Baby Food

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Introducing your baby to solid foods is a huge milestone. However, knowing where to start, what nutrients your baby needs, and what foods are safe can be overwhelming.

In this article, we’ll explore when babies can start eating finger foods, what finger foods are safe and nutritious, the essential nutrients in baby food, and concerns surrounding baby cereal and cow milk.

When Can Babies Eat Finger Foods?

Parents usually start introducing baby finger foods to their babies at around six months of age. However, it’s important to keep in mind that each baby develops at their own pace, and there is no fixed age at which they are ready for finger foods.

It’s essential to observe specific developmental cues, which typically appear when the baby is between 7 to 10 months old, to ensure they are ready for this next step in their feeding journey.

  • Have strong head and trunk control
  • Can sit upright completely with minimal assistance (babies who slump are far more likely to choke).
  • Display the pincer grasp (babies cannot take up small pieces of food until this grasp develops).
  • Bring their hands to their mouth on purpose
  • Can mash soft food between the gums
  • Being curious about food and reaching toward your plate

What Baby Foods Can Babies Eat?

Now that you know when to start finger foods, you may be curious about what to give your baby. The best baby finger foods are small, soft, nutritious, and easy to chew.

There are numerous baby finger foods that can help them learn to feed themselves while fulfilling their nutritional needs. Some of them include the following:

1. Vegetables

  • Roasted sweet potato
  • Steamed peas
  • Zucchini
  • Butternut Squash
  • Steamed broccoli or cauliflower
  • Roasted red bell peppers

Before feeding vegetables to your infant, make sure they are soft (either by roasting or boiling) and cut them into little pieces. Giving your baby raw veggies might cause choking.

2. Fruits

  • Raspberries
  • Blueberries
  • Strawberries
  • Banana
  • Avocado
  • Peach
  • Mango
  • Watermelon

Make sure to choose ripened fruits and cut them into little pieces.

3. Proteins

  • Eggs (scrambled and broken up into small pieces)
  • Tofu (steamed and diced)
  • Chicken or other meat (either broken up into small pieces or shredded)
  • Shredded cheese
  • Salmon (cooked and flaked)
  • Lightly mashed beans

4. Carbohydrates

  • Rice (well-cooked and formed in a ball shape)
  • Pasta (well-cooked and small pieces)
  • Bread (lightly roasted and sliced into little pieces or thin strips)
  • Muffins (diced)
  • Puffs and O-shaped dry cereal
  • Pancakes (cut into thin slices)

What Are The Most Important Nutrients In Baby Food?

 As a parent, you might wonder what essential nutrients your baby needs. Here are some nutrients that can help with your baby’s growth and development:

1. Iron

Iron is an essential nutrient. It helps transport oxygen throughout the body as an element of haemoglobin, a component found in red blood cells. Babies typically have enough iron stored in their bodies during their first few months of life, but this supply runs out after 5-6 months.

While breast milk and iron-fortified formulas provide some iron, you should introduce solid foods to ensure your baby gets the recommended 11 milligrams  of iron daily. Therefore, it’s essential to include iron-rich foods in a baby’s diet to avoid anaemia and support healthy development.

Iron-rich solid foods for newborns include the following:

  • Beans
  • Iron-fortified cereals
  • Whole grains
  • Spinach
  • Broccoli
  • Apricots
  • Meat
  • Chicken
  • Eggs

2. Omega 3 fatty acids

Consuming omega-3 fatty acids, specifically DHA and EPA, is essential for overall health and can help support the growth and development of your baby’s brain, eyes, and immune system. Since the body cannot produce these vital nutrients, you must ensure your baby consumes enough of them through solid foods.

You can introduce oily fish such as salmon, a great source of these unsaturated fats, to your baby’s diet around six months. Other sources of omega-3 fatty acids include:

  • Flaxseeds
  • Chia seeds
  • Walnuts
  • Soya beans
  • Tofu
  • Hemp seeds
  • Omega-3-rich eggs

3. Protein

Protein is essential for your baby’s growth and development since it plays a vital role in building, maintaining, and repairing body tissues. Every cell in a baby’s body contains protein, which is made up of amino acids – some of which are “essential” and cannot be produced by the body.

Breast milk and iron-fortified formula provide the right amount of protein for babies. However, after 5-6 months of age, it is crucial to ensure that your baby’s food contains enough protein to support healthy growth and development.

There are several protein-rich foods available when your baby starts solid foods. Some of them include the following:

  • Chicken
  • Meat
  • Fish
  • Eggs
  • Dairy
  • Nuts
  • Seeds
  • Whole grains
  • Legumes
  • Spinach
  • Sweet potatoes
  • Sweet corn
  • Avocado

Make sure your baby receives protein from a variety of sources.

4. Calcium

Calcium is vital for babies since it helps build strong bones and teeth. It also supports muscle function, nerve signalling, and blood clotting. Adequate calcium intake during infancy is essential for laying the foundation for optimal bone health in later life.

Calcium deficiency can lead to impaired bone and teeth development, muscle weakness, and increase the risk of developing rickets.

Infants under six months need 200 mg  of calcium daily, while those aged between 6 to 11 months need 260 mg daily. Calcium-rich foods include the following:

  • Eggs
  • Oranges
  • Fish
  • Sweet potatoes
  • Broccoli
  • Spinach
  • Green peas
  • Pulses
  • Lentils
  • Almonds

5. Vitamin D

Vitamin D is crucial for bone mineralization and immunity. Babies require 400 IU  daily starting soon after birth. Breastfed or partially breastfed babies need additional vitamin D supplements, while formula-fed babies receive adequate amounts of Vitamin D in their formula. It’s important to ensure that babies receive the necessary daily intake of Vitamin D to support their growth and development.

The following are some vitamin D-rich solid foods:

  • Salmon
  • Vitamin D-fortified products like yoghurt and baby cereal
  • Eggs
  • Almonds

It’s also important to note that although cow’s milk contains vitamin D, it is not recommended for infants during their first year.

