Expert answer: Marilyn Swanson, registered dietitian

No. Fat is a good source of energy for your baby, who's growing very rapidly. And because your baby's brain is made up largely of fat, it's important for brain development, too. In fact, for children under 2 years old, fats should make up about half of the total caloric intake for the day.

Your baby will get enough fat for the first four to six months from breast milk or formula. Once he or she is eating solids, it's okay to give your baby full-fat versions of dairy products like yogurt and cheese.

But don't give your baby whole cow's milk until after the first birthday – breast milk or formula should be your baby's beverage of choice for the first year.

Eventually, when your child turns 2, you can gradually reduce the fat in his or her diet – by switching to low-fat versions of milk and dairy products, for example. (Possible exception: Your child's doctor may recommend starting with reduced-fat milk at age 1 if you have a family history of obesity, high cholesterol, or cardiovascular disease.)

By the time your child is 5, you'll want to lower the fat content of his or her diet to about 30 percent of the total caloric intake.

Note that even though your baby needs fat, there are things you'll want to limit – namely excess added sugars and salt. Make the small amounts of solids your baby eats as healthy as possible, avoiding sodas, sugary snacks, desserts, and foods with high salt content – like processed meats, fast food, and canned goods.

Most baby food manufacturers already monitor salt content, but if you make your own baby food at home, there's no need to add salt. Give your baby a chance to develop a taste for the natural flavors of foods without added sugar or salt.

Related Items The five worst foods for babies How to make your own baby food Baby food recipes by Bridget Swinney Age-by-age guide to feeding your baby