Babies require proper nutrition and a balanced diet for their healthy growth and development. And, you cannot feed all sort of foods for the infants. They need foods that are easily digestible and is packed with a number of nutrients. New mothers will find it really hard to find an appropriate food for their baby. Here, in this article, you will find the best foods that you can feed your babies.
Yoghurt
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This is one of the healthiest foods that you can feed your baby. As per the Baby Centre, yoghurt is a fabulous food to acquaint with babies when they are around six months of age. According to Nancy Hudson, who is a Nutrition professor and dietitian at the University of California, yoghurt is a wonderful source of Calcium and Vitamin D, which are essential for the health of the teeth and also for the formation of the bones. Moreover, yoghurt also aids in enhancing the function of the immune system simultaneously with cardiovascular and neurological health.
Single-grain cereals
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Single-grain cereals are best for those babies aged four to six months. These cereals will provide the babies with additional iron, which will help them in oxygenation of the cells in the body. Other than that, the natural iron reserve obtained by the babies from their mother’s placenta at birth begins to decline when they reach six months of age. Single-grain cereals can be combined with either breast milk or formula milk. Moreover, if you want consistency, then you can also add water to it. As and when the baby enters the age of eight to ten months, small O-shaped cereals, small pieces of cooked pasta or teething crackers may be included.
Meat
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According to Baby Centre, meat can also be given as best baby foods for the babies. Meat is one of the best sources of proteins, and it also contains various other nutrients such as Zinc, Vitamin B complex and iron. Iron assists in developing the cellular oxygenation by increasing the properties of haemoglobin while zinc helps in the cellular metabolism. The B-vitamins are present so as to enhance the actions of both zinc and iron. Moreover, it helps in boosting the function of the nervous system. You can combine pureed meat along with breast milk and also along with vegetable puree, which forms the best food for babies aged between seven to ten months.
Avocado
Avocados are known for their health benefits, and it is also very good for the babies too. According to ‘The Bump’, Avocados serve as an excellent source of monosaturated fat, which is a healthy sort of fat due to its positive effects on the development of the brain. Leanne Cooper, who is a nutritionist also opines that avocados are similar to that of breast milk when considering the fat consumption. It has a pleasant consistency and a delicious taste, and they are also very easy to prepare. You can mash a ripe avocado and then blend it with breast milk or formula milk so as to get a pureed consistency. There are various ways in which you can prepare the avocados. You can either combine it with cream cheese, canned fish or even apples.
There are lots of foods available in the market that are solely meant for the babies. However, ‘breastfeeding’ always stands as the best. As per the American Academy of Pediatrics or AAP, exclusive breastfeeding has to be done for around the first six months of life, which also shows that no other food or fluids will be required unless a medical doctor indicated about it. It is also good if breastfeeding is done for a year and maybe extended, as long as both the baby and the mother needs to.
With correct nutrition and care provided to the babies, they will be able to grow and develop well into well-functional and healthy children.