6. Zinc

Babies need zinc for growth and development. It is a crucial mineral that helps synthesize proteins and DNA and supports the proper functioning of the immune system. A zinc deficiency can lead to impaired growth and increased susceptibility to infections.

Infants aged 0-6 months need 2 milligrams  of zinc daily, while those aged 7 months to 3 years require 3 milligrams daily. Although formula can provide zinc until age 1, breastfed infants should receive zinc-rich foods after 6 months to meet nutritional requirements.

The following are some zinc-rich solid foods for babies:

  • Chicken
  • Eggs
  • Fish
  • Yogurt
  • Cheese
  • Chickpeas
  • Lentils
  • Zinc-fortified baby cereal
  • Cashews
  • Almonds

Is Baby Cereal Safe For Infants?

Baby cereal is a safe and nutritious addition to an infant’s diet if it’s prepared properly and your baby is ready for solid foods. It is fortified with essential nutrients (especially iron) and can help meet a baby’s nutritional needs. However, following instructions and consulting with a paediatrician is important before introducing solid foods to a baby.

When introducing new foods to babies, it’s also important to wait a few days before adding another food to their diet. For example, if you start with oat-based cereal, wait a few days before introducing wheat-based cereal to your baby. This way, you can monitor your baby for potential allergic reactions and identify the culprit easily.

Is Cow Milk Safe For Infants?

No. Babies under 12 months should not consume cow’s milk since it may cause intestinal bleeding and contains too many proteins and minerals that can strain their kidneys. Moreover, it lacks the ideal balance of nutrients necessary for a baby’s growth and development. Therefore, it’s recommended to exclusively breastfeed or feed infants with infant formula until they are 12 months old.

 Take Away

Introducing your baby to solid foods is a significant milestone that requires careful consideration of safety and nutrition. You can make this transition successful by following best practices, such as starting with appropriate first foods and ensuring adequate nutrient intake.

Remember to consult with your paediatrician and enjoy exploring new foods with your little one.

https://kidshealth.org/en/parents/iron.html#:~:text=Infants%20ages%207%E2%80%9312%20months,girls%20should%20get%2015%20milligrams.

https://kidshealth.org/en/parents/calcium.html#:~:text=Babies%20get%20their%20calcium%20from,mg%20of%20calcium%20a%20day.

https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/infant-and-toddler-health/expert-answers/vitamin-d-for-babies/faq-20058161#:~:text=Breastfed%20or%20partially%20breastfed%20babies,age%2012%20months%2C%20whole%20milk.

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2740712/

Apollo has a team of Best Pediatric Gastroenterologist and Pediatric Surgeon

Apollo Cradle Specialist

Best Gynaecologist in Hyderabad Best Pediatrician in Hyderabad
Best Gynaecologist in Bangalore Best Pediatrician in Bangalore
Best Gynaecologist in New Delhi Best Pediatrician in New Delhi
Best Gynaecologist in Amritsar Best Pediatrician in Amritsar
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Introducing your baby to solid foods is a huge milestone. However, knowing where to start, what nutrients your baby needs, and what foods are safe can be overwhelming.

In this article, we’ll explore when babies can start eating finger foods, what finger foods are safe and nutritious, the essential nutrients in baby food, and concerns surrounding baby cereal and cow milk.

When Can Babies Eat Finger Foods?

Parents usually start introducing baby finger foods to their babies at around six months of age. However, it’s important to keep in mind that each baby develops at their own pace, and there is no fixed age at which they are ready for finger foods.

It’s essential to observe specific developmental cues, which typically appear when the baby is between 7 to 10 months old, to ensure they are ready for this next step in their feeding journey.

  • Have strong head and trunk control
  • Can sit upright completely with minimal assistance (babies who slump are far more likely to choke).
  • Display the pincer grasp (babies cannot take up small pieces of food until this grasp develops).
  • Bring their hands to their mouth on purpose
  • Can mash soft food between the gums
  • Being curious about food and reaching toward your plate

What Baby Foods Can Babies Eat?

Now that you know when to start finger foods, you may be curious about what to give your baby. The best baby finger foods are small, soft, nutritious, and easy to chew.

There are numerous baby finger foods that can help them learn to feed themselves while fulfilling their nutritional needs. Some of them include the following:

1. Vegetables

  • Roasted sweet potato
  • Steamed peas
  • Zucchini
  • Butternut Squash
  • Steamed broccoli or cauliflower
  • Roasted red bell peppers

Before feeding vegetables to your infant, make sure they are soft (either by roasting or boiling) and cut them into little pieces. Giving your baby raw veggies might cause choking.

2. Fruits

  • Raspberries
  • Blueberries
  • Strawberries
  • Banana
  • Avocado
  • Peach
  • Mango
  • Watermelon

Make sure to choose ripened fruits and cut them into little pieces.

3. Proteins

  • Eggs (scrambled and broken up into small pieces)
  • Tofu (steamed and diced)
  • Chicken or other meat (either broken up into small pieces or shredded)
  • Shredded cheese
  • Salmon (cooked and flaked)
  • Lightly mashed beans

4. Carbohydrates

  • Rice (well-cooked and formed in a ball shape)
  • Pasta (well-cooked and small pieces)
  • Bread (lightly roasted and sliced into little pieces or thin strips)
  • Muffins (diced)
  • Puffs and O-shaped dry cereal
  • Pancakes (cut into thin slices)

What Are The Most Important Nutrients In Baby Food?

 As a parent, you might wonder what essential nutrients your baby needs. Here are some nutrients that can help with your baby’s growth and development:

1. Iron

Iron is an essential nutrient. It helps transport oxygen throughout the body as an element of haemoglobin, a component found in red blood cells. Babies typically have enough iron stored in their bodies during their first few months of life, but this supply runs out after 5-6 months.

