Baby And Kids

While 1-year-old babies are primarily largely dependent on breast milk and formula, some of the foods good for them include:

• Full flat dairy products such as cheese and yogurt.
• Tender, cooked grains. Examples include quinoa, barley, and oatmeal.
• Tender, cooked chicken, tofu, and fish. These are great sources of proteins.
• Tender, fruits, and vegetables. These entail cooked carrots, peaches, and apples.
• Tender, cooked beans, and lentils

Considering the fact that babies at 1 year old are still very much dependent on breast milk and formula, you should endeavor to introduce the above-mentioned tender cooked food gradually. Consult your pediatrician before introducing solid meals. Also, avoid foods that present the risk of choking for your baby. Nuts, hard candy, and popcorns are a point of reference.

Generally, after 12 months, babies don’t need to consume cow’s milk as they can get all the necessary nutrients from breast milk, formula milk, and solid foods. This, however, doesn’t mean you can’t introduce cow’s milk after 1 year. You can choose to introduce cow’s milk to your baby in small amounts. Cow’s milk should be introduced as a supplement to the existing diet the baby is consuming and not as a replacement. If you are unsure, consult your pediatrician and discuss the dietary needs of your baby before taking any action.

The best foods for babies are dependent on their age as well as the stage of development. What we are saying is that the best foods for a newborn are quite different from that of a baby who is 6 months or 1 year old. The following are the general guidelines.

• Breast milk or formula: Breast milk is the best source of nutrition for babies and provides all the necessary nutrients in the right proportions. Breast milk or formula should be the primary source of nutrition for newborns until they are around 6 months old.
• Pureed or mashed fruits and vegetables: After a period of 6 months, you can start introducing pureed or mashed fruits and vegetables to your baby. These can be organic, homemade, or bought from a grocery store. Ensure that you introduce each of these one at a time to watch for any allergic reactions.
• Iron-fortified cereal: After 6 months have lapsed, babies can start to eat iron-fortified cereals which are an important source of iron and other important nutrients. It is recommended that you introduce iron-fortified cereals in small quantities mixed with breast milk and gradually increase the quantity as the baby becomes used to it.
• Tender cooked meats and fish: After around 8 months, babies can start eating soft cooked fish and meats. Meats and fish are important sources of iron and proteins that play a key role in the development of babies.

It is important that you be systematic in the introduction of foods for babies. Introduce one food at a time and watch for any allergic reactions. Most importantly, you should consult a pediatrician for individualized recommendations.