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As per the ‘old-school’ way of parenting, giving cow’s milk or buffalo’s milk to toddlers is common, especially in India. Whenever a mother decides to wean her baby off breast milk, she is usually suggested to introduce cow’s milk as the main drink to her toddler, and for good reasons, of course. Milk is known to strengthen the bones and teeth in children and is a very nutritious drink. But many new parents today consider giving milk alternatives to their kids for various reasons. And medical reasons might make milk alternatives necessary, however, the worry of balanced nutrition is pretty real in parents’ minds. Not every milk alternative can provide the same nutrition that a child can get from cow’s milk, but if you have to give milk alternatives to your child for one reason or the other, find out what milk alternatives would be the best. When to Give Milk Alternatives to Your Child Doctors usually suggest milk alternatives for toddlers with allergies or lactose intolerance. Kids who are allergic to milk proteins or are lactose intolerant may have trouble synthesizing the nutrition present in the milk, and can even face various side effects. In these cases, parents may have no choice but to give milk alternatives to their toddlers. Best Milk Alternatives for Toddlers Today, you will find a range of options in milk alternatives to choose from and it can be difficult for you to decide which would be the best for your child. Each alternative has some benefits to offer over traditional milk, but they are not a complete solution and might fall short in different ways. We have suggested some milk alternatives for toddlers (with their pros and cons to help you make an informed choice), which you can consider after checking with your child’s paediatrician. 1. Rice Milk This type of milk is a popular milk that is derived from the grains of rice. Pros For children who suffer from numerous allergies and are susceptible to reactions from different types of milk, rice milk is the safest option in that regard. There are extremely rare chances of any child developing any allergy towards rice milk. Furthermore, the majorly neutral taste that it has allows it to be used in various preparation as well. Cons Rice milk doesn’t have any particular taste as such and hence kids may throw tantrums when rice milk is offered to them. At the same time, when compared with the same quantities of other milk alternatives, rice milk has a far larger amount of carbohydrates but quite a low amount of fat and proteins. 2. Coconut Milk Coconut milk is a popular option in India. Coconut milk is acquired from grating and pulping a matured coconuts. Pros Coconut milk is a great choice for kids who suffer from traditional milk allergies. This creamy milk is rich in calcium, magnesium, and manganese. Cons While coconut milk is rich in fats and other vitamins, the proportion of proteins and calcium in its constitution is not as much as it should be, when compared with the traditional milk. This can put kids at a risk of deficiency, which makes it necessary to complement the intake of coconut milk with other sources that provide the missing elements. 3. Almond Milk A highly prized type of milk-based on plant sources, almond milk, is generally obtained by blending almonds and water. Pros The ease of preparation of almond milk is the greatest advantage it brings. If you want to give it to your child, you should give homemade almond milk.  Cons Since the only source of nutrition in this milk is from almonds, there is a huge gap when it comes to satisfying the daily requirement of proteins and even saturated fats. While many commercial milk brands fortify their products with these elements, it becomes essential to complement them via other sources in the child’s diet. 4. Soy Milk Soy milk is one of the highest-selling and popular alternatives to traditional milk. Soybeans are soaked and ground together, then boiled and filtered to obtain the milk. Pros The popularity of this milk has made it the go-to choice for many people, and its ease of availability makes it easy to give it to your child at any point in time. The constitution of this milk is quite close to that of the traditional milk from the cow, which is why many families opt for using this milk in other preparation items as well. Cons Soy allergies are not unheard of, and if your child suffers from it as well, this milk will obviously be a bad choice. Although many brands fortify their soy milk products with calcium and Vitamin D, the amount of fortification may not be enough for your kid. Checking the value on the label should help you ascertain what’s right for your child. 5. Lactose-Free Milk By introducing an enzyme in traditional milk that helps break down that protein, lactose-free milk is obtained easily. Pros There is barely any difference between cow’s milk and the lactose-free equivalent of it. The nutritional constitution is identical, and the taste is usually a tad sweeter than the original. Cons Many commercial brands market their milk products as “lactose-free” but make use of plant-based sources or other elements for the actual milk. Furthermore, this milk is not useful for children who are allergic to other elements present in the milk or are lactose-intolerant. How to Decide Which Is the Best Milk Alternative for Toddlers When deciding the right type of milk alternative for your little one, here are some factors you should keep in your mind. The nutritional requirement based on his age The typical diet of the child Financial choice of opting for fortified milk Choosing among different milk alternatives for babies or toddlers should be governed by the very reason why you are opting for one. It is best to go with a choice that is as close as possible to the cow’s milk. The best option would be consulting a nutritionist or doctor for the same and making the right choice for your child. Also Read: How to Make your Child Drink Milk? Read more

