Ten Simple and Healthy Food Types For Weaning Your Baby

It is just amazing when babies are finally 6 months old and now you can give them a taste of everything they have been trying to grab at since they were born. The first food your baby eats will feel like the first birthday of sorts because they love it. You have to be ready to deal with the mess though but that will only be a concern after you make them a puree they love and watch them enjoy it.

Starting your baby off with healthy foods is the best way to boost their immunity as they take less breast milk and also prepare them to be healthy eaters when they grow up. Not all adult foods are baby-safe though and those weaning formula from the stores are not the key to everything either. These 10 foods should be on top of your list of foods to wean off your baby; keeping your doctor’s advice in mind, of course.

Eggs

Choline is essential for your child’s brain as it has been linked with improved ability to learn and grasp things which is why it is recommended for babies at a young age. Eggs should be fully cooked before you give them to babies though because if the risk of salmonella and other harmful bacteria found in eggs. The yolk is the best part because it contains most of the choline and Vitamin D so you should think of boiling those eggs and slicing or blending them into smoothies for your baby to enjoy.

Potatoes

When weaning, it is easy to avoid fibre-rich foods because some parents think it will be hard on the baby but that is not always the case. Potatoes are one of the healthiest vegetables you can give your baby. They contain fibre which helps prevent constipation in babies. Most importantly, sweet potatoes contain calcium and magnesium which are essential for the health of the bones of the baby. Just boil the whole egg and then add it to your regular purees or thin slices that your baby can handle.

Green Vegetables

Leafy greens are a lifeline when you consider the number of micronutrients they supply and your baby’s body is in real need of most of them especially Vitamins A, C and K as well as folate, magnesium and manganese. You should therefore befriend cabbages, broccoli, spinach and other green vegetables when making smoothies for your baby. You can also serve raw greens if you have the really soft ones and they are great if you are doing baby-led weaning.

Fruits

You have to remember that fruits are the richest source of antioxidants compared to any other food source. Lots of fruits help the baby build immunity and have smooth cell division and movement. The most important fruits in your diet should be oranges, pumpkins, apples, bananas, blueberries, strawberries, papaya and avocado. Whatever you do, make sure your baby’s smoothie has some antioxidant-rich fruits in there.

Safe Juices

Drinks are another tricky topic when it comes to weaning babies. You shouldn’t give them milk until they are at least 12 months old but you can add milk to other foods when cooking. When it comes to juices, juicing your own fruits at home will serve your baby better than buying sugar-dense juices from the store as they cause tooth decay. You should consider making your own squash and other juices at home using the fruits that the baby likes most.

Legumes

Mashed pea puree is one food you shouldn’t deny your baby. It contains lots of Vitamins including Vitamin A, C and K as well as magnesium and a good quantity of fibre. The high protein and energy content of beans. Lentils, peas and other legumes are important for the cell and muscle development of your baby. Legumes make great purees for babies while delivering all the nutrients they need for early development.

Fish

Omega 3 and Omega 6 fatty acids are vital for the development and smooth function of brain cells and heart health. You have to get soft fish whose fillets are easy for the baby to manage and most importantly, make sure you remove all the bones. You should avoid high mercury fish such as swordfish, shark and orange roughly since the high mercury content hurts your baby’s brain development.

Meat

Meat is another nutritious food that many parents pass on when weaning their babies but it is very important. Healthy meats will help your baby’s Vitamin and protein intake which they need because of the increased demand as they get off breast milk. You need to ensure that the meat is soft enough for them to handle. You can also go for minced meat which is easier on the child’s young gut.

Oats

You can use natural yoghurt to flavour oats for your baby. You can also use breast milk because it is the healthiest food for the baby. Oats are a rich grain that has lots of starch, fibre and other micronutrients your baby needs for stronger bones and muscles.

Nut Butter

When it comes to foods that may cause allergies such as nuts, milk and wheat products, you are advised to introduce them to your baby one at a time and watch for any negative reactions. Introducing peanuts to your baby when he/she is as young as four months actually reduces their risks of allergic reactions as they grow up. Nuts also have a high protein content that helps with the growth of bones and muscles in the baby.