Deli turkey can be a tasty and protein-rich addition to your 1 year old’s diet However, there are some important safety considerations to keep in mind when feeding deli meats to young toddlers. In this article, we’ll cover when and how to introduce deli turkey, look at nutritious serving ideas, and discuss safety precautions for preventing foodborne illnesses
When Can I Introduce Deli Turkey to My 1 Year Old?
The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) states that most infants can begin eating deli meats around 12 months of age. By this time, your baby’s digestive system has matured enough to handle complex proteins like turkey.
Prior to 12 months, your baby’s intestinal tract is still developing and may have trouble properly digesting deli meats Waiting until after their first birthday helps reduce the risk of an allergic reaction or food intolerance.
That said, every baby develops at their own pace. If you have concerns, talk to your pediatrician before introducing new foods like deli turkey. They can help assess if your child is developmentally ready.
Is Deli Turkey Nutritious for Toddlers?
Deli turkey can be a nutritious choice when served occasionally as part of a balanced diet. Here are some of the benefits of deli turkey for young toddlers:
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Protein: Turkey is an excellent source of protein to support your toddler’s rapid growth and development. Just 2 ounces of turkey can provide over 1/3 of your child’s daily protein needs.
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Iron: Turkey contains heme iron, which is more easily absorbed than non-heme iron from plant sources. Iron supports healthy blood and neurological development.
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Zinc and B vitamins: Turkey provides immune-supporting zinc and energizing B vitamins like niacin, B6, and B12.
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Selenium: Turkey is a good source of selenium, a mineral that acts as an antioxidant to protect cells from damage.
When choosing deli turkey, look for low-sodium, nitrate-free options whenever possible. This helps limit added preservatives and excess sodium.
Healthy Ways to Serve Deli Turkey
There are lots of kid-friendly ways to incorporate deli turkey into your 1 year old’s meals and snacks:
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Dice or shred turkey and mix into scrambled eggs, pasta, or rice dishes.
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Make mini turkey sliders on soft whole grain rolls or bread.
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Stuff turkey into avocado halves or cubes for a fun finger food.
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Pair turkey slices with cheese cubes, whole grain crackers, or soft cooked veggies.
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Make a simple turkey wrap with shredded lettuce in a whole wheat tortilla.
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Add finely chopped turkey to soups or stews.
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Mix into turkey veggie muffins or mini frittatas for toddler-sized portions.
Aim for 1-2 ounces of deli turkey at a time, once or twice a week. This prevents your child from filling up on too much protein or sodium.
Food Safety Tips for Serving Deli Meats
While deli meats can be nutritious, they also carry a higher risk of contamination from bacteria like Listeria or Salmonella. To keep your 1 year old safe:
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Cook thoroughly: Deli meats should always be steaming hot. Bake, broil, grill or pan-fry until the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
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Avoid cross-contamination: Use separate cutting boards and utensils for raw meats. Wash hands, surfaces, and tools after handling deli turkey.
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Refrigerate promptly: Store opened packages for no more than 3-5 days. Keep the temperature below 40°F to prevent bacterial growth.
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Buy quality brands: Choose major reputable brands and inspect packaging carefully for damage or leakage.
By taking precautions like cooking meats thoroughly and avoiding cross-contamination, you can safely introduce nutritious deli turkey to your 1 year old’s developing palate. As always, check with your pediatrician if you have any concerns. With time and patience, your child can learn to enjoy delicious deli turkey as part of balanced, wholesome meals.
Is turkey a choking hazard for babies?
Yes. Turkey can be challenging to chew and manage in the mouth, qualities that increase the risk of choking. To lower the risk, don’t cut the turkey into cubes and follow the instructions in the “How to Serve” section for how to cook and serve it in a way that is right for your age group. Also, don’t cook the turkey too long; that will make it dry and harder to chew and swallow. As always, make sure the eating area is safe and that you are close to your baby during meals.
Find out more about choking first aid in our free guides, Infant Rescue and Toddler Rescue. These guides show you the signs of choking and gagging.
Amelia, 8 months, eats roast turkey
Max, 11 months, eats turkey meatloaf
Cooper, 18 months, eats a turkey drumstick
When can babies have turkey?
Turkey that is well-cooked can be given to babies as soon as they are ready for solid foods, which is usually around 6 months.
Turkeys are large birds that originated in the fields and forests of the Americas. People in Mesoamerica worshiped the bird’s wild ancestors thousands of years ago. They used the bird for food and medicine and in ceremonies and rituals. The bird is still a traditional food at celebrations, holidays, and weddings around the world, especially in the Americas, where most domesticated turkeys are raised. So why the name “turkey”? It comes from the time when traders in London called imported chicken “Turkish cocks” or “Turkish hens” to attract English buyers who liked buying things from other countries. Eventually, the word “turkey” came to mean the bird that the Spanish called guajolote and pavo. This bird is the ancestor of the modern domesticated turkey.
No one would follow a carnivore diet if they knew this
FAQ
Can my 1 year old have deli turkey?
Can my 11 month old have a turkey sandwich?
How old is deli turkey good for?
Is deli turkey a healthy snack?
Is it safe for toddlers to eat deli meat?
From the age of 15 months, toddlers are able to consume small pieces of meat, including lunch meats or deli meats. However, most parents question whether it is safe to give lunch meats to their toddlers at a young age.
When can I give my Baby a Turkey?
Freshly cooked turkey may be offered as soon as baby is ready to start solids, which is generally around 6 months of age. Note: Turkey deli / sandwich meat is high in sodium and nitrates and should not be offered to babies. Where do turkeys come from? Turkeys are large birds that originated in the fields and forests of the Americas.
Is it safe for toddlers to eat lunch meat?
Lunch meats are safe for consumption by toddlers who are 12 months and above. However, it is important to choose the right type of lunch meat for your child. While lunch meats are a rich source of protein, they also contain high levels of potassium and sodium in the form of nitrates or nitrites.
Which lunch meat is best for a toddler?
The best lunch meats for a toddler are turkey breast and chicken breast. You should avoid lunch meats that contain nitrates or nitrites, such as salami, pastrami, and bologna. Make sure that the meat is organic or hormone-free and very tightly regulated.
Are Turkey giblets good for babies?
Nutritional information for wild and heritage turkeys is limited. The giblets (the turkey’s heart, liver, and gizzard) are nutrient rich, but offer them in small amounts to babies (no more than 1-2 teaspoons of cooked giblets per week). The giblets are very high in vitamin A and rich in B-vitamins, folate, choline, iron, and selenium.