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Fruits and Vegetables for Kids – Health Benefits and Other Facts

Fruits and vegetables hold immense health benefits for children but as a parent, you sure know what a task it is at times to feed them these. They mostly eat unhealthy junk foods and despise eating fruits and vegetables. But the importance of healthy eating cannot be undermined; therefore it is very important that you include more and more fruits and vegetables in your child’s diet. In the following article, we shall be discussing the various health benefits of eating fruits and vegetables for your kids and also share other important facts too. Importance of Fruits and Vegetables for Children If your kid is guzzling on sugary drinks and gorging junk food, he may appear healthy but is only consuming empty calories that are adding bulk to his body and not any nutrition. On the other hand, consuming more fruits and vegetables will make him more agile, healthy and fit. Fruits and vegetables are power-packed with various vital nutrients, which are of great importance for your kid’s growth and development. Let us discuss the benefits of fruits and vegetables in detail. Benefits of Fruits Your child needs essential nutrients for proper growth and development because these essential nutrients cannot be synthesized or made by the body on its own. Fruits such as mango, banana, strawberry, apple, watermelon, pear and others are rich in various essential nutrients like folate, iron, calcium, fibre, vitamin A, vitamin B, Vitamin C, etc. which are very important for your kid’s health and overall well-being. Here is how fruits help kids: Boost Immunity: Fruits contain important minerals and vitamins like vitamin C and E that help boost immunity. Consumption of fruits on a regular basis can boost the immunity of your child which enables his body to fight various health ailments and diseases. Keep Obesity at Bay: Fruits have fewer calories as compared to processed, junk food. Eating fresh fruits during the day can give your child essential nutrients and prevent him from eating unhealthy foods. This ultimately means his weight will be in check. Keep Diseases Away: The various essential nutrients present in fruits keep certain health conditions like vision problems, diabetes, digestion problem, etc. at bay. Cleanse the Body: Some fruits such as avocados, blueberries, apples, etc. are very effective in removing the toxins from the body and thus cleanse the body. Better Energy and Performance: Consuming fruits on a regular basis can help in keeping your kid’s energy levels high. Better energy levels mean better concentration which in turn helps in better performance in academics, sports, and other spheres. Benefits of Vegetables Similar to fruits, vegetables are also the power-house of nutrition. Therefore, it is very important to add vegetables to your kid’s daily diet. Here is how vegetables benefit your kids: Provide More Energy: Vegetables are loaded with nutrition and thus provide more sustainable energy in comparison to refined or processed foods. Boost Immunity: Consuming various kinds of vegetables on a regular basis builds the immune strength of children and reduce the risk of various diseases. Keep Diabetes at Bay: Regular intake of certain veggies can also keep diabetes at bay. Keep Diseases at Bay: Regular consumption of vegetables keeps various kinds of chronic diseases and cancers at bay. Nutritional Value of Fruits As discussed above, fruits are essential for your kid’s overall health. However, one variety of fruit does not solve the purpose. Therefore, you need to add a variety of fruits to your kid’s diet to ensure he gets all the required nutrition for his optimal growth and development. We shall now be discussing what nutrition your child may get from eating various kinds of fruits: Fruits are a good source of pepping up your child’s potassium intake. You can add banana, oranges, melons, cantaloupe, etc. to your kid’s diet. Fruits have fewer calories fat, and no cholesterol. So they don’t compromise with your kid’s health. Fruits are high in fibre, which keeps your kid’s digestive system function properly. Fruits also provide ample amounts of vitamins and minerals to your kid’s body. Nutritional Value of Vegetables Vegetables are an important source of nutrition for your kid and help your child in his growing years. Just like you need to add a variety of fruits to your kid’s diet, you should also include a variety of vegetables. Let us see what all nutrition your child may get by eating various vegetables: Vegetables such as cabbage, broccoli, brussels sprouts, etc. are loaded with potassium. Vegetables are loaded with essential minerals such as magnesium, calcium, sodium, zinc, iron, etc. Vegetables such as spinach, kale and other dark green vegetables have good amounts of vitamin A, B7, B9, etc. In comparison to dairy products, vegetables have better and higher calcium absorption by the body. Fruits Your Child Should Eat Until or unless your child is allergic to any specific kind of fruit, you should include all kinds of fruits in your kid’s diet. This is because different fruits have different vitamins and minerals and your kids require all of them. Here are some fruits that you may include in your kid’s diet: Giving fruits that are yellow and orange in colour are good for the eyes of your child. So, feed him oranges. Fruits that are red in colour like apples and strawberries are good for the health of the heart of your child. Green-coloured fruits like pears and guavas are loaded with calcium and thus promote the health of the bones and teeth. All fruits are good but seasonal fruits are particularly suggested because of their immense health benefits. Try to give a different fruit every day instead of giving one same fruit every day. Vegetables Your Kids Should Eat The same rule applies to vegetables also and that is, unless your kid is allergic to any specific vegetable, you should include all the vegetables in his