As a mother, you might be concerned about what to feed your child to keep the nutritional intake on track. Well, when it comes to providing your kid with the right foods, you need to keep in mind that your child’s nutritional needs will probably change as they get older. Due to this, it’s crucial that they consume foods that are nutritious and have all the essential vitamins and minerals. In such a situation, what could be a better option than superfoods? Ladies, there are a lot of superfoods for babies that are helpful for their development and wellness.
Health Shots got in touch with Hari Lakshmi, Consultant – Dietitian/Nutritionist, Motherhood Hospitals, Chennai, to suggest some of the best superfoods which can help improve the health of children.
Lakshmi says, “Babies and toddlers have tiny, sensitive tummies and usually don’t eat much. Therefore, it is important that the food given to them should be packed with nutrients and suitable for their age.”
She adds, “It is important to remember that solid foods of any kind should not be introduced to children who are younger than 6 months of age. You should always consult your paediatrician first before introducing certain solids to your baby.”
When your baby is 1 year or older, solid food can replace breastmilk in your child’s diet. When you give them a variety of foods in an appealing way, your baby will be able to consume the necessary nutrients through food.
Here are 6 superfoods that can be consumed by children older than a year:
1. Sweet potatoes
Sweet potatoes are rich in potassium, vitamin C, fibre, and antioxidants and can be very beneficial for your child. Babies prefer these over other vegetables due to their naturally sweet flavour. You can mash and puree the sweet potatoes, so it is easier to feed your child.
2. Eggs
These are packed with proteins, and the yolk contains essentials like vitamin A, D, E, and B12. But before you introduce your child to eggs, make sure they are not allergic to them. You can consult your doctor about this.
3. Carrots
They play an important role in the growth and development of vision. Like sweet potatoes, these are naturally sweet to taste, therefore easier to feed to children. Cook the carrots until they are very soft before feeding them to your child.
4. Chicken
Chicken is rich in protein and vitamin B6. Children should eat foods that are rich in protein to support their rapid growth. So, chicken is an excellent option for that. In case, your child does not like the taste, mix it with their favourite vegetable.
5. Milk
You must be giving milk to your children every day. Well, milk provides energy and many essential nutrients, such as vitamins and minerals, including vitamin B12, calcium, riboflavin, sodium, potassium, iron, magnesium, and phosphorus. All these nutrients are needed for a child’s growth. You can also make it more nutritious for your kid by adding almonds, dates, turmeric, or saffron.
6. Broccoli
Growing children must consume green vegetables and fruits. “Packed with vitamin C, folic acid, iron, potassium, and fibre, broccoli can be an excellent superfood for your child,” says Lakshmi. The taste of the vegetable might not be appealing to your child, but you can combine it with a tastier option like sweet potato and feed it to your child. Along with broccoli, you can also give pumpkin, avocado, oranges, melons, and pomegranates to your kid.
7. Bananas
Bananas are a rich source of carbohydrates and fiber. This helps your child gain energy as well as have a healthy digestive tract. When you feed these to your sure the banana is mashed or cut into small finger sized portions
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