A mother has ignited a debate on social media after sharing a video of her baby gnawing on a piece of steak that some viewers deemed too 'bloody'. Katie Harley, who posts videos of her daughter Eliza's eating habits on TikTok, faced criticism from users who claimed the meat appeared undercooked.
In the clip, posted last month, Eliza is seen sitting in a high chair with a piece of steak. Harley addressed the backlash in the caption, writing: 'People loooove giving parenting advice to people who didn’t ask.' The video has amassed over 1.1 million views as of 14 March.
Many commenters expressed concern about the steak's appearance. 'The blood is dripping,' one wrote, while another said: 'Looks a bit raw.' However, others defended Harley, noting that pinkness in meat does not necessarily indicate it is underdone. 'There is NO blood in your store bought meat, raw or not. Relax,' a user commented.
Harley told Fox News Digital that Eliza's paediatrician recommended steak as a nutrient-rich food to support her growth, after Harley expressed a desire to feed her daughter 'real food' rather than baby food. The doctor advised cooking the steak to an internal temperature of 145 degrees Fahrenheit, which aligns with USDA guidelines for safe beef consumption.
Harley said she tries to ignore negative comments but acknowledged that the debate has sparked useful conversations about infant feeding. 'Feeding your child is such a personal thing,' she said. 'There are so many different options on how to feed your children.' According to the USDA, solid foods should be introduced around six months of age, with textures appropriate for the infant's development.