diet. Following are some of the vegetables that you should add in your kid’s diet: Add root vegetables such as turnip, carrots, beetroots, etc. in your child’s diet as they are high in nutrients. Add red-coloured vegetables such as tomato, red bell pepper, etc to help your kid’s body fight with disease-causing free radicals. Add green-coloured vegetables like spinach, broccoli, etc as it gets rid of the excess toxins from your kid’s body. Purple or deep red-coloured vegetables ensure better heart and brain health. Giving white-coloured vegetables like garlic, cauliflower, etc. to maintain a good hormonal balance in the body. It helps with building the immunity too. Facts About Fruits for Children Fruits are not only highly nutritious but also extremely convenient to eat because there is no cooking involved. Your kid can eat the fruit in its original form or in various other forms too like smoothies, shakes, salads, etc. You may like to share some of the following fruit facts with your kid to encourage him to eat more fruits: Is your kid a big fan of eating mangoes? Well, he is not the only one, as mango is one of the most loved fruits in the world. There are more than 7000 varieties of apples available in the world and this wondrous fruit can even float on water because one-fourth of an apple is filled with air. Tomatoes, avocados and pumpkins are not vegetables but fruits. Also, eggplants are classified into berries too. Bananas provide instant energy; this is perhaps the reason why most athletes eat bananas before working out. Pineapples have pine in their name because their shape and appearance is like a pine cone. Strawberry is not a berry and each strawberry has roughly 200 seeds. Vegetable Facts for Children Vegetables can be consumed in their original raw form, cooked form or in the form of soup or it can be used to make various culinary dishes. Here are some interesting facts about vegetables for your kiddo: Cucumbers and cabbage are among the first few vegetables known to mankind. Most vegetables need a warm climate to grow. However, vegetables such as carrots, kale, spinach, leaks, etc. need cold weather conditions to grow. The carrots we see now are orange or red in colour but originally they were purple in colour. We should not cook vegetables for longer durations because they tend to lose their nutritional content. Apart from having antibacterial and antifungal properties, garlic can keep mosquitoes away too. The maximum amounts of nutrients are available just under the skin of the most vegetables. Why Is Your Child Not Eating Vegetables or Fruits? You must have tried every possible way to feed fruits and vegetable to your kid but to no avail. This is because when kids are young, they may suffer from a condition called food neophobia, which is the fear or scepticism towards new food items. This condition is more potent when kids are between the ages of one and six. If your kid is younger than six years of age, he may refuse to eat some fruits or vegetables because of their strong taste. Children have more taste buds than adults and thus they find simpler and sweeter foods more palatable in comparison to vegetables or other pungent fruits. What If Your Child Prefers Eating Fruits and Not Vegetables? We have discussed in the above sections that it is important for a child to consume both fruits and vegetables. In case your child is only eating fruits then he may be losing out on various essential nutrients that he may only get by eating vegetables. Also, most fruits are high in sugar and thus more in calories too. In case your child has weight issues or your kid is obese, eating more amounts of fruits than vegetables may further aggravate the problem. Also, your kid’s present food habits are going to affect his future food preferences and thus it is important to include both fruits and vegetables in your child’s diet. What If Your Child Prefers to Eat Only One Vegetable for a Long Time? Just the way eating only fruits is not good, in the same way eating only one vegetable is not good for your child. Your child will not be getting all the other nutrients present in various other vegetables. For example, if your child only eats potato, then he is not getting the goodness of spinach, carrots, cauliflower, broccoli and various other vegetables. Also, because the eating preferences and habits are made early in childhood, it is important that you add all the vegetables in your child’s diet. Tips on How to Encourage a Child to Eat Vegetables and Fruits Here are some ways to get kids to eat vegetables and fruits: Make the fruits and vegetables accessible. Keep washed apples, carrots and other such fruits handy. Lead by example; include more fruits and vegetables in your diet. The presentation is important; no matter what you give to your kid, it should be presented beautifully. Make more fruit-based desserts. Try and include fruits and vegetables in all three meals. Be more innovative in making various recipes and thus add more fruits and vegetables. Take your kid vegetable shopping and let him pick his favourite vegetable and fruits. Say no to fruit juices, give the whole fruit instead. Switch to healthy snacking and give your child a fruit instead. Make a small vegetable garden, kids would love to eat what they grow. Give an array of colours on your kid’s plate. Make fruit and vegetable eating a fun experience. Involve your kids in cooking various dishes. Freeze various fruits for some frozen smoothie or dessert fun. Appreciate your kid for his efforts, whenever he tries to eat some new fruit or vegetable. Fruits & Vegetable Serving Chart for Kids Here’s a daily fruit chart for kids : Age/Gender Quantity of Fruit 2 to 3 years old kids 1 cup 4 to 8 years old kids 1 and a half cup 9 to 13 years old girls/boys 1 and a half cup 14 to 18 years old girls 1 and a half cup 14 to 18 years old boys 2 cups   Here’s a daily vegetable chart for kids : Age/Gender Quantity of Vegetable 2 to 3 years old kids 1 cup 4 to 8 years old kids 1 and a half cup 9-13 years old girls 2 cups 9-13 years old boys 2 and a half cups 14-18 years old girls 2 and a half cups 14-18 years old boys 3 cups   The above-mentioned are approx values. The mantra of making your kid all the fruits and vegetables is to introduce them from a young age only. Introduce fruits and vegetables as soon as your baby is ready to eat solid foods, however, consult your doctor before giving any fruit or vegetable to your baby. Also Read: How to Develop Healthy Food Habits in Children? Salad Recipes for Your Child Fruit Salad Recipes Your Kid Will Love Read more

