Babies’ nutritional needs differ from that of adults, whose diet is recommended to have low fat and high fiber. Young children need more fat, concentrated calories, and nutrients to fuel their rapid growth.
Babies are recommended to eat a wide variety of fruit and vegetables as they require lots of vitamins and minerals.
Iron is fundamental in the baby’s mental and physical growth and development. A baby is born with a store of iron that only lasts for six months and depletes. After this, the baby needs iron in the diet. It is important to note that iron from plant sources is more easily absorbed than from animal sources. Vitamin C is also crucial in catalyzing the absorption of iron. Therefore, it is advisable to include a good source of vitamin C in the baby’s diet as this will optimize iron absorption, which is the nutrient the baby needs most.
Too much fiber tends to be bulky and can fill a baby’s tummy. As a result, the child tends to refuse to eat food rich in nutrients needed for proper growth and development. In addition, excess fiber can flush out valuable minerals and cause other problems, such as diarrhea. Therefore, it is advisable to give fibrous food in moderation.
It is important to note that even after introducing solid foods to your baby, it is crucial to continue breastfeeding. The milk contains antibodies to help the baby fight infection or illness. It also contributes to delaying the onset and reducing the severity of allergies in children.
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Wanjiku Gachoka is a seasoned nutritionist with over ten years of experience. Her passion for educating communities on matters related to diet and nutrition has been the driving force behind her work.
Her main goal is to promote health and wellness while advocating for zero hunger.
Her approach to nutrition is grounded in making informed decisions, and she believes knowledge is power.