It is ironic how difficult it actually is to find what would be the best feed for babies- considering both their sensitive digestive tract and its considerably small size, which gives us the perception that only the most nutritious, the best, and the one which would not harm their delicate little tummies should be given to them.
Indeed, a challenge to every mom, right?
In addition to that, what are the further reasons why we should really consider being highly selective regarding this matter? Irreversible and long-term effect. What do those two words mean? Irreversible and long-term effects are expected when babies are not properly nourished within their first 1000 days, estimated to be within their around up to 3 years of age- when we pertain to the possibility of irreversible and long-term, it means that once the harm is done in concern to the development and the growth of the baby, whatever forms of “making-up” should ever be done in the later years, little to no significant changes to the already existent damage is expected to occur.
It is needed that babies should be fed with breastmilk within its first 6 months, therefore the list of food that we are going to tackle about are those for their beyond 6 months up to 2-3 years of age.
Are you with a pen and paper, already? Let’s get it!
- Lugaw
Reaching their 7th month of age, the food that is most commonly introduced to babies is lugaw- which furthermore, in their next month, could be upgraded to thicker forms of it. Also, even after 4 months of resting from breastfeeding, the same eaten rice could now then be introduced to the baby… only after making sure they’re absolutely edible and no unwanted form of -that black and brownish- grains are mixed up with it.
Since rice is considered as a cereal, we can say that it is one of the most nutritious and basic food that could be given to a growing baby since it is a form of staple food. A good source of the most essential organic compounds- and yes, carbs on the lead!
- Veggies… Yellow or Green?
Well, to break the common misconception, we should understand that for all of us, especially for babies, yellow veggies are just as nutritional that our ever-uplifted green ones.
Yellow-colored vegetables basically include squash and carrots- are proven to be a significant contributor to the baby’s development for soft and healthy skin, keen vision, improved defense system, and good hair. All of those benefits are thanks to the most well-known nutrient contained by the veggies which is beta-carotene.
Concerning the green-colored veggies, for babies, we have malunggay, kangkong, and pechay on the top list. Adding up such on the meal preparation of your baby can assure you significant levels of iron and calcium which are beneficial for the normal function within the bloodstream and bone-development, respectively.
In addition to that, legumes in the form of mashed beans could also be introduced to the baby within its 10-11 months of age- this type of veggie is responsible for providing protein, vitamin B-complex, and even iron which could further be enhanced with the addition of milk.
- Fruits Packed with Vitamins
Vitamin C is a supplementing need for the baby’s development of a healthy gum, better skin protection, and escalated functionality of the immune or defense system. That is why finding food which provides an ample amount of vitamin c, yet is just as safe for the digestive capability of the baby is highly needed.
For the stated essence above we have mango and papaya on the top list. Also, for the other needed nutrients, the fruit which could supplement the other nutritional needs of the baby is of course- our all-in fruit- banana (preferably, the latundan).
- Mashed Potato and Kamote w/ Milk
Another option which could be possibly introduced within the early period of the development of a baby are these two root crops. All you just need is to prepare a smashed version of it, which then you could easily give a twist by adding up some milk, the baby is sure to achieve all its fiber and energy-source needs for the whole day!
And the more technical benefits of it? You are sure not to worry with the digestion process of the baby- because the significant levels of fiber have already your back, and there’s no need for extra crabs for either of these said root crops could already provide just the recommended amount of energy-giving nutrients!
- Eggs and Poultry Meat
Half of the cooked egg-yolk could be introduced to babies beyond 6 months while the egg-whites should only be given within the 11th month.
Protein and Vitamin D are the top-hailed nutrients of egg- which is good for the muscle-development and enhancing the body’s capability to absorb calcium, respectively.
Poultry meat, on the other hand, beyond from being vitamin-packed, also provides iron, is a good source of protein and various kinds of essential minerals: for this one, the “chewier” texture is surely recommended.
References:
Anon, (2019). [online] Available at: http://www.fnri.dost.gov.ph/index.php/publications/writers-pool-corner/59-babies-and-children/97-10-best-foods-for-babies [Accessed 14 Jan. 2019].
Gumaro, M. (2019). Good Nutrition from the Start. [online] FNRI Website. Available at: http://www.fnri.dost.gov.ph/index.php/publications/writers-pool-corner/59-babies-and-children/98-good-nutrition-from-the-start [Accessed 14 Jan. 2019].
FNRI Website. (2019). National Milk-Feeding Program-Improves Nutritional Status of Filipino Children. [online] Available at: http://fnri.dost.gov.ph/index.php/59-nutritips/babies-and-children [Accessed 14 Jan. 2019].
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