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17 Solutions for Your Underweight Toddler

Understanding the underlying factors contributing to a child’s underweight status is crucial for effective intervention. Genetic predispositions may play a significant role, in influencing metabolism and nutrient absorption. Additionally, growth spurts, where height increases before weight catches up, can temporarily result in underweight toddlers. Addressing this issue demands a multifaceted approach. Implementing a balanced and nutrient-rich diet, consulting with pediatricians for tailored dietary plans, and monitoring developmental milestones can aid parents in navigating this concern. Empowering mothers with knowledge and support networks contributes to a holistic strategy for fostering a healthy weight trajectory in their children. This article will throw light on how to help toddlers gain weight. As a parent, you are bound to be concerned about your child’s eating habits and his growth and development. And chances are, you’re a tad anxious to know whether or not he is meeting his developmental milestones. Many toddlers are extremely fussy when it comes to eating healthy food and an unbalanced diet leads to underweight babies. If your child is underweight, he might not be getting enough calories required for his age. At this stage, he should be eating nutritious food to get his growth and development back on track. Know When a Child Is Considered Underweight and What You Can Do to Help Him Gain Weight A child is underweight if his weight is less than the 3rd percentile of the weight on the growth chart. Give your child a high-protein diet which includes eggs, meat, soy proteins, and nuts. Include foods rich in carbohydrates in his diet, like whole-wheat bread, pasta, and chapatis. High-calorie fruits, like bananas and mangoes, can also be given to children. You can give high-calorie supplementary drinks to picky eaters. As the child grows you will see an improvement in his health. 7 Solutions to Help Your Toddler Gain Weight in a Healthy Way Here are simple solutions that you can use to help your toddler gain weight. 1. Create a Relaxed Atmosphere for Eating Most often kids get distracted by television, phone calls, or the computer when eating. When there are too many distractions, you yourself might feel rushed, which also puts pressure on your baby to eat. Sometimes your child also refuses to eat in such a situation. Creating a peaceful atmosphere helps you and your child concentrate on the task at hand. 2. Set a Routine for Your Child’s Meal Times Maintaining an organised routine for mealtimes is imperative for your child to fall into a regular eating pattern. Monitoring the clock and feeding him at regular intervals will help his weight gain. If that means pulling your child away from playtime, so be it. Don’t give meals a miss even when you have to go out. Carry light snacks with you so you can feed your children at their allotted time. 3. Increase the Intake of Calories Some children eat very small quantities. So when increasing the amount of food doesn’t seem like it’s going to help, it’s best to introduce high-calorie foods for toddlers weight gain. This’ll ensure that your toddler is getting the right amount of nutrition. Include foods like full-fat dairy products, cream cheese, mayonnaise or puddings made from milk. 4. Try Weight Gain Supplements for Children It might be a good idea to include some weight gain supplements in your child’s diet for underweight children, especially if your child has a small appetite. Vitamin supplements should include vitamins A, C, and D and they should be specially formulated for their age group. 5. Try and Make It Easy for Your Child to Eat Knowing what your child loves and how he loves to eat it is as important as determining the right kind of food for an underweight toddler. If he likes his banana smashed, feed it to him that way. Peel and cut up fruits or mash his food so that it’s easier for him to eat. Serve him his favourite dishes too so that your child looks forward to his mealtime. 6. Offer Snacks but Healthy Ones Snacks form an important part of toddlers’ diet. Finger foods are loved by children and when your baby picks up finger food on their own, it ensures that they are meeting their developmental milestones. However, be careful in offering snacks. To promote weight gain in toddlers, make healthy snacks like a granola bar, peanut butter crackers, and cereal bars. Oats are a healthy option to make snacks. You can also give your child fruit juices but abstain from those aerated drinks. 7. Consult a Pediatric Nutritionist Seeking guidance from a pediatric nutritionist can offer personalized insights into your child’s dietary needs. A nutritionist can assess your toddler’s specific requirements, considering factors like activity levels and growth patterns. Tailoring a nutrition plan based on your child’s individual needs ensures a well-rounded approach to healthy weight gain, addressing any nutritional gaps that may exist in their current diet. 10 Foods to Help Toddlers Gain Weight Foods play a major role in weight gain and weight loss, whether it is a child or an adult. If your toddler is underweight, try and include these foods in his diet to help him gain weight in a healthy way: 1. Potatoes A child who doesn’t eat potatoes is rare to find. Potatoes are the best option that promotes weight gain in babies. Carbohydrates intake is necessary for the weight gain process and potatoes are the optimum source of carbohydrates. Potatoes also contain amino acids which encourage weight gain in babies. Apart from potatoes, you can also include other starchy vegetables in your baby’s diet. 2. Olive Oil All of us are aware of the benefits of eating olive oil. It is rich in monounsaturated fatty acids which makes it a healthy addition to your diet. It is also rich in antioxidants and high in calories. Add olive oil to your toddler’s salads and in other healthy recipes. 