While breast milk and iron-fortified formulas provide some iron, you should introduce solid foods to ensure your baby gets the recommended 11 milligrams  of iron daily. Therefore, it’s essential to include iron-rich foods in a baby’s diet to avoid anaemia and support healthy development.

Iron-rich solid foods for newborns include the following:

  • Beans
  • Iron-fortified cereals
  • Whole grains
  • Spinach
  • Broccoli
  • Apricots
  • Meat
  • Chicken
  • Eggs

2. Omega 3 fatty acids

Consuming omega-3 fatty acids, specifically DHA and EPA, is essential for overall health and can help support the growth and development of your baby’s brain, eyes, and immune system. Since the body cannot produce these vital nutrients, you must ensure your baby consumes enough of them through solid foods.

You can introduce oily fish such as salmon, a great source of these unsaturated fats, to your baby’s diet around six months. Other sources of omega-3 fatty acids include:

  • Flaxseeds
  • Chia seeds
  • Walnuts
  • Soya beans
  • Tofu
  • Hemp seeds
  • Omega-3-rich eggs

3. Protein

Protein is essential for your baby’s growth and development since it plays a vital role in building, maintaining, and repairing body tissues. Every cell in a baby’s body contains protein, which is made up of amino acids – some of which are “essential” and cannot be produced by the body.

Breast milk and iron-fortified formula provide the right amount of protein for babies. However, after 5-6 months of age, it is crucial to ensure that your baby’s food contains enough protein to support healthy growth and development.

There are several protein-rich foods available when your baby starts solid foods. Some of them include the following:

  • Chicken
  • Meat
  • Fish
  • Eggs
  • Dairy
  • Nuts
  • Seeds
  • Whole grains
  • Legumes
  • Spinach
  • Sweet potatoes
  • Sweet corn
  • Avocado

Make sure your baby receives protein from a variety of sources.

4. Calcium

Calcium is vital for babies since it helps build strong bones and teeth. It also supports muscle function, nerve signalling, and blood clotting. Adequate calcium intake during infancy is essential for laying the foundation for optimal bone health in later life.

Calcium deficiency can lead to impaired bone and teeth development, muscle weakness, and increase the risk of developing rickets.

Infants under six months need 200 mg  of calcium daily, while those aged between 6 to 11 months need 260 mg daily. Calcium-rich foods include the following:

  • Eggs
  • Oranges
  • Fish
  • Sweet potatoes
  • Broccoli
  • Spinach
  • Green peas
  • Pulses
  • Lentils
  • Almonds

5. Vitamin D

Vitamin D is crucial for bone mineralization and immunity. Babies require 400 IU  daily starting soon after birth. Breastfed or partially breastfed babies need additional vitamin D supplements, while formula-fed babies receive adequate amounts of Vitamin D in their formula. It’s important to ensure that babies receive the necessary daily intake of Vitamin D to support their growth and development.

The following are some vitamin D-rich solid foods:

  • Salmon
  • Vitamin D-fortified products like yoghurt and baby cereal
  • Eggs
  • Almonds

It’s also important to note that although cow’s milk contains vitamin D, it is not recommended for infants during their first year.

6. Zinc

Babies need zinc for growth and development. It is a crucial mineral that helps synthesize proteins and DNA and supports the proper functioning of the immune system. A zinc deficiency can lead to impaired growth and increased susceptibility to infections.

Infants aged 0-6 months need 2 milligrams  of zinc daily, while those aged 7 months to 3 years require 3 milligrams daily. Although formula can provide zinc until age 1, breastfed infants should receive zinc-rich foods after 6 months to meet nutritional requirements.

The following are some zinc-rich solid foods for babies:

  • Chicken
  • Eggs
  • Fish
  • Yogurt
  • Cheese
  • Chickpeas
  • Lentils
  • Zinc-fortified baby cereal
  • Cashews
  • Almonds

Is Baby Cereal Safe For Infants?

Baby cereal is a safe and nutritious addition to an infant’s diet if it’s prepared properly and your baby is ready for solid foods. It is fortified with essential nutrients (especially iron) and can help meet a baby’s nutritional needs. However, following instructions and consulting with a paediatrician is important before introducing solid foods to a baby.

When introducing new foods to babies, it’s also important to wait a few days before adding another food to their diet. For example, if you start with oat-based cereal, wait a few days before introducing wheat-based cereal to your baby. This way, you can monitor your baby for potential allergic reactions and identify the culprit easily.

Is Cow Milk Safe For Infants?

No. Babies under 12 months should not consume cow’s milk since it may cause intestinal bleeding and contains too many proteins and minerals that can strain their kidneys. Moreover, it lacks the ideal balance of nutrients necessary for a baby’s growth and development. Therefore, it’s recommended to exclusively breastfeed or feed infants with infant formula until they are 12 months old.

 Take Away

Introducing your baby to solid foods is a significant milestone that requires careful consideration of safety and nutrition. You can make this transition successful by following best practices, such as starting with appropriate first foods and ensuring adequate nutrient intake.

Remember to consult with your paediatrician and enjoy exploring new foods with your little one.

https://kidshealth.org/en/parents/iron.html#:~:text=Infants%20ages%207%E2%80%9312%20months,girls%20should%20get%2015%20milligrams.

https://kidshealth.org/en/parents/calcium.html#:~:text=Babies%20get%20their%20calcium%20from,mg%20of%20calcium%20a%20day.

https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/infant-and-toddler-health/expert-answers/vitamin-d-for-babies/faq-20058161#:~:text=Breastfed%20or%20partially%20breastfed%20babies,age%2012%20months%2C%20whole%20milk.

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2740712/

Apollo has a team of Best Pediatric Gastroenterologist and Pediatric Surgeon

Apollo Cradle Specialist

Best Gynaecologist in Hyderabad Best Pediatrician in Hyderabad
Best Gynaecologist in Bangalore Best Pediatrician in Bangalore
Best Gynaecologist in New Delhi Best Pediatrician in New Delhi
Best Gynaecologist in Amritsar Best Pediatrician in Amritsar
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Solid Foods for Babies: Safety, Nutrition, and Best First Foods

Solid Foods for Babies: Safety, Nutrition, and Best First Foods

May 4, 2023

Introducing your baby to solid foods is a huge milestone. However, k...

