5 Extremely Critical Nutrients For Babies

As a mom, your baby’s food is your prime responsibility. And, when you wean your baby, you need to ensure that he gets all the necessary nutrients, as even the deficiency of one can lead to many complications and problems later. More importantly, you need to know what nutrients are essential for healthy growth in babies. So, read our post below and learn what these important nutrients are, and how you can introduce them to your baby’s food.

In This Article

1. Omega-3 Fatty Acids

Omega-3s are essential nutrients, which the body needs for healthy cell development. Almost all age groups need a sufficient amount of omega-3 in their diet, as the body doesn’t produce omega-3 by itself, so you need to get the nutrient from external sources. Low mercury fish and beans, both of which your baby can have in pureed forms, are excellent sources of omega-3s and should be included in your baby’s diet.

2. Iron

Iron is such an important nutrient that cartoonist Elzie Crisler Segar, the man responsible for introducing the world to Popeye – the sailor man, created a cartoon with the protagonist eating spinach to fight his enemies. Of course, the spinach gimmick was aimed at ameliorating better eating habits among children and ensuring they developed healthier bodies. Iron stimulates RBC (red blood cell) formation and promotes oxygenation in the body. So, iron is one nutrient that is simply essential for a baby. Iron deficiency can lead to many problems, and can trigger the onset of anemia, and negatively affect hemoglobin count in blood.

3. Fiber

Roughage is an important part of our diet. It helps bulk up food, eases constipation, and allows for smooth movement of food through the digestive tract. These particular attributes of fiber make it a crucial food, not just for adults, but also babies. Whole grains, fruits, and vegetables need to be an essential part of your baby’s diet.

What you need to pay close attention to are the labels. Don’t buy bread loaves that say ‘enriched flour’ as they don’t add any value to your baby’s diet, and don’t provide as much nutrition as whole-grain bread. Also, consider buying some healthier cereals like oatmeal and quinoa instead of feeding your baby processed rice cereal.

4. Calcium

Just like iron helps a baby develop better immunity and stimulates more efficient oxygenation in the blood, calcium is essential for baby bone development. So, you need to include calcium in your little angel’s diet, so that he has healthy bones and teeth once he grows up. Consider including yogurt, milk, and other calcium-rich foods to your baby.

Note:

Babies under the age of one shouldn’t have cow’s milk, but they can eat yogurt.

5. Probiotics

Probiotics are healthy bacteria that live in the stomach, which help the body break down and digest food as well. Probiotics also help overcome normally occurring problems like acid reflux and constipation. These live and active cultures can help your baby have a healthy and happy life, and you must include these nutrients in your baby’s food to give him a healthy head start.

These five nutrients are essential for the proper development of your baby. Which ones did you include in your baby’s food? Share your views with fellow moms. Tell us here.

Was this article helpful?
thumbsupthumbsdown
The following two tabs change content below.