Archive: healthy foods for infants

7 of the Healthiest Foods to Feed Your Baby

 

Around four to six months, babies begin to develop the coordination to swallow foods. When moving from milk to solids, start slow with mushy foods. And remember that you can blend just about anything into an easy-to-swallow puree. Here are some healthy options for baby solids:

 

Baby cereal

Mix baby cereal with breast milk for an easy transition. This will start to get your child used to a thicker consistency, while still keeping things familiar. Plus, the extra grains are a great source of iron.

 

Avocados

The unsaturated fats in avocados are similar to those in breast milk so avocados make for another great transition food. Plus, they make great snacks on the go! They travel well because they can stay at room temperature.

 

Squash

High in vitamins A and C, cooked squash is simple to prepare and a baby favorite. It’s gooey texture is easy to eat and tough to choke on. Squash’s vitamin C will build a healthy immune system, help heal wounds and build scar tissue. The vitamin A will help with vision and maintain healthy skin, hair and teeth.

 

Apples

Apples are a tasty treat that little ones love. Just like squash, they’re high in vitamin C. Just peel the skin and chop the apples into tiny pieces to prevent choking.

 

Beans

Try feeding your child kidney or pinto beans. By about eight months old, you baby should be old enough to eat beans and they’re easy to prepare- just serve them right out of the can. Beans are a great source of protein and antioxidants.

 

Broccoli

Just because you didn’t like broccoli as a kid, doesn’t mean your baby won’t. Broccoli tends to get a bad rep taste-wise, but you baby doesn’t know that. Not only is it filled with calcium and fiber, but chilled broccoli can provide some relief for teething little ones.

 

Bananas

Gooey and easy to gum, bananas are a great choice for those just starting out on solid foods. You don’t even need teeth to eat them. Plus, bananas are a great source of potassium, key for healthy muscles. They could even help sooth the ache of growing muscles.

 

 

Sources:

-“The ten best foods for babies.” Baby Center

-“Vitamin C” and “Vitamin A” Medline Plus 

Baby Food 101

US Dry Bean Council

WH Foods

-“Solid Foods.” Mayo Clinic.

-Photo courtesy of federico stevanin/freedigitalphotos.net

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