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superfoods are Foods, which are full of all essential nutrients like fat, carbohydrates, protein, vitamins, minerals, calcium, and omega 3 fatty acids are stated as superfoods for baby. These essential food values are necessary for the healthy growth and development of your baby. These superfoods are a good source of dietary fibers and essential fats, which is good for a healthy body.
Feeding of your baby ideally started as long before the baby is born. As the mother starts taking a nutritious and healthy diet when she pregnant which also nourishes a baby in the womb. The good nutrition continues with the mother’s diet while breastfeeding and with the milk formula.
It is very important for parents to know about good nutrition when introducing superfoods to your baby. Starting essential food is a significant milestone in the growth and development of your baby. This is the time when your baby is going to experience new food including new flavor and texture of food besides breastfeeding and formula milk.
Every baby is different. Some of the babies they might like to eat and some just lick the food, which is not enough for their growth. So it is crucial to introduce superfood for your babies somewhere between the 4 to 6 months of age. The exact moment depends on your baby’s growth.
Babies at 4 months of age if achieving their development milestones according to their age are probably ready to begin solid food. If the baby is premature or less mature you can wait until six months of age. But between five to six months it is always good to start superfoods to the baby in addition to breast milk or formula feeding.
The reason for starting solid food for baby is that, as your baby grows only breast milk is not enough to fulfill the entire body nutrition requirement. Such as iron and vitamin B12.
Moreover due to deficiency of iron and essential nutrients can lead to malnutrition in the baby and the baby might look weak, unhappy, fatigue, low activity, never smile and low social interactions. So feed your baby iron-rich foods by 6 months of age.
Most of the doctors recommend starting solid food like egg yolk, between 5-6 months of age. As it is loaded with vitamin D, minerals, iron, and good fat which is important for the baby’s developing brain.
At the age of six months, the baby’s digestive system is strong enough to digest the new food other than breast milk or formula milk.
The very important thing to keep in mind when introducing new food to a baby you should start it slowly and in fewer amounts. The babies have very limited production of enzymes for digestion and their digestive system is still in the developing stage. So do not introduce any food too early before the age of four months.
Try to be observant when giving your baby solid food because every baby gives you a different response to different food. You can continue that food for at least 3 days without introducing any other food and check for any reaction.
Sign of reaction may include redness around the mouth or body, fussiness, blotting and gas, vomiting, diarrhea, constipation, irritability, regurgitation, rashes, walking and crying the whole night, and chest congestion.
If you notice any of these symptoms stop the food for a few months and talk to your pediatrician. It is important to talk with your doctor before starting anything new to prevents allergy or any other problem.
Proper nutrition is very important for your baby’s rapid and healthy growth. Your baby’s nutritional needs vary according to age. So it is necessary to fulfill all those nutritional requirements.
1. Lentils and Beans
Good source of protein iron and zinc. You can give as a soup or puree or mix it within stews.
2. Spinach and Green leafy Vegetables
This is a rich source of iron, folate, fiber, and vitamin A and B12 vitamin. You can cook it and make a puree or can mix it with other dishes.
These are loaded with vitamin A vitamin C, fibers, and rich in iron and folate. The introduction of Green leafy veggies into a baby’s diet is excellent for the baby’s health.
Boil the spinach and give your baby a puree or as finger food. You can mix spinach puree into other food.
Iron is essential for the baby’s growth and development and for the brain. Spinach is good for your baby’s eyes sight and supports immunity.
3. Broccoli
At the age of 10 months, you can add broccoli as superfoods to the baby’s diet. It contains vitamin A, vitamin C, and vitamin E. It is the richest source of iron, sodium, folate, calcium, magnesium, and potassium.
Broccoli is good for the baby’s immune system and eyesight and for also great for the overall growth and development of the baby. Make sure you properly cook the broccoli and never give raw broccoli to your baby.
4. Egg yolk
Eggs are rich in iron, fat, protein, vitamin D, vitamin A and zinc. Mash the egg yolk and give it as a puree. Make scrambled eggs or boiled eggs. Start with a small amount. It is important for a baby’s developing brain.
5. Yogurt
It is a rich source of protein, vitamin D, and good fat. You can feed with a small spoon and mix with other food.
6. Beetroot
It is rich in vitamin, calcium, iron, minerals, vitamin A, and vitamin B, K, E, and Vitamin C. it is good for the baby’s digestion and improves immunity beetroots has numerous benefits for the baby and prevents anemia.
You can start your baby beetroot at the age of 10 months. Start with 1to 2 teaspoons in a small amount. Increase brain function, which is essential in the early years of development of the baby.
7. Bananas
Bananas are loaded with fiber, vitamin B6 vitamin C, and potassium. You can start giving a banana to the baby at the age of 4 months. It is essential to keep baby active as banana contains lots of potassium and great superfoods for brain functions. The fiber property of the banana prevents constipation in babies as well.
You can give a smooth puree of banana or can add with baby cereals and banana smoothie. You can cut the banana into small pieces and give it to your baby.
8. Avocadoes
Avocadoes are a delicious and rich source of good fat, protein, folate, iron, Vitamin A, vitamin C, and plant-based omega 3 fatty acids. Moreover, avos are an excellent source of fiber and Monounsaturated fats. This is excellent superfoods for your baby’s brain and body development.
You can mashes avocadoes into a puree or cut into small thin pieces and serve as finger food. Avocadoes have magnificent benefits for the baby as a great option for baby to eat
You can start with puree or add the mashed avocadoes puree into other foods.
9. Sweet potatoes
These are a great source of fiber, vitamin A, and omega 6, carbohydrates, calcium, protein, and calories.
Sweet potatoes act as immunity boosters, which helps your baby to fight against infections and the common cold. It also prevents anemia in babies.
You can boil and bake potatoes and can give in a small amount for the first time.
10. Pureed meat like lamb, turkey, beef, chicken, liver
Meat is rich in iron, zinc, folate, calcium, fats, vitamins, and protein. You can start giving meat in the pureed form to your baby after the age of 7 to 8 months.
It also depends on the baby’s digestive system. Start with chicken or turkey. You can consult with your pediatrician about introducing meat in baby food.
You can boil meat properly and make its puree or can add some fruits or cooked vegetables in it. Initially, the taste of the meat can be very strong for your baby so you can add fruit juice to enhance the taste.
It is important for parents to avoid lunchmeat or deli meat puree for babies. This is because it may contain preservatives and might have sodium nitrate in it. You may give natural ones with your doctor’s advice but always check for ingredients.
11. Whole fish
Salmon and tuna are rich in fat and DHA and protein. You can steam the fish and can make a puree and can give to your baby as finger food.
12. Cheese
Full-fat cheese is a good source of vitamin D, fat, and protein. Give a slice of cheeses as finger food to the baby.
Food allergies are common among babies as the baby’s immune system and digestive system is developing and not very strong. So it is essential to consult with your pediatrician before introducing any new food to your baby.
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I am experienced health professional (B.Sc. Nursing, P.GD Nursing). I am passionate to provide valuable information about Maternal and child Health. My goal is to provide the right and trustworthy information about pregnancy and baby care.
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