If you have started introducing solid foods in the form of vegetables to your baby, then you must have already made a list of vegetables that you can buy. Here is a tip! Shall we ask you to add turnips also to the list? You will thank us later because turnips are a must-have nutrient-packed vegetable for your baby’s development and growth. Read ahead to find out why and how turnips for babies are good for your baby and also when and how you can introduce them to your baby.
As a member of the root vegetable family, turnips are widely included in diets around the world as an integral aspect of nutritional health. Their high fiber and vitamin content aid in keeping newborns healthy ad active. Turnips contain nitrates and nitrites, which has led some to question whether they are safe to eat. Keep reading to learn about the potential advantages and drawbacks of turnips for kids.
In This Article
- What Are Turnips?
- Nutritional Value of Turnips
- How To Select And Store Turnips For Baby?
- How To Introduce Turnip For Babies?
- When to Introduce turnips For babies?
- Top 6 Health Benefits of Turnips For Babies
- Can Turnips Cause Any Health Concerns For My Baby?
- FAQ’s
What Are Turnips?
Turnip is a root vegetable that grows in areas with temperate climates. Turnip roots are a very common ingredient in vegetables, salads, and many other Indian preparations too. But you must be aware of the fact that the green leaves above the turnips are more nutritious than the roots and are a storehouse of nutrients and antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals when compared to the roots of the turnips.
Nutritional Value of Turnips
Turnips are an excellent source of Vitamin C and mineral such as sodium, potassium, and calcium. This vegetable is also a very good source of dietary fiber for babies.
The table below lists the nutritional value of turnips and lists some of the vital nutrients and their quantities.
Dietary Fiber – 2.3 gm
Calcium – 39 mg
Potassium – 248 mg
Protein – 1.2 gm
Total Carbs – 8.4 gm
Vitamin C – 36% of RDA
How To Select And Store Turnips For Baby?
Turnip is not on the list of the twelve most pesticide-contaminated foods. However, contamination is possible, so organic turnips are recommended. Moreover, by adhering to these basic measures, you can protect your infant.
Selecting
Once the doctor gives a go-ahead to feed turnips to your baby, you can visit your local vegetable market and source fresh baby turnips, which are small and round in shape, and those which are heavy for their size. These baby turnips are sweeter than the bigger ones which are sometimes bitter taste, which your baby may refuse to eat.
Note: In case you get a slightly large turnip, and if you are worried about its bitterness, here comes a remedy. Boil it with potato slices. Potato slices will absorb the bitterness of the turnip to a great extent.
Storing
Wrap the turnips tightly and keep them in a cool and well-ventilated place.
How To Introduce Turnip For Babies?
First of all, check with your pediatrician if your baby is ready to be introduced to vegetables such as turnips. Once he gives you a green signal, start with turnip puree.
Preparing Puree
Wash the turnips under cold running water and peel off the skins. You can pressure cook the turnips with water or steam them. Once it cools down you can blend them into a puree as per your preferred consistency. Start by giving small bites to your baby.
Once your baby adapts to the taste of the turnips you can slowly introduce it into other solid food preparations as well.
Although you may not enjoy eating this root vegetable yourself, be rest assured that it is actually super food for your baby. Do consult with your doctor first and introduce this healthy vegetable into your baby’s everyday diet to make it packed with nutrients.
When To Introduce Turnips For Babies?
Once your baby turns 6 months old you can begin offering pureed or mashed veggies and fruits into your baby’s diet. Turnips can be introduced to your baby from 9 months onwards. As this root vegetable is packed with nutrients it helps in the healthy development of your baby.
Top 6 Health Benefits of Turnips For Babies
Turnips can be introduced to babies between the age of 6-9 months. As discussed before, turnips are packed with nutrients that are important for your baby’s growth and development. Here are some of the benefits your baby will receive from the vegetable.
1. Aid in Bowel Regulation
Turnips are high in fiber content due to which they play a key role in regulating bowel movement. Babies who have just started solids have higher chances of developing constipation. Foods like turnips help reduce this constipation and regulate bowel movement in babies.
2. Boost Immunity
The vitamin C present in turnips will help to build the baby’s immune system and also to absorb iron from the food. Babies have an immature immune system and are at higher chances of falling ill. Feeding them with vegetables such as turnips helps boost their immunity and keep them healthy.
3. Aid in Brain Development
The rich iron content and traces of zinc in turnip will help to develop your baby’s brain.
4. Enhance Iron Absorption
As they are a good source of iron, turnips help with RBC formation and thereby improve your baby’s blood circulation. This is very important for the overall development of the baby.
5. Promote Bone Growth
Turnips are calcium rich and play a vital role in ensuring that your baby’s bones grow well.
6. Possess Antioxidant And Anti-inflammatory Properties
Turnips have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties which can keep a baby healthy and free from various types of illnesses and sicknesses in the long run.
Can Turnips Cause Any Health Concerns For My Baby?
Even though not that common, turnips can bring about certain side effects. Therefore, make sure to follow the four-day rule (continue feeding the same (new) food for four days. Only one new food to be introduced at a time) when you introduce turnips to your baby. This will help you to find out how your baby’s body reacts to this new food.
1. Gas
If your baby becomes cranky and starts to cry inconsolably after feeding the turnip, most probably it will be due to gas formation in your baby’s stomach. This can disturb the baby’s appetite as well. Your baby might suddenly begin to cry as she might be experiencing discomfort in her stomach.
When you introduce turnips to your baby, just give little amounts for a day or two and see how your baby reacts to the vegetable. In case there is no discomfort, then you may continue to feed turnips to your baby. But if you notice any signs of discomfort after feeding turnips, discontinue immediately and check once with your doctor regarding the same.
2. Allergy
A baby can contract turnip allergy, although it is rare. If your baby develops a runny nose, sneezing, itching, or coughing right after being introduced to turnip, it can be a sign of turnip allergy.
Turnips are indeed a great source of various nutrients for your baby. But if you have any family history of food allergies, there are chances your baby has it too. So ensure you speak to your baby’s pediatrician and introduce new foods in a slow-paced manner. Some of the symptoms of illness that your baby may show if she is allergic to turnips are cough, itching, sneezing, and running nose. If you notice any of the above symptoms kindly get your baby consulted with your doctor.
FAQ’s
1. Will Turnip Make my Baby Gassy?
Turnip in babies can cause the formation of gas. If your baby starts getting cranky after eating turnips, then the formation of gas could be the root cause.
2. Does Turnip Cause Constipation in Babies?
Turnip does not cause constipation in babies. On the other hand, the high fiber content present in turnips can relieve constipation and regularize bowel movements.