3. Bananas Bananas also top the list of healthy foods for weight gain. Bananas are easily available and you don’t need to make something out of it. Being rich in carbohydrates they make the process of gaining weight simpler in babies. All you have to do it peel a banana and give it your toddler while he is busy watching his favourite cartoon show. To make it more appealing add it to yoghurt or curd, mix some other fruits too and give it in the form of pudding. 4. Nuts Nuts are favourite among children. All they have to do is grab some and munch while they play. Nuts like almonds, walnuts, cashews, peanuts, pumpkin seeds, and sesame seeds are rich in fats, protein, and fibre. Include these nuts in their diet every day. You can also give them badam halwa, or give milkshake garnished with these nuts. 5. Eggs Eggs again are a good source of protein and contain vitamin A and Vitamin B12. Eggs can be included in a baby’s diet by the age of eight-nine months. There are umpteen ways to give eggs to your baby; you can give him omelette, boiled eggs, scrambled eggs, egg sandwich and so on. Make it look interesting so that your baby won’t deny eating it. 6. Jaggery Jaggery also helps in weight gain in toddlers. Jaggery is better than refined sugar and is rich in calories. It is also abundantly available in India, so use it in generous amounts in your baby’s diet plan. 7. Avocados Avocados are a rich source of vegetarian fat. Avocado is full of calories, carbohydrates, protein, and fats, almost everything that fosters weight gain. It is a buttery fat and can be used to make dips, salads, and mashes. And rest assured because kids will love all these recipes. 8. Fruits Fruits and vegetables are the best foods for healthy weight gain. Include mangoes, papaya, pineapple, and steamed vegetables in your baby’s diet. You can also add butter to steamed vegetables freely. If your child is refusing to eat fruits, you can whip up a fruit salad and add nuts to it. Toddlers love colours and they will eat it without fussing. 9. Full-Fat Dairy Products Full-fat dairy products like whole milk, cheese, and yogurt are rich in essential fats and calories, making them excellent choices for promoting healthy weight gain in toddlers. These dairy options provide a good source of calcium, necessary for bone development, and are easily incorporated into various meals and snacks. 10. Quinoa Quinoa is a nutrient-dense grain that stands out for its high protein content and a good balance of essential amino acids. Introducing quinoa into your toddler’s diet can contribute not only to weight gain but also provide valuable nutrients crucial for overall growth and development. High-Calorie Meals and Snack Ideas for Toddlers Here are some creative and nutritious high-calorie meals and snack ideas that can help meet the dietary needs of active and growing toddlers. Peanut butter and Jelly sandwiches Toast with mashed banana and peanut butter Rice or pasta prepared with butter and peas Vegetable soup made with cashew cream added Avocado toast sprinkled with hemp seeds Steamed broccoli drizzled with extra virgin olive oil Refried bean quesadillas with guacamole Crackers or vegetable sticks accompanied by hummus, bean dip, or guacamole. When to Consult a Doctor If your toddler is not gaining enough weight, it is advisable to consult a doctor if you notice a consistent lack of growth, if there are concerns about their eating habits, or if there are signs of underlying health issues. It’s crucial to seek professional advice if you have persistent worries about your toddler’s weight gain and overall development. FAQs 1. Can developmental delays play a role in a toddler’s underweight condition? Developmental delays can indirectly contribute to a toddler being underweight. For instance, delays in motor skills or oral motor development might affect eating abilities. Consultation with a pediatrician is recommended to address both developmental concerns and nutritional needs. 2. Can food allergies be a factor in a toddler’s being underweight? Yes, food allergies can impact a toddler’s weight. Allergic reactions might lead to aversions or limited food choices, affecting overall nutrition. Identifying and managing food allergies with the guidance of a pediatrician or allergist is essential to ensure a well-balanced diet and healthy weight gain. So, this was all about making toddlers gain weight. Weight loss is not always a sign of an underlying medical condition. To get your child to eat it’s important to make eating easy and enjoyable for them. Try these weight gain recipes for an underweight toddler for positive results. Take note: if you obsess over your own weight and keep counting those calories, your child will quickly pick up on this, which could easily affect his or her own eating pattern! References/Resources: 1. How to help your child gain weight; NHS; https://www.nhs.uk/live-well/healthy-weight/childrens-weight/how-to-help-your-child-gain-weight/ 2. 10 Possible Reasons Why Your Child Isn’t Growing; Cleveland Clinic; https://health.clevelandclinic.org/10-possible-reasons-why-your-child-is-not-growing 3. Failure to Thrive; Nemours Kids Health; https://kidshealth.org/en/parents/failure-thrive.html 4. Safe Weight Gain Tips for Underweight Kids; EatRight.org (Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics; https://www.eatright.org/health/wellness/weight-and-body-positivity/safe-weight-gain-tips-for-underweight-kids 5. Failure to Thrive; Johns Hopkins Medicine; https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/conditions-and-diseases/failure-to-thrive 6. Cow’s Milk and Milk Alternatives; Centers for Disease Control and Prevention; https://www.cdc.gov/nutrition/infantandtoddlernutrition/foods-and-drinks/cows-milk-and-milk-alternatives.html 7. Energy In: Recommended Food & Drink Amounts for Children; American Academy of Pediatrics; https://www.healthychildren.org/English/healthy-living/nutrition/Pages/Energy-In-Recommended-Food-Drink-Amounts-for-Children.aspx Also Read: Overweight Toddler Height and Weight of Toddler Food that will help to Loose Weight in Toddler Read more