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In today’s day and age, children from a very young age are exposed to erratic schedules, unhealthy eating habits and an inactive lifestyle. With hectic and demanding schedules, parents find it hard to regulate their children’s daily habits, be it dietary or lifestyle. As binge-eating, irregular snacking, prolonged sitting and poor sleeping habits become rampant among children, parents must take measures to restore healthy eating and lifestyle habits in their children. A nutritious diet and an active lifestyle can keep several diseases at bay and even stabilise children’s wavering energy and mood. Below are five tips to manage your child’s nutrition and lifestyle that parents can embed in their child’s day-to-day routine to promote a,

Healthy Diet and Lifestyle

Begin the Day With a Healthy Breakfast

To sustain their tiresome learning schedules, children need the right amount of energy that breakfast can provide. Skipping breakfast or eating an unhealthy breakfast can deplete their energy levels and even lead to overeating. A healthy breakfast should comprise protein, carbohydrates, fruits and vegetables. Healthy breakfast options include wholegrain cereals, toast or waffles and milk, yogurt, cheese and eggs. If your child isn’t hungry in the mornings, you can offer them a fresh fruit or breakfast bar. 

Fix Mealtime and Snack Time

Two years of remote learning and undue freedom have blurred the demarcations between mealtime and snack time for many kids. Eating at odd hours or eating snacks to satiate hunger pangs have become regular for many children. Parents must set fixed mealtimes and snack times and prioritise eating only during those times to reduce unhealthy eating habits in children. Additionally, they should try to provide homecooked meals and snack options. 

Also Read: Second Trimester Diet Plan for Healthy Pregnancy

Encourage Playing Outside Daily

Parents should promote physical activity in their children by encouraging them to play outside regularly. This can include any activity, like cycling, running etc. It is important to ensure that children get at least 30-60 minutes of physical activity each day. By playing outside, especially with other kids, children learn teamwork, sportsmanship, cooperation and independence. Additionally, daily outdoor activity can help limit children’s screen time and sedentary lifestyle.

Replace Junk Food With Fresh Fruits & Veggies

Choosing suitable meals and snacks for children is essential because eating habits developed early are likely to continue for the rest of their lives. Instead of providing kids with high-calorie and high-sodium processed foods like chips, cookies or chocolates, parents should encourage them to eat fresh fruits whenever they are hungry in between meals. In addition to fruits, parents can also provide kids nutritious veggie snacks that keep them full for a longer duration.

Be Mindful of Bedtime

The sleeping habits, especially the night-time routines of many children, have become unstable as kids moved to online classes. Many kids tend to stay up late watching TV or playing games. Now, as schools reopen, parents must create healthy bedtime routines for their children that allow them to sleep at least 8 hours. Proper rest in the afternoon and a full night’s sleep will help kids stay active and refreshed the following day. 

Final Thoughts

Inculcating healthy eating habits and promoting active lifestyle choices in children from an early age can be beneficial for the rest of their lives. However, the transition from poor to healthy habits will not happen overnight. It is essential for parents to be patient and allow their kids the time to adapt to these changes. All parents should actively take measures to redirect the course of their children’s nutrition and lifestyle.

Also, Read: Ensuring Healthy Motherhood in Body and Mind

 
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In today’s day and age, children from a very young age are exposed to erratic schedules, unhealthy eating habits and an inactive lifestyle. With hectic and demanding schedules, parents find it hard to regulate their children’s daily habits, be it dietary or lifestyle. As binge-eating, irregular snacking, prolonged sitting and poor sleeping habits become rampant among children, parents must take measures to restore healthy eating and lifestyle habits in their children. A nutritious diet and an active lifestyle can keep several diseases at bay and even stabilise children’s wavering energy and mood. Below are five tips to manage your child’s nutrition and lifestyle that parents can embed in their child’s day-to-day routine to promote a,

Healthy Diet and Lifestyle

Begin the Day With a Healthy Breakfast

To sustain their tiresome learning schedules, children need the right amount of energy that breakfast can provide. Skipping breakfast or eating an unhealthy breakfast can deplete their energy levels and even lead to overeating. A healthy breakfast should comprise protein, carbohydrates, fruits and vegetables. Healthy breakfast options include wholegrain cereals, toast or waffles and milk, yogurt, cheese and eggs. If your child isn’t hungry in the mornings, you can offer them a fresh fruit or breakfast bar. 

Fix Mealtime and Snack Time

Two years of remote learning and undue freedom have blurred the demarcations between mealtime and snack time for many kids. Eating at odd hours or eating snacks to satiate hunger pangs have become regular for many children. Parents must set fixed mealtimes and snack times and prioritise eating only during those times to reduce unhealthy eating habits in children. Additionally, they should try to provide homecooked meals and snack options. 

Also Read: Second Trimester Diet Plan for Healthy Pregnancy

Encourage Playing Outside Daily

Parents should promote physical activity in their children by encouraging them to play outside regularly. This can include any activity, like cycling, running etc. It is important to ensure that children get at least 30-60 minutes of physical activity each day. By playing outside, especially with other kids, children learn teamwork, sportsmanship, cooperation and independence. Additionally, daily outdoor activity can help limit children’s screen time and sedentary lifestyle.

Replace Junk Food With Fresh Fruits & Veggies

Choosing suitable meals and snacks for children is essential because eating habits developed early are likely to continue for the rest of their lives. Instead of providing kids with high-calorie and high-sodium processed foods like chips, cookies or chocolates, parents should encourage them to eat fresh fruits whenever they are hungry in between meals. In addition to fruits, parents can also provide kids nutritious veggie snacks that keep them full for a longer duration.

