What Is the Best Baby Food?
Babies and children consume a lot of energy and need a good balance between nutrients and protein.
A varied diet made up of the five food groups will ensure healthy growth for your baby.
1. Bread, Rice, Potatoes, and Pasta
Foods that contain starch like these, like sweet potatoes and chapatti, are great sources of energy and should make up the main part of every meal.
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2. Fruits and Vegetables
They contain vitamins, minerals, and fiber.
Serve your babies and children fruit for breakfast and vegetables and fruit for the other two meals.
Babies and children, like adults, should also eat five or more servings a day of fresh, frozen, canned, or dried fruit.
3. Meat, Fish, Eggs, Beans, and Other Sources of Protein Other Than Dairy
Includes foods, such as nuts, lentils, dal, and also tofu, which provide iron and zinc.
Add foods from this group to meals twice a day and serve fatty fish once or twice a week.
4. Milk, Cheese, and Yogurt
Serve three servings a day of these foods.
Milk is still important, but a one-year-old child needs less than a baby.
Three 3 to 4 ounce (90 to 120 ml) cups of milk are enough.
However, you should serve fewer dairy drinks if your child eats yogurt and cheese.
Milk bottles should be discontinued from 12 months of age.
Starting year-round, fresh, whole cow’s milk may be offered in place of formula unless you continue to breastfeed.
5.Foods That are High in Fat and/or Sugar
Babies and children naturally like these foods, but keeping them to a minimum is recommended.
At both main meals, always serve desserts, but don’t let these foods replace other nutritious foods from the other food groups.
A Note on Vitamin A and D Supplements
In the UK, it is recommended that children up to the age of five take a vitamin supplement containing vitamins A and D because they do not naturally get enough of these vitamins from food.
This will help your child’s immune system and ensure that his bones develop normally.
Foods to Avoid
Avoid foods that are low in fat and salt.
Precooked foods and prepared dishes should be eaten in moderation unless they are specially made for young children.
Do not give your baby or child diet or weight loss food.
Low-calorie food is not suitable for baby and children, because they need additional calories to develop their growth.
Healthy and wholesome food for the whole family is the best option.
It is very nutritious and economical.
In addition, it allows you to cook a large amount of food and then separate it into individual portions to store it in the refrigerator and freezer.
The Philips Avent VIA System is ideal for storing and serving food.
Introduction of New Flavors
The key is that the food is interesting and varied. Incorporate new foods into your child’s food in small portions.
Give him a few bites to try, rather than a whole plate.
You may need to serve your little one a new food several times before accepting it.
This is quite common, so don’t be discouraged and keep trying.
Serve your child lots of hand-eaten foods and always let him decide when he has eaten enough.
Please note that the information in these articles is provided only as general advice and is in no way a substitute for professional medical advice.
If you, your family, or your child have severe or persistent symptoms or conditions or need specific medical attention, seek professional medical assistance.