Is your baby ready for solids? Take a quick look at the top 10 super foods that your must include in your baby’s diet if you have introduced solids to her.So, the time has come for you to introduce solid food to your child? It is alright to find yourself nervous and over cautious. You are not alone. You need to learn few things before you start feeding your child
solid food. First and foremost, it is very important to know that food is introduced in very small amount and you need to start with soft and easily digestible foods.
Why Super Foods?
Babies have very tiny tummy and so they get full very fast. For the healthy growth and development of your child you need to take care that your child gets fed with the right amount of nutrients with the amount of food she is capable of consuming. If you opt for the super foods, you will be able to do so.
Super Foods for Babies
Let us take a look at some super foods that can help to aid growth and development of babies. Make sure that you include these
foods by mashing properly and making them very soft in order to prevent choking hazard in babies. It is also a must to talk to a paediatrician before including these foods in your baby’s diet.
1. Bananas
Bananas are full of carbohydrate and will help your child have the right amount of energy needed for the entire day’s activities. It is soft and easily digestible as well.
2. Spinach
Spinach provides calcium, iron, folic acid and vitamins A and C. It is an ideal source and support for the growing child’s brain and bones.
3. Sweet Potatoes
Sweet potatoes have calcium, iron, vitamin A and C, folate, potassium, essential fibre and many more nutrients. They have a naturally sweet taste and you do not even need to add sweetener to the food.
4. Eggs
Egg is one of the super foods which are packed with goodness. Where the white of eggs are full of protein, the yolks contain zinc, vitamins A, C, E and B12. It is crucial for the health and development of children’s brains. Since eggs are source of protein, you should consult your paediatrician and then start giving your child.
5. Carrots
Carrots contain beta carotene which is very essential for your child’s eyesight. It contains Vitamin A which helps in growth and provides healthy vision. Before
feeding your baby, make sure they are well cooked and soft.
6. Yogurt
Yogurt is rich in calcium, phosphorus and protein. Regular intake of yogurt can help your child have strong and healthy teeth and bones. It is good to give your child natural and low fat yogurt. Avoid flavoured ones because they contain artificial sweeteners.
7. Ragi
Ragi is one of the good sources of iron and calcium for growing babies. It is also very light on their digestive system and makes them feel fuller and less cranky. To add ragi in your baby’s diet, soak it in water for few hours and then grind it in the mixer by adding water. Strain the mixture properly to take out all the juice and mix it with milk. Cook it by adding a little sugar or jaggery for taste. Cook it properly. You will notice the consistency improves as you cook it. You can add a little more milk if the consistency is too thick. Once it cools down, feed it to your baby.
8. Citrus Fruits
Fruits like sweet lemon, oranges and grapefruits are rich and natural source of Vitamin C for your child. This boosts your child’s immune system and helps build muscles, tissues and bones. Consult your paediatrician before you start because it is advisable to start citrus fruit when your
child completes one year.
9. Oats
Surprisingly oatmeal is not just healthy, nutritious and recommended food for adults, it is equally important for babies also. Oats are rich in fibre and digests slowly giving your child torrent of energy.
10. Berries
Berries are said to be powerhouse of nutrients. They are filled with vitamins and antioxidants and provide enough fibre needed for your child’s health. You can even add them to oatmeal or cereals. Make sure that they are properly deseeded to prevent
choking hazard.
A nutritious and healthy diet is one of the most important things a growing child needs daily. As a parent, you have to add variety to the foods so that the daily quota of nutrients for high energy needs of your child is fulfilled and your child enjoys the food as well.
What kind of solids can be included in a baby’s diet? Which super foods are a must for babies? What kind of foods should not be included in the diet of babies? Discuss here.