Be Mindful of Bedtime

The sleeping habits, especially the night-time routines of many children, have become unstable as kids moved to online classes. Many kids tend to stay up late watching TV or playing games. Now, as schools reopen, parents must create healthy bedtime routines for their children that allow them to sleep at least 8 hours. Proper rest in the afternoon and a full night’s sleep will help kids stay active and refreshed the following day. 

Final Thoughts

Inculcating healthy eating habits and promoting active lifestyle choices in children from an early age can be beneficial for the rest of their lives. However, the transition from poor to healthy habits will not happen overnight. It is essential for parents to be patient and allow their kids the time to adapt to these changes. All parents should actively take measures to redirect the course of their children’s nutrition and lifestyle.

Also, Read: Ensuring Healthy Motherhood in Body and Mind

 
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5 Tips to Manage Your Child’s Nutrition and Lifestyle

5 Tips to Manage Your Child’s Nutrition and Lifestyle

August 5, 2022

In today’s day and age, children from a very young age are exp...

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“I don’t want to eat this!”

“I’m not hungry!”

“I will eat only if you give me an ice-cream!” 

Mealtimes with a child can be as challenging as a negotiation battle in the boardroom. And a fussy child can push you to become irritable and lose your cool. But there are always ways to create a turnaround, and turn the fierce little negotiator into a friendly ally. 

Here are a few steps: 

  1. Keep fixed times for meals: 

Children need to get used to routines, especially about meals and bedtime. Make it a point to ensure that your child sits with the family, even if s/he is not hungry. It is also a good idea to keep a designated place where all of you have your meals together, whether or not you have a simple dining table.  

Serving meals in the bedroom to please a stubborn kid tends to encourage them to be more demanding. 

  1. No screens at the dining table:  

This is a universal rule for all families of all ages. Keep your phones away while you eat, and keep the tv switched off. Watching any screen while eating will distract your child from chewing and swallowing food mindfully. It also takes away from precious family time and conversations. 

  1. Involve your child: 

Children love being considered important and are happy to engage in the cooking process. Depending on the age, a child can be ask to clean/ wash/ mix or garnish. 

Older ones can help with chopping and even cooking the easier dishes.  

You can ask your kids to decide the menu for the next day or the weekend, by giving them some fixed ingredients that they must not forget to include. Get creative by printing out the menu and posting it on the fridge, for the family to see. Take turns and give each other ratings.  

  1. Serve small portions: 

Kids don’t need to be forced to eat, and their choice to say ‘no’ should be respected. 

Plus, younger kids get overwhelmed if too much food is served at one go. Instead, give them small portions, and allow them to refuse, if they’re full. 

  1. Innovate: 

Younger children, especially, tend to be bored easily. You can reinvent the same food with new flavours, shapes and colours. Eg. by adding beetroots to your idli / chapaati dough or shaping your puris like stars and boats, can add more fun to a child’s eating experience. A smiley decorated on a sandwich can bring an equally big smile to their faces. 

Even simple ‘poha’, ‘upma’, ‘pulaao’, ‘dosas’ or even pizza toppings can have so many variations, with different ingredients or garnishes.  

  1. Try new recipes: 

The internet has opened up a world of recipes and chefs sharing their favourite, time-tested ideas with the world. Look for ideas that you can try with the same / similar ingredients.   

Start with simpler recipes, instead of elaborate ones so that you are not discouraged after a few attempts. 

When you visit family and friends, ask them to cook their own specialities. This will introduce your kids to new flavours and cuisines, and help them have a ‘let’s taste something new’ attitude towards food. 

  1. Bargaining with desserts is a big NO: 

Parents sometimes negotiate with desserts, in order to cajole a child to eat the whole meal. But, that gives the message that they can demand something in return for eating their meals. 

Instead, keep desserts for the weekend, and try and make favourites, which are also healthy. Fruit with custard, pineapple ‘sheera’, fruit smoothies, homemade banana-oatmeal cakes, or cookies with ‘ragi’ and ‘naachni’ are a much better sweet option.  

Dessert as a reward for anything sends the wrong signals, so serve it as part of your weekly routine.  

Yes, children are definitely going to be tempted by sugary, high calorie, not-so-healthy sweets every now and then. Indulge them once in a while, so that they don’t feel they’re being deprived of the fun.  

Chutneys, dips, pickles and jams 

Indian cuisine is rich with recipes of chutneys, pickles and dips. By serving those that your child enjoys, s/he can enjoy mundane food without a fuss. 

  1. Be the change you expect to see in your child: 

As a parent, the child is observing what you do, not just what you say. That’s why you should set an example of healthful and mindful eating. 

Go easy! 

Lastly, getting a child to become a conscious eater is not a day’s task. It takes a while. There are days when your son/ daughter will be an obedient angel, and on other days you will feel like a parent who has failed. The key is to not be so hard on yourself. Just go easy, and keep trying different things to figure your own way. These are simply ideas and suggestions, but eventually somethings will work beautifully for your child and you can stick to those.  

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“I don’t want to eat this!”

“I’m not hungry!”

“I will eat only if you give me an ice-cream!” 

Mealtimes with a child can be as challenging as a negotiation battle in the boardroom. And a fussy child can push you to become irritable and lose your cool. But there are always ways to create a turnaround, and turn the fierce little negotiator into a friendly ally. 

Here are a few steps: 

  1. Keep fixed times for meals: 

Children need to get used to routines, especially about meals and bedtime. Make it a point to ensure that your child sits with the family, even if s/he is not hungry. It is also a good idea to keep a designated place where all of you have your meals together, whether or not you have a simple dining table.  

Serving meals in the bedroom to please a stubborn kid tends to encourage them to be more demanding. 

  1. No screens at the dining table:  

This is a universal rule for all families of all ages. Keep your phones away while you eat, and keep the tv switched off. Watching any screen while eating will distract your child from chewing and swallowing food mindfully. It also takes away from precious family time and conversations. 

