The onset of a baby marks a new chapter in the lives of all. He becomes the center of attraction for all, and all efforts are made to keep him healthy, happy, and protected. The babies undoubtedly grow very fast during the initial years of their life. They show major physical, emotional, mental as well as social development. Here comes the importance of superfoods for babies.
Breast milk or mother feed is considered the best for all babies as it has the right amount of nutrients required for the child, and it also helps in building immunity, but after a while, as the appetite increases, the milk alone is not sufficient. Babies are required to be given all types of food.
In This Article
Superfoods For Babies
Once your baby starts to eat solid food, which is around six months of age, comes the significance of ‘superfood.’ Superfood is nothing but a nutrient-rich food beneficial for the health and well-being of the growing baby.
When it comes to selecting a superfood for your little one, you should think fresh and introduce new flavors and different textures at age-appropriate stages. This will train your little ones’ taste buds very well, and you can bring down the chances of your little one becoming a picky eater in the future.
What Is The Significance Of Superfood For Babies?
Babies need nutrient-rich food. They need special nourishment, which boosts their progressing growth and physical development. Superfoods are foods that contain complex carbohydrates that are rarely found or less found in normal foods. It contains lots of vitamins, minerals, and protein that will ensure the nutrients necessary for the major physical, emotional, mental as well as social development of the baby.
Here are five foods that are listed as superfoods for babies due to their nutritional intake and health benefits:
1. Avocado
This is the best choice as the first food for the baby. Avocado is also referred to as the “Natures Perfect food choice.” This becomes smooth and creamy when mashed and can be easily digested by the baby as soon as solids are introduced. It is an ideal choice for babies at the age of 4-6 months.
How To Give
Avocados can be mashed and given with bananas or yogurt as a snack.
Health Benefits
- It helps in building up a better brain.
- Since its anti-inflammatory, it helps in keeping allergies and diseases away from the child.
- It offers nutrients like vitamins, minerals, fats, and overall adequate nourishment.
2. Coconut
Even though named coconut, it is not a nut, but a fruit. However, if your baby is allergic to nuts, or you have a family history of nut allergy, introduce coconut only after asking your pediatrician.
However, coconut allergy is very, very rare. Hence it is considered safe to give coconut to the baby in case there is no history of nut or food allergies.
How To Give
Coconut can be consumed in different ways, and it could be coconut water, coconut milk, tender coconut flesh, or coconut oil. Each form has its health benefits. Coconut can be given to babies of six months and above. However, initially, it is recommended to use in cooking rather than feeding him or her directly.
Health Benefits
- They are loaded with vitamin B, phosphorus, protein, zinc, and iron.
- It has a healthy variation of fat and is also a good source of lauric acid which is one of the main fatty acids present in breast milk.
- They can help in enhancing immunity and fight out diseases and infection.
- These are loaded with antioxidants that help in the protection of the body against free radicals.
- Intake of coconut helps with digestive issues like constipation, indigestion, and dysentery.
3. Chia Seeds
These are one of the edible seeds that come from a desert plant. They are tiny black and white seeds and are used for boosting energy. It is one of the top energy-boosting superfoods for babies. Chiaseeds have a mild yet nutty flavor, which makes them easy to be added to foods or even beverages.
It is rich in antioxidants, omega 3s, calcium, and manganese. The body easily absorbs it. It is great for babies who are eight months and older.
How To Give
You can add chia seeds to yogurt, fruit purees, and rice. It can also be added to smoothies or drinks as it thickens its consistency. You can add it while baking muffins or bread.
Health Benefits
- They are packed with Omega-three fatty acids, fiber, and antioxidants.
- They help with indigestion.
- It helps in regulating bowel movements and prevents constipation.
- It is an energy booster.
- Improves stamina and immunity.
4. Eggs
These are considered the best form of protein and are even referred to as a superfood. It is undoubtedly loaded with proteins. Still, the interesting part is that one egg comprises thirteen important vitamins as well, which are crucial for the growth and development of the child.
Egg white or Albumen
Both the egg yolk and egg whites are rich in nutrients. However, the calorie intake of egg whites is low and contains zero carbohydrates or fat. Apart from this, most of the other nutrients are found in egg whites. This is also prone to allergies, so it is advisable to introduce egg yolks to the baby initially. Whereas, egg yolks comprise fat and cholesterol, vitamins, iron, and calcium.
You can safely add an egg yolk to the diet of babies from eight months of age. However, it is recommended to wait until your baby turns one year to introduce egg white.
How To Give
Babies can be given scrambled, boiled, or fried eggs once they are one year old. One egg per day is fine. For the eight-month-olds, you can make egg yolk mash. To make it, just cut a hard-boiled egg, remove the yolk and mash it with little milk.
It is recommended a child under one year should be fed only one egg yolk per day.
Health Benefits
- Helps with Immunity and Digestion
- Helps in stronger bone formation
- Egg white is rich in protein, and hence it provides vital energy
- Good for eyes and brain development
- It helps in keeping the heart healthy and for the proper functioning of the liver.
5. Sweet Potatoes
These have a higher nutritional value with a yummy taste, and thus, they are a good choice for the first food for the baby. They have a higher vitamin content, calcium as well as folate. Sweet potatoes can be given to the babies in the form of a puree.
They are an excellent nutritional source, these are even loaded with carbohydrates, antioxidants, potassium, folate as well as vitamins A and C. The side effects caused by sweet potatoes are very rare, and that’s why this vegetable is recommended as one of the first solid food to introduce to babies.
How To Give
You can give sweet potato puree to your baby. Baking is the proper method to cook sweet potato as it will retain its flavor and sweetness. However, you can boil or steam the peeled and cubed sweet potato as well. Sweet potato-apple mash is another excellent option.
Health Benefits
- It helps with constipation issues.
- It is rich in Vitamin A and thus, improves the eyesight of baby
- Helps enhance the immunity level
- It is loaded with iron and hence helps to prevent anemia in babies.
- It is loaded with vitamins and minerals that help with strong teeth and bones.
- Since they have a higher calorific content, they help in weight gain for the babies.
Thus, it can be seen that it is of utmost importance to offer healthy and nutritious choices for the healthy and balanced development of the child. Adding the superfoods makes this work easier as most of them have a great taste and texture, which is easy in digesting and is needed by the baby to get a complete dose that is nutrient-packed. It is commonly believed that “It is the mother’s duty to get creative in order to provide healthy and attractive options for the babies to eat.”