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14 Iron Rich Foods for Babies and Toddlers

The beneficial properties of iron for babies are many. From promoting adequate growth and development to keeping anaemia at bay, iron is an essential nutrient that ensures proper health and well-being. Most babies do not need any kind of iron supplements until they are at least four months of age. This is because all babies get plenty of iron from their mothers during the final trimester of pregnancy. If your baby is born prematurely, then there is a possibility that he may suffer from an iron deficiency. This can also happen if you were diabetic or had poor nutrition during pregnancy. Importance of Iron for the Body Iron is an essential nutrient needed for proper growth and development. It aids proper functioning of the body by helping the blood transport oxygen from the lungs to the rest of the body and the muscles to store and use oxygen. Essentially, iron is the main component of healthy blood, and a deficiency in iron can cause anaemia, which affects core functions in the child’s body. Symptoms of an Iron Deficiency You may notice the following symptoms if your child has an iron deficiency. Pale skin Poor appetite Constant fatigue Abnormal breathing Delayed growth and development Frequent illnesses How Much Iron Do a Baby and Toddler Need? You will be surprised to know that babies are born with a reserve of iron, which they get from their mother’s blood while they are in the womb. For the first six months after delivery, the breastfed babies get everything they need from their mother’s milk. If breastfeeding is not an option for your baby, you can also use store-bought iron-fortified infant formula for the first 9 to 12 months. This formula should be cow’s milk-based. Once your little one starts eating solid foods, the amount of iron they need depends on their age, which is: Age Amount of Iron per say (Recommended Daily Allowance) 7 to 12 months 11 mg 1 to 3 years 7 mg Iron-Rich Foods You Can Include in Your Baby and Toddler’s Diet There are two categories of iron-rich foods – heme and non-heme. Heme originates from haemoglobin and is usually found in animal products, especially poultry and meat. Heme-iron is absorbed by the body quicker than non-heme iron. There are plenty of non-vegetarian and vegetarian iron-rich foods for babies to try out. Here is a compilation of iron-rich food for babies and toddlers. 1. Meat and Poultry These are great sources of heme iron, especially red meats and liver. Try to remove all the fatty parts of the meat before cooking, as they do not contain any iron. You should cook the meat well before feeding it to your baby. Else, it can be difficult for them to chew and digest easily. Furthermore, meat and poultry should be included in a baby’s diet only after he turns 8 months of age. 2. Egg Yolks Yet another of the good sources of iron for toddlers and infants alike, eggs are easily available and easy to cook and eat. Try to incorporate egg yolks into various recipes. This guarantees that your child gets a healthy dose of iron regularly without having to eat the same thing every day. Caramel custard or custard flan are some delicious options for desserts that include egg yolks. If you do want to include egg yolk in your child’s diet, do it after he turns 10 months of age. 3. Red Rice Excellent sources of non-heme iron-rich foods for infants, these varieties of rice might not appeal to your child if simply cooked. Try to add some flavour to it by stirring in vegetables, eggs, or meat depending on your food habits. 4. Beans Almost all varieties of beans are rich in iron. Lentils, kidney beans, chickpeas, and soybeans are just some examples. You can steam the beans and flavour them with some salt and mild spices before offering them to your child. You can also mix them with meat or rice. 5. Sweet Potatoes and Potatoes In order to retain most of the iron in potatoes, be sure to cook them with the skin on. Baked and steamed potatoes or sweet potatoes are a favourite with most children. You can also slice them to resemble french fries, as this will also help your child grip them easily when self-feeding. Mashed potatoes are another favourite. 6. Seafood There is no denying that seafood is a source of various nutrients essential to your child including iron. Tuna, clams, and shrimp are the best sources of iron. You can cook these in a variety of ways and feed them to your child on a regular basis. However, be aware that some children can be allergic to specific seafood, so introduce these to your child with care. 7. Peanut Butter A favourite with a large number of kids, peanut butter, is packed with iron. Using it with whole bread will make it a healthy snack at all times. You can also try out peanut butter cookies for a special treat. Using enriched flour or oatmeal helps you increase the healthy-eating quotient. 8. Tofu A great meat substitute for vegetarians, tofu contains a significant amount of iron. You can cut tofu into strips and sauté them before offering it to your child, alongside a dip. It can also be consumed by children who are lactose-intolerant. 9. Prune and Cranberry Juice These are some of the few fruit juices with rich iron content. Their sweet taste is bound to appeal to children, but be sure not to give them more than one glass per day. These juices are also good for urinary tract health and prevent constipation. They contain no fat or cholesterol. 