  1. Involve your child: 

Children love being considered important and are happy to engage in the cooking process. Depending on the age, a child can be ask to clean/ wash/ mix or garnish. 

Older ones can help with chopping and even cooking the easier dishes.  

You can ask your kids to decide the menu for the next day or the weekend, by giving them some fixed ingredients that they must not forget to include. Get creative by printing out the menu and posting it on the fridge, for the family to see. Take turns and give each other ratings.  

  1. Serve small portions: 

Kids don’t need to be forced to eat, and their choice to say ‘no’ should be respected. 

Plus, younger kids get overwhelmed if too much food is served at one go. Instead, give them small portions, and allow them to refuse, if they’re full. 

  1. Innovate: 

Younger children, especially, tend to be bored easily. You can reinvent the same food with new flavours, shapes and colours. Eg. by adding beetroots to your idli / chapaati dough or shaping your puris like stars and boats, can add more fun to a child’s eating experience. A smiley decorated on a sandwich can bring an equally big smile to their faces. 

Even simple ‘poha’, ‘upma’, ‘pulaao’, ‘dosas’ or even pizza toppings can have so many variations, with different ingredients or garnishes.  

  1. Try new recipes: 

The internet has opened up a world of recipes and chefs sharing their favourite, time-tested ideas with the world. Look for ideas that you can try with the same / similar ingredients.   

Start with simpler recipes, instead of elaborate ones so that you are not discouraged after a few attempts. 

When you visit family and friends, ask them to cook their own specialities. This will introduce your kids to new flavours and cuisines, and help them have a ‘let’s taste something new’ attitude towards food. 

  1. Bargaining with desserts is a big NO: 

Parents sometimes negotiate with desserts, in order to cajole a child to eat the whole meal. But, that gives the message that they can demand something in return for eating their meals. 

Instead, keep desserts for the weekend, and try and make favourites, which are also healthy. Fruit with custard, pineapple ‘sheera’, fruit smoothies, homemade banana-oatmeal cakes, or cookies with ‘ragi’ and ‘naachni’ are a much better sweet option.  

Dessert as a reward for anything sends the wrong signals, so serve it as part of your weekly routine.  

Yes, children are definitely going to be tempted by sugary, high calorie, not-so-healthy sweets every now and then. Indulge them once in a while, so that they don’t feel they’re being deprived of the fun.  

Chutneys, dips, pickles and jams 

Indian cuisine is rich with recipes of chutneys, pickles and dips. By serving those that your child enjoys, s/he can enjoy mundane food without a fuss. 

  1. Be the change you expect to see in your child: 

As a parent, the child is observing what you do, not just what you say. That’s why you should set an example of healthful and mindful eating. 

Go easy! 

Lastly, getting a child to become a conscious eater is not a day’s task. It takes a while. There are days when your son/ daughter will be an obedient angel, and on other days you will feel like a parent who has failed. The key is to not be so hard on yourself. Just go easy, and keep trying different things to figure your own way. These are simply ideas and suggestions, but eventually somethings will work beautifully for your child and you can stick to those.  

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Tips for parents to deal with fussy eater

Tips for parents to deal with fussy eater

February 9, 2021

“I don’t want to eat this...

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Infants require adequate nourishment and the best way of ensuring this is through breastfeeding, which is vital for your baby’s lifelong health and wellbeing. An infant must derive nutrition in the first six months only through breastfeeding in order to attain the best possible results of healthy development and growth. Later, an infant can gradually be introduced to safe and adequate complementary foods to reach nutritional goals. A mother can continue to nurse her child as well as feed him/her suitable substitutes available in the market or prepared at home for up to two years of age, and sometimes longer if required.

If a mother is lactating well, she should breastfeed her child as long as possible as it results in the child building a stronger immunity. However, in some cases where the mother is unable to lactate enough to satisfy the infant’s hunger and nutritional requirements, she can always rely on substitutes available. Fresh food made at home is always a better substitute for breast milk than readymade packaged food.

Being a new mother can be quite an overwhelming and a stressful experience. However, it is very important to maintain a good diet as this affects the quality of breast milk you feed your infant. You must ensure that you eat a well-balanced diet that contains plenty of vegetables and fruits, which are excellent sources of fibre, as well as beans, meat and whole grain foods that have high levels of protein. You must also drink plenty of water to stay hydrated. Daily doses of calcium intake in the form of milk and other dairy products are essential for a woman who is breastfeeding. You can also consult your doctor for nutritional supplements.

During pregnancy and while breastfeeding, it is crucial that a woman must go for regular medical checkups and not self-prescribe any medication without the knowledge of her doctor. If your doctor has prescribed any medicine or nutritional supplements, you must consume these diligently.

As time passes, you will learn the likes and dislikes of your infant, and you should stay away from the foods that make your baby uncomfortable.

You may find it difficult to supply milk as and when your baby demands it and that is completely normal. Studies show that when a mother begins to recognize her baby’s ‘I am hungry’ cry, she automatically begins to lactate. It may help to record that particular cry and hear it during breast pumping if you’ve chosen to go this route. This technique has proven to be very popular especially amongst working mothers, who are not always present to breastfeed their young ones. It is also important for mothers to know that it is okay to fall asleep while feeding your baby. Infants have the tendency to fall asleep during feeding, and so do mothers. It is essential that new mothers, who are usually sleep deprived, get their fair share of sleep, and breastfeeding can sometimes be an excellent time to do so. It is also the most natural way of building a bond with your child.

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Infants require adequate nourishment and the best way of ensuring this is through breastfeeding, which is vital for your baby’s lifelong health and wellbeing. An infant must derive nutrition in the first six months only through breastfeeding in order to attain the best possible results of healthy development and growth. Later, an infant can gradually be introduced to safe and adequate complementary foods to reach nutritional goals. A mother can continue to nurse her child as well as feed him/her suitable substitutes available in the market or prepared at home for up to two years of age, and sometimes longer if required.

