Why You Shouldn’t Give Biscuits to Newborns

Why You Shouldn’t Give Biscuits to Newborns: Doctor's Advice

When it comes to newborn care and infant feeding, parents need to be extremely cautious. Pediatricians emphasize that what we feed babies in the first few years plays a crucial role in their physical and mental development. Among the many common feeding mistakes, one habit that experts are seriously warning against is giving **biscuits to newborn babies**.

Dr. Raina Brar, a well-known pediatrician, has shared vital insights on this subject through her social media platform. Her message is clear — biscuits are not a healthy option for infants and young children. Despite the popularity and convenience of feeding store-bought biscuits, she explains why they may be harming rather than helping your child.

Are Biscuits Safe for Babies?

Many parents give their crying or fussy baby a biscuit as a quick fix to calm them. Some even dissolve biscuits in milk and offer them as a snack. But according to Dr. Raina Brar, this approach is unhealthy and dangerous in the long term. In her Instagram post, she states that packaged biscuits are full of refined flour, sugar, oil, and unnecessary calories. They offer zero nutritional value to growing infants.

“If parents come to me with concerns like frequent fevers or digestive issues in children, I always ask about the baby’s diet first,” says Dr. Brar. “Surprisingly, many admit to feeding biscuits regularly. This is not just shocking but also worrying.”

Why Biscuits Are Bad for Infant Health

• Biscuits are high in refined maida (white flour) which is hard to digest for babies.
• They contain excessive sugar and oil, leading to early risk of obesity and metabolic issues.
• Lack of vitamins, minerals, and essential nutrients needed for brain and body development.
• High calorie content that creates a false feeling of fullness, causing the baby to refuse healthier foods.
• May trigger food allergies or gut imbalances in sensitive infants.

Feeding biscuits to babies may satisfy short-term hunger, but in the long run, it damages their immune system, affects natural growth, and leads to poor eating habits. Children who are introduced to sugar early also tend to crave sugary items later in life, increasing the risk of diabetes and dental issues.

What Should Babies Eat Instead of Biscuits?

Rather than unhealthy snacks, it’s important to introduce fresh vegetables, fruits, and homemade food. Here are some healthy alternatives to biscuits for infants and toddlers:

• Boiled and mashed vegetables like carrots, potatoes, and peas.
• Seasonal fruits like banana, apple puree, or stewed pear.
• Homemade porridge made from ragi, oats, or wheat.
• Breastmilk or formula as the primary source of nutrition till 6 months.
• Homemade biscuits with wheat, ragi, and jaggery – only after pediatric approval.

Homemade Is Always Safer

Even if you must give your baby a biscuit, Dr. Raina Brar strongly advises making it at home. Use healthy ingredients like whole wheat flour, ghee, dry fruits, and ragi to prepare nutrient-rich snacks. Avoid any branded biscuits that claim to be baby-safe, as many still include preservatives, hidden sugars, and artificial flavors.

Just because a baby seems to enjoy biscuits doesn’t mean it’s right for them. It’s the responsibility of the caregiver to offer only what is nutritionally beneficial. Babies are still developing their organs, and feeding them the wrong food can cause long-term health complications.

Final Thoughts: Listen to the Experts

Feeding practices for newborns and toddlers should always be based on medical advice and nutritional science, not convenience or habits. As parents, it’s important to stay updated and cautious about what you introduce to your child’s diet. Biscuits might be easy to serve, but the damage they cause is long-lasting and sometimes irreversible. Trust doctors like Dr. Raina Brar who spend years understanding child health and development.

So the next time you think of giving a biscuit to calm your baby — pause, and offer a healthier alternative instead.