10. Dried Seeds A great snack during travel or after playtime, dried seeds are fun to munch on. Sunflower, pumpkin, and sesame are just some of the seeds that contain iron in significant amounts. You can also try to make a granola bar out of these or use them as garnishing in puddings and other sweet treats to make it interesting. 11. Dried Fruits Dried dates, apricots, prunes, and raisins all contain a large amount of iron. They make for extremely healthy snacks to chew when your child is hungry or simply wants something to munch on. Encouraging your child to reach for dried fruits whenever they want a snack is one good habit you might want to continue into adulthood. 12. Green Leafy Veggies You might find it difficult to get your children to finish up green veggies when served raw or steamed. Spinach, broccoli, collards and kale are rich in iron and many other essential nutrients. You could blend these into a paste and use them in gravies, soups or dips. Add some flavour with spices if required. 13. Tomatoes If your child refuses to eat fresh tomatoes cut into nice little cubes, try drying it under the sun or inside an oven. Then you can make sauces and soups out of it. Spaghetti with tomato sauce and mildly-flavoured tomato soup are sure to be a hit with your child. 14. Green Peas Peas are one of the kids’ favourite foods as they love to pick them up using their little fingers and put them in their mouths. This green vegetable is an excellent source of protein, fibre, iron, and other nutrients. You can prepare several dishes using green peas for your child. Best Iron-Rich Food Recipe Ideas for Babies and Toddlers Once your child is about six months old, you can start giving them solid foods. Make sure to choose foods that contain iron. Here are some iron-rich food recipes for your little one. Breakfast or Snack Ideas Simple and easy to prepare iron-rich breakfast or snack ideas for kids. 1. Apple and Oats Pancake Ingredients: Apple puree Rolled oats Milk Baking powder Maple syrup Vanilla Baking soda Instructions: Blend oats until fine. Add the remaining ingredients and again blend until smooth. Make sure the mixture is thick. Drop some batter onto a medium-heat greased pan. Look for bubbles to burst on the surface, and then flip the pancakes. Once done, remove the pancake from the heat and add maple syrup on the top and serve. 2. Chickpea and Oat Crackers Ingredients: 400g chickpeas 1 cup rolled oats 2 cloves garlic 1 tablespoon lemon juice Salt ¼ cup olive oil Instructions: Rinse and drain the chickpeas and add to a food processor. Blend until smooth. Add the rolled oats and continue to blend properly. Add garlic, lemon juice and salt to it for seasoning. Gradually add olive oil and continue to blend until everything comes together as a ball. Place the dough on a baking tray and press it with your hands to start flattening it. Place a second piece of baking paper on top of it, using a rolling pin, and roll until it is evenly spread. Score the dough into cracker-shaped pieces and prick the centre of each cracker using a fork. Bake it at 180 degrees Celsius for 40-50 minutes until golden brown. Leave it to cool and serve. 3. Zucchini Slice Ingredients: Eggs Zucchini Bacon Flour Baking powder Onion Cheese Instructions: Preheat the oven to 180 degrees Celsius and add baking paper to the container. Whisk the eggs in a bowl and add the flour and baking powder to it, and whisk. Add finely dice the onion to the mixture. Grate the zucchini and remove the excess liquid from it. Add it to the mixture. Add diced bacon and grated cheese to the mixture. Pour the mixture into the lined container and bake for 40-45 minutes. Cut it into slices and serve. Lunch or Dinner Ideas (Non-Vegetarian) Simple and easy to prepare iron-rich non-vegetarian lunch or dinner ideas for kids. 1. Spinach Crepes Ingredients: 3 eggs ¾ cup arrowroot powder ¼ brown rice flour 1 cup plant-based milk 1 tbsp coconut flour 30g baby spinach 1 tbsp olive oil 1 tsp sea salt Olive oil Instructions: Crack the eggs into a blender and process. Add the other ingredients and process on high until completely smooth. Pour this batter into a jug and leave it in the fridge for 20 minutes. Heat a frying pan over medium-high heat and add a few drops of olive oil. Whisk the batter and add around ¼ cup of the mixture into the pan. Flip it over once cooked from one side and let the other side turn golden brown. Serve. 2. Korma Egg Curry With Spinach and Chickpeas Ingredients: 2 tbs canola oil 1 brown onion, peeled and diced 1/3 cup korma curry paste 1/3 cup tomato paste 1 1/4 cups water 1/3 cup light coconut cream 400g can chickpeas, rinsed and drained 120g baby spinach leaves 8 hard-boiled eggs Instructions: Place a saucepan over the heat and add oil and onion. Cook it for about 5 minutes or until softened. Add curry and tomato paste to it and cook gently for 1-2 minutes. Add water, coconut cream, and chickpeas and cook for 5 minutes. Stir in the spinach and cook until it’s wilted. Add the eggs to the curry and stir gently to coat them. Garnish with coriander and serve with roti. 3. Lamb Lollipop Ingredients: 16 lamb riblets 3 tbs parmesan 1/2 cup cornflour 3 eggs 1 cup panko-dried breadcrumbs 1/4 cup parsley and mint Olive oil Instructions: Cut between the rib bones on your riblet rack and scrape away some of the fat nearest to the bottom of the bone on each rib bone. Peel the lamb up the bone to form a little ball at the end of the rib. Combine the parmesan, cornflour, panko crumbs and parsley in a bowl. Lightly whisk eggs in a separate bowl. Dip each lollipop into the whisked egg and then cover in the crumb. Fry the lamb lollipop until golden brown and serve. Lunch or Dinner Ideas (Vegetarian) Simple and easy to prepare iron-rich vegetarian lunch or dinner ideas for kids. 1. Pumpkin Dhal Ingredients: 1 tbs olive oil 1 onion, diced 2 cloves garlic, crushed 2cm cube ginger, grated 1/2 long thin red chilli, finely sliced 1/2 tsp cumin seeds 1/2 tsp ground turmeric 1/2 tsp ground coriander 1/2 tsp garam masala 1/2 small butternut pumpkin, cubed 1 x 400g can no-added-salt chopped tomatoes 1 cup red split lentils, drained and rinsed 3 cups water Instruction: Heat oil in a pan and add onion, garlic and ginger to it. Cook for 2-3 minutes. Add in chilli and spices. Add pumpkin, tinned tomatoes, lentils and two cups of water. Let it cook for 18 minutes. Use the back of a spoon to break apart pumpkin cubes. Add one cup of water and stir through to warm up. Serve immediately, dolloped with yoghurt. 