If a mother is lactating well, she should breastfeed her child as long as possible as it results in the child building a stronger immunity. However, in some cases where the mother is unable to lactate enough to satisfy the infant’s hunger and nutritional requirements, she can always rely on substitutes available. Fresh food made at home is always a better substitute for breast milk than readymade packaged food.

Being a new mother can be quite an overwhelming and a stressful experience. However, it is very important to maintain a good diet as this affects the quality of breast milk you feed your infant. You must ensure that you eat a well-balanced diet that contains plenty of vegetables and fruits, which are excellent sources of fibre, as well as beans, meat and whole grain foods that have high levels of protein. You must also drink plenty of water to stay hydrated. Daily doses of calcium intake in the form of milk and other dairy products are essential for a woman who is breastfeeding. You can also consult your doctor for nutritional supplements.

During pregnancy and while breastfeeding, it is crucial that a woman must go for regular medical checkups and not self-prescribe any medication without the knowledge of her doctor. If your doctor has prescribed any medicine or nutritional supplements, you must consume these diligently.

As time passes, you will learn the likes and dislikes of your infant, and you should stay away from the foods that make your baby uncomfortable.

You may find it difficult to supply milk as and when your baby demands it and that is completely normal. Studies show that when a mother begins to recognize her baby’s ‘I am hungry’ cry, she automatically begins to lactate. It may help to record that particular cry and hear it during breast pumping if you’ve chosen to go this route. This technique has proven to be very popular especially amongst working mothers, who are not always present to breastfeed their young ones. It is also important for mothers to know that it is okay to fall asleep while feeding your baby. Infants have the tendency to fall asleep during feeding, and so do mothers. It is essential that new mothers, who are usually sleep deprived, get their fair share of sleep, and breastfeeding can sometimes be an excellent time to do so. It is also the most natural way of building a bond with your child.

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Dos and Don’ts of Infant Nutrition

Dos and Don’ts of Infant Nutrition

February 5, 2019

Infants require adequate nourishment and the best way of ensuring th...

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The first year of your baby’s life is vital due to essential health developments. Your infant needs to eat healthy so that he grows into a fine toddler! Are you struggling to feed your baby, who is hungry at regular intervals? If you are wondering how to feed your child healthy baby foods so that he retains his energy to run around, we are here to help! Below, is a healthy baby food guide.

Here are some great ideas for preparing nutritious baby foods, throughout the first year:

  • Four months baby food – It is advisable to start feeding your baby some solid foods from now, to get him accustomed to eating.

Use bananas, avocados, carrots, sweet potatoes, apples, and pears to prepare healthy meals. Make sure to mash them into a fine paste so that he can easily gulp them down.

These foods are rich in vitamins, proteins, and iron, and can be prepared in the form of soups and juices, to soothe the little one’s picky taste buds!

bebe-gazouille-repas-6313100

  • Six months baby food – Breast milk and absolutely liquefied diet alone may not suffice the baby’s requirements at this stage. You may introduce mild solid foods, not completely mashed. Prepare a combined meal of rice, pulses, and vegetables, into a semi-solid configuration. This healthy meal will provide the nutrients required for positive growth. You won’t have to wait for long to see your baby full of energy and mischief all the time!
  • Eight months baby food – Continue serving the same solid foods to your baby, with some additions like external milk and dairy products in a limited quantity. The food consumed now, can take a more solid form but should remain very soft for him to chew. The healthy meal that you prepare, must contain proteins and vitamins that are vital for cell development.

foods_to_feed_an_8_month_old_baby_with_no_teeth

  • Twelve months baby food – Now you can include some extremely mild spices in the meals. Spices and herbs like turmeric, cumin, cinnamon, cardamom, cloves, ginger, and garlic have properties that help reduce stomach ulcers and improve digestion.

    These spices are not hot and will not cause discomfort to your little one’s delicate tummy. You can also include wholesome grains like wheat, oats, and millets.

    Baby food made with these ingredients are bound to be full of essential nutrients that will be healthy and yummy!
  • Constant supply of milk – Along with solid food, there must be a constant supply of milk, preferably mother’s milk. Breast milk contains essential nutrients that enhance the development of immunity from a tender age.

    External milk is acceptable if it is carefully pasteurised and diluted. Good quality milk is required for the development of stronger bones. After all, stronger bones make him more active and energetic! Don’t you want to see that twinkle in his mischievous eyes?

Your baby is deserving of the whole wide world around him! Make sure that you follow the above guidelines while preparing wholesome food for him, so that he does not create much of a fuss! Eating wholesome food will make your child grow faster and become an active toddler!

 

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The first year of your baby’s life is vital due to essential health developments. Your infant needs to eat healthy so that he grows into a fine toddler! Are you struggling to feed your baby, who is hungry at regular intervals? If you are wondering how to feed your child healthy baby foods so that he retains his energy to run around, we are here to help! Below, is a healthy baby food guide.

Here are some great ideas for preparing nutritious baby foods, throughout the first year:

  • Four months baby food – It is advisable to start feeding your baby some solid foods from now, to get him accustomed to eating.

Use bananas, avocados, carrots, sweet potatoes, apples, and pears to prepare healthy meals. Make sure to mash them into a fine paste so that he can easily gulp them down.

These foods are rich in vitamins, proteins, and iron, and can be prepared in the form of soups and juices, to soothe the little one’s picky taste buds!

bebe-gazouille-repas-6313100

  • Six months baby food – Breast milk and absolutely liquefied diet alone may not suffice the baby’s requirements at this stage. You may introduce mild solid foods, not completely mashed. Prepare a combined meal of rice, pulses, and vegetables, into a semi-solid configuration. This healthy meal will provide the nutrients required for positive growth. You won’t have to wait for long to see your baby full of energy and mischief all the time!
  • Eight months baby food – Continue serving the same solid foods to your baby, with some additions like external milk and dairy products in a limited quantity. The food consumed now, can take a more solid form but should remain very soft for him to chew. The healthy meal that you prepare, must contain proteins and vitamins that are vital for cell development.

foods_to_feed_an_8_month_old_baby_with_no_teeth

  • Twelve months baby food – Now you can include some extremely mild spices in the meals. Spices and herbs like turmeric, cumin, cinnamon, cardamom, cloves, ginger, and garlic have properties that help reduce stomach ulcers and improve digestion.

