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It’s true you don’t need to qualify as a Masterchef finalist to prepare baby food, but it is a challenging task nonetheless. Once your child begins to wean, a large portion of your day will be absorbed by thinking about what you should feed your baby for their meals. It is challenging to decide what to feed an infant since you want them to have something healthy but also something they’ll enjoy, and it is comparatively easy to prepare. So if you have been brainstorming baby foods, we are here to make the job easier. Here are some healthy baby food ideas that most parents find helpful and are super easy to prepare. Read on to know them all.
Age 6 To 9 Months
By the age of 6 months your child will show interest in solid food on your plate. Introducing your infant to solids is recommended by experts at this period (1). Most parents go for fruits when transitioning to solid foods. First, try pureeing just one kind of fruit, and then, if you’re looking for extra nutrition, try combining several types of fruit. Here are some fruit options to begin with.
1. Banana And Oatmeal
Oatmeal is an excellent option for introducing your infant to the universe of nutritious cereals because it is a highly nutritious food. Bananas are a great source of potassium and provide a touch of sweetness to your baby’s food.
2. Lentils And Carrots
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Lentils are a fantastic source of iron & calcium, and legumes, in general, are beneficial for your baby’s growth and development (2). In addition, minerals including potassium, phosphorus, iodine, magnesium & calcium are abundant in carrots; thus, combining them is beneficial for your baby’s health.
3. Apple, Pear, And Watermelon
If the weather gets warmer, you should start feeding your infant watermelon. It’s a great source of hydration and healthful calories for your newborn. Its sugary flavor will also suffice as a treat for the little one.
Age 9 To 12 Months
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Your infant should have tried many different fruits and veggies by now. That means you’ll have a better idea of what your baby will eat and will have more practice blending various fruits and vegetables into nutritious purees. Now that your child is older, they will have more teeth and be able to eat a wider variety of foods. Depending on your child’s choice and your pediatrician’s advice, you can start including dairy products in your child’s diet. Here are some food options to add to their diet.
1. Avocado And Zucchini
At this point, your infant is ready to try avocados. It has a velvety, smooth feel that most infants find irresistible. In addition to a high omega content, it also has a high concentration of vitamin E. However, zucchini is high in both beta-carotene (a form of vitamin A) and vitamin C, making it an excellent source of fiber and vitamins (3). The two of them together will produce a delicious and nutritious supper.
2. Apple, Kiwi, And Melon
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Bananas, kiwis, and melons are all tropical fruits that seem great for kids since they are high in potassium and other nutrients. They’re worth considering as a daily food option for your baby.
3. Mango, Apple, And Orange
Most citrus fruits are a rich source of such vitamin C which your baby needs, so including them in their diet is a good idea. In addition, iron absorption is crucial for your baby’s health and growth, and citrus aids in this process.
After 12 Months
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Some pediatricians argue that infants can begin trying new meals at this point. However, it’s also true that they’ll be pickier about what you feed them going forward. Therefore, to avoid “spoiling” them, it is advised to continue giving them the things they do not enjoy.
1. Kiwi Strawberry And Banana
Whether or not strawberries should be part of your baby’s diet even before 12 months is a debate among physicians. Keep in mind, though, that kids adore the flavor of strawberries and that they are a good source of vitamin C.
2. Mango, Pear, And Strawberry
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Making a puree out of mango, pear, & strawberry for lunch is a great plan. In terms of vitamin C, all of these fruits score pretty highly.
3. Banana, Pear, And Cherry
Because of their high vitamin C and A content and other beneficial antioxidants, cherries are a healthy addition to your baby’s diet. In addition, babies may easily absorb the sugar and fiber from these foods.
4. Fish And Broccoli
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We know how that sounds, but children should understand the importance of healthy food early on. It is one of the most nutritious foods you can feed your kids. Fish is packed with nutrients, including healthy proteins, vitamins, & minerals. Whitefish, which is low in fat, is the greatest option for your kid now. Introducing fish to infants at around the six-month mark helps them fight allergies related to food (4). However, remember that due to the high mercury concentration in these species, you should never feed your infant shark, swordfish, or marlin. In contrast, broccoli is rich in several vitamins and minerals, including vitamins C, B2, A, and E, which are great for their health.
When a child begins to wean, they have yet to develop food preferences and tastes, so they will eat most anything you prepare. Make sure you take this opportunity to introduce them to healthy and organic foods. So, what, according to you, is an excellent food to get your baby started once they begin to wean? Let us know in the comments section!
