sodium intake. Always pair deli meats with fruits, vegetables and whole grains.
Can I give my baby turkey hot dogs?
No, turkey hot dogs are too high in sodium for babies under 12 months. Wait until after your child turns 1 to introduce turkey hot dogs in moderation.
What’s the healthiest turkey deli meat to buy?
Look for turkey deli meat without artificial preservatives, made from natural/organic turkey. Lower sodium options (under 200mg per serving) are best. Roasted turkey, turkey pastrami and smoked turkey are healthier deli meat choices.
Should you microwave deli meats before serving?
Yes, it’s recommended to heat deli meats to steaming, 165°F or hotter before serving to toddlers to reduce bacteria risk. Microwaving until hot is an easy way to do this.
The Bottom Line
Deli turkey can be part of a healthy, well-rounded diet for 1 year olds when served mindfully. Focus on quality, low-sodium products. Follow safety guidelines like heating to steaming before serving and supervising closely. Limit portion sizes to 1-2 thin slices at a time and always pair with fruits and veggies. With some care, both you and your toddler can enjoy the convenience and nutrition of deli turkey!
When can babies have ham?
When safely prepared, ham (honey-free) may be introduced as soon as baby is ready to start solids, which is generally around 6 months of age. Consider waiting to serve deli meat, glazed ham, and cured ham like prosciutto until the child is older due to an increased risk of foodborne illness. Heating deli meat, prosciutto, and other cured meat until steaming can reduce the risk of illness; just let it cool before serving to baby. Wait until after the first birthday to offer ham that contains honey, due to the risk of infant botulism.
Ham refers to the upper portion of a pig’s hind leg. The cut can be purchased raw (also called fresh ham) or preserved with brine, salt, or smoke—preservation methods that have been used for thousands of years. While ham has its origins in Asia and Europe, there are myriad regional specialties, of which many are cured with salt and air, like Jīn huá huǒ tuǐ of China—the forerunner to Spanish jamón serrano, Italian prosciutto, and American country ham.
What kind of ham can babies have?
Babies can have ham (honey-free) as soon as they’re ready to start solids as long as it’s safely prepared. Like other cuts of pork, ham offers plenty of the nutrients babies need, including protein, zinc, choline, and vitamins B6 and B12. While ham can be high in sodium, it is not a cause for concern as part of a balanced diet.
Consider waiting to serve deli meats, cured hams (such as jamon iberico, mortadella, pancetta, prosciutto, and other charcuterie), and glazed hams until the child is older, due to an increased risk of foodborne illness. Deli meats, such as ham, have been implicated in a number of outbreaks of foodborne illness, namely Listeria. If you decide to share a taste, you can reduce the risk of foodborne illness by heating the meat until steaming; just let it cool before offering to baby. Lastly, make sure to avoid offering glazed ham or other deli meats made with honey before the first birthday due to the risk of infant botulism.