Tinned spaghetti and baked beans are leading to British infants taking too much salt, researchers say.
Baby food with gravy and yeast extract is also causing problems, according to the Bristol University researchers.
The study of the diets of eight month old babies has been reported in the European Journal of Clinical Nutrition.
Researchers Dr Pauline Emmett and Vicky Cribb say the use of cows’ milk before the age of 12 months also leads to increased salt levels.
The findings come from an analysis of the diets of some 1,200 babies who have been involved in a detailed study of their lives since birth in the early 1990s.
The researchers say: "These findings show that salt intakes need to be substantially reduced in children of this age group. Infants need foods specifically prepared for them without added salt, so it is important to adapt the family diet.
"This research suggests that clear advice is needed for parents about what foods are suitable for infants. This should be given to all parents and carers and should include the important advice not to use cows’ milk as a main drink before 12 months of age."
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