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Parents across the world want the same thing for their little ones: to ensure their kids are provided with the best in life. Of course, what encompasses “best” is pretty subjective. Take food for instance. Nothing can beat the cultural diversity that comes with food. What one feeds to their baby here in India is very different than what one feeds across the coast. While no one can say which one is the best for babies, it is always fascinating to know what these little angels are munching on in different corners of the world. Here, we bring you some of these traditional baby foods from every corner of the globe:
1. India- Syrupy Wheat
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Once babies in India become five-month-old, they are usually started on a meal made of cracked wheat. Fed to the baby in a bottle, it is consumed in the form of a rich syrup. Typically, parents also add some sugar to the preparation, in a hope that the sweet flavor will make the little one’s first solid food attempt a cakewalk.
2. France- Carrots, Potatoes, And Beans
Mommies in France look forward to starting their kids with veggies. So, once babies reach their four-month milestone, they are fed a new vegetable every four days. The go-to veggie for most French parents is potatoes. They also bring in other veggies like zucchini, spinach, carrots, and beans after a few days. They hold on to fruits till their babies are nine-month-old.
3. Japan- Bread, Rice, And Broccoli
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Japanese folks typically start off their kids with meals that they like themselves. Thus, the foods that parents serve to their babies vary a lot. Also, they focus on their infant’s ability to adjust to new flavors. In general, they are introduced to the food land with items such as softened bread, rice, mashed potatoes, and even broccoli. Doesn’t this sound tempting?
4. USA- Rice Cereal
Parents in the USA are suggested to start their little ones with meals that suit their immature digestive system. Their meals range from fruits and rice cereals to veggies such as sweet potato. Pureed meats are usually introduced after the babies turn six-month-old. Then, dairy products like cottage cheese are also brought in.
5. Mexico- Soups
First meal introduced to Mexican babies is generally soup. The parents traditionally give their kids anything from tortillas to fruits to munch on. The bonus is that mothers don’t have to spend extra time preparing a meal for their babies. Just mash up whatever is prepared for dinner and the baby’s meal is ready as well!
6. Sweden- Cereal Made Of Wheat
Swedish children are usually on their way to mastering solid meals by approximately six months of age. A wheat-based cereal, known as valling, is typically the first meal for any baby from Sweden. The ingredients also include canola, palm oil, and powdered milk. Instead of serving these in bowls, parents use bottles. Mashed up veggies and fruits are also something these little munchkins have.
7. Italy- Mashed Veggies
Those Italian babies are really living the dream. Once they graduate from the breast milk, they move on to vegetable purees. But, it’s no simple puree. There is a twist. The preparation also involves a dash of cheese sprinkle and olive oil. Doesn’t the simple puree suddenly sound yummier?
8. Philippines- Rice With Splash Of Ginger
The little ones in the Philippines usually make a shift over from breast milk to conventional rice porridge. Locally known as ‘Lugaw’, the rice is often prepared along with garlic, chicken broth, and ginger. This dish is particularly easy on the little one’s stomach. That is why it probably makes a re-entry in the diet of an ill Philippines adult.
9. China- Bananas, Beans, And Milk Mixture
Chinese parents don’t really waste time when it comes to expanding their little ones’ food palate. While most countries wait until the infants are six-month-old before jumping on the solid food wagon, folks in China start at the age of four months itself. A porridge prepared by mixing milk, bananas, and green beans is their personal favorite.
We are sure that listening to the vast range of meals might have even made you jealous. Don’t feel sad. Go try out a few of these foods for your little one too. Also, you can always eat the leftovers. Happy eating!