    These spices are not hot and will not cause discomfort to your little one’s delicate tummy. You can also include wholesome grains like wheat, oats, and millets.

    Baby food made with these ingredients are bound to be full of essential nutrients that will be healthy and yummy!
  • Constant supply of milk – Along with solid food, there must be a constant supply of milk, preferably mother’s milk. Breast milk contains essential nutrients that enhance the development of immunity from a tender age.

    External milk is acceptable if it is carefully pasteurised and diluted. Good quality milk is required for the development of stronger bones. After all, stronger bones make him more active and energetic! Don’t you want to see that twinkle in his mischievous eyes?

Your baby is deserving of the whole wide world around him! Make sure that you follow the above guidelines while preparing wholesome food for him, so that he does not create much of a fuss! Eating wholesome food will make your child grow faster and become an active toddler!

 

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A guide to preparing healthy baby food

A guide to preparing healthy baby food

April 21, 2017

The first year of your baby’s l...

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Your tiny toddler can also be a very picky eater. It can sometimes be a very hard task to make them eat some nutrition. You need to be innovative, come up with your very own ‘homemade toddlers food ideas’ and convert them into ‘food toddlers love’.

Here are some simple homemade nutritious food items you can start of with.

Apple smash with a cinnamon touch

Feeding your baby smashed apples is something everyone does. Sprinkle your apple sauce with some spices, giving it a little twist, and feed it to your baby. This could become your kiddo’s favourite food.

484687498_XS

Fruity milkshakes

Milk is a very important part of your baby’s healthy growth diet. But, more than often you’ll find that your kid is not the most ardent lover of milk and in actuality runs away from it. Here’s a suggestion to make your toddler love milk.

Try a banana & walnut milkshake. Power packed with all the nutritious qualities of milk, banana & walnut – this could be a must have if your toddler loves it.

12_d

Tomato in the tummy

Tomato is a brilliant source of nutrients needed for healthy growth, for example vitamin C. But, toddlers are not exactly big fans of tomato slices. So, how to convert it into ‘food toddlers love’? Try tomato soup – smooth texture, mellow flavour  – it is doubtful that this recipe of yours will be rejected.

tomato-basil-soup1_(1)

Pulp the Pineapple

Another fruity recipe can be made with pineapple. Power packed with vitamins, minerals, calcium and many other health nutrients, pineapple is a fruit extremely beneficial for your baby. But, you can’t exactly cut & serve it. Your toddler might just straight out turn his face in rejection.

Try some pineapple puree mixed with yogurt. Tasty, easy to eat and so, one more recipe added to your list of food toddlers love.

foody-mobile-1259343nanas780x390--118-636180266006658791

Pop up the Pomegranate

Pomegranate is filled with antioxidants and extremely beneficial for your baby. You could serve pomegranate juice, but some toddlers like to do things on their own. So, why not just put some pomegranate seeds in a bowl and put them in front of your toddler to serve himself. It would be fun eating with your own hands, wouldn’t it?

a2e0c707c9d24a3a1b1085272b3a9fe0757d9ae7

These were just some suggestions from our side. Get innovative and come up with recipes of your own which your toddler will love.

You can also consult experts to know what would be the best food for your little and naughty angel. Visit www.apollocradle.com

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Your tiny toddler can also be a very picky eater. It can sometimes be a very hard task to make them eat some nutrition. You need to be innovative, come up with your very own ‘homemade toddlers food ideas’ and convert them into ‘food toddlers love’.

Here are some simple homemade nutritious food items you can start of with.

Apple smash with a cinnamon touch

Feeding your baby smashed apples is something everyone does. Sprinkle your apple sauce with some spices, giving it a little twist, and feed it to your baby. This could become your kiddo’s favourite food.

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Fruity milkshakes

Milk is a very important part of your baby’s healthy growth diet. But, more than often you’ll find that your kid is not the most ardent lover of milk and in actuality runs away from it. Here’s a suggestion to make your toddler love milk.

Try a banana & walnut milkshake. Power packed with all the nutritious qualities of milk, banana & walnut – this could be a must have if your toddler loves it.

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Tomato in the tummy

Tomato is a brilliant source of nutrients needed for healthy growth, for example vitamin C. But, toddlers are not exactly big fans of tomato slices. So, how to convert it into ‘food toddlers love’? Try tomato soup – smooth texture, mellow flavour  – it is doubtful that this recipe of yours will be rejected.

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Pulp the Pineapple

Another fruity recipe can be made with pineapple. Power packed with vitamins, minerals, calcium and many other health nutrients, pineapple is a fruit extremely beneficial for your baby. But, you can’t exactly cut & serve it. Your toddler might just straight out turn his face in rejection.

Try some pineapple puree mixed with yogurt. Tasty, easy to eat and so, one more recipe added to your list of food toddlers love.

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Pop up the Pomegranate

Pomegranate is filled with antioxidants and extremely beneficial for your baby. You could serve pomegranate juice, but some toddlers like to do things on their own. So, why not just put some pomegranate seeds in a bowl and put them in front of your toddler to serve himself. It would be fun eating with your own hands, wouldn’t it?

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These were just some suggestions from our side. Get innovative and come up with recipes of your own which your toddler will love.

You can also consult experts to know what would be the best food for your little and naughty angel. Visit www.apollocradle.com

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Simple, homemade food toddlers love

Simple, homemade food toddlers love

April 5, 2017

Your tiny toddler can also be a very pick...

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