2. Sweet Potato, Broccoli, Zucchini Mash Ingredients: 2 tsp olive oil 350 g sweet potato 1 potato 1 small parsnip 1 large zucchini 100 g small broccoli florets Instructions: Heat the oil and add in sweet potato, potato and parsnip. Add 1/2 cup of water and bring to the boil. Simmer it for 10 minutes. Add zucchini and broccoli to it and stir well. Let it cook until the vegetables are tender. Remove it from heat and mash to desired consistency, and serve. 3. Spinach Muffins Ingredients: Flour Spinach Applesauce Oil or butter Milk Maple syrup Spices Baking soda and powder Salt Instructions: In a bowl, add the dry ingredients. Whisk the flour, baking soda and powder, salt, and cinnamon until well incorporated. In a blender, add the spinach, milk, applesauce, oil, and maple syrup. Blend everything until completely smooth. Pour the above spinach mixture into the dry ingredients and stir until combined. Do not over mix. Scoop the batter into muffin tins and bake for 12-14 minutes. Serve hot. FAQs 1. Does Your Baby Need to Take Iron Supplement? A breastfeeding baby, for the first four months, does not need any additional iron. The iron in a baby’s body at birth is enough for its initial growth. At four months of age, babies who are partially or completely breastfeeding should be supplemented with 1 mg per day of oral iron until appropriate iron-containing complementary foods are introduced into their diet. 2. Can Babies Get Enough Iron From Vegetarian Food/Diet? Yes. There are many vegetarian sources of iron that are great for babes. Potato, broccoli & peas are some of the super vegetarian sources of iron. 3. Should You Worry If Your Baby or Toddler Getting Too Much Iron? Excessive iron intake can be toxic to babies or toddlers and can cause serious health problems. These problems include decreased growth, increased illness, altered gut microbiota to more pathogenic bacteria, increased inflammatory markers, and impaired cognitive and motor development. Therefore, only the recommended daily intake of iron should be given to a baby or a toddler. Babies who are being breastfed or given infant formula fortified with iron do not require any iron supplements. Toddlers who eat a well-balanced diet, with enough iron sources included, also do not need any supplementation either. Poor iron content in children can lead to distracted focus and causes them to feel tired and weak. So, try to incorporate at least a couple of iron-rich food into your baby’s daily diet. Resources/References: 1. Iron needs of babies and children; National Library of Medicine; https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2528681/; April 2007 2. Iron; cdc.gov; https://www.cdc.gov/nutrition/infantandtoddlernutrition/vitamins-minerals/iron.html 3. Where We Stand: Vitamin D & Iron Supplements for Babies; healthychildren.org; https://www.healthychildren.org/English/ages-stages/baby/feeding-nutrition/Pages/Vitamin-Iron-Supplements.aspx 4. Vegetarian and vegan feeding guide for babies; pregnancybirthbaby.org.au; https://www.pregnancybirthbaby.org.au/vegetarian-and-vegan-feeding-guide-for-babies 5. Excess iron intake as a factor in growth, infections, and development of infants and young children; Bo Lönnerdal; National Library of Medicine; https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5701711/; October 2017 Also Read: Finger Foods for Babies Read more

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5 Healthy Lunch Ideas for Toddlers in Daycare

It is undoubtedly a Herculean task to be a parent, especially when it comes to winning your little one’s heart by preparing good meals for him! Just as the way to a man’s heart is through his stomach, it is the same for the kids. Preparing them a boring meal would not only make them frown, but they would inevitably end up bringing back home their lunchbox untouched at the end of the day! So, if you are hunting for interesting yet healthy ideas for their lunch, this article is perfect for you! Video: Healthy Toddler Lunch Ideas for Daycare Healthy Lunch Recipe Ideas for Toddlers in Daycare One question that arises now is what can be the possible lunch ideas for a 3-year-old going to daycare. We understand that the items have to be pleasing enough to your little bundles of joy and yet should be simple enough for you to prepare in very little time. At the same time, when it comes to your toddlers, you certainly cannot compromise on the quality as well and so have to be careful about that as well! Keeping all these things in mind, here are some healthy lunch ideas for your toddlers to be packed in daycare: 1. Sandwiches Sorted The words tiffin and sandwich almost go hand in hand. So, while discussing the best lunch ideas for toddlers, we certainly cannot do without sandwiches be it a chicken sandwich, a ham sandwich or a simple veggie one. Egg sandwich for eggitarians can be a good option. You can even make a sandwich with peas, potato, carrots, beans and cheese spread. These are simple to make, yet tasty to eat. A sandwich is something that all kids generally love, owing to the variety it comes in. Bread is the main ingredient of this recipe it is also filling and can be gobbled quickly and conveniently. Ingredients Boiled chicken slices/ ham slices (200-300 grams approximately) 2-3 slices of toasted bread cut diagonally Finely sliced vegetables (onion, cucumber, carrot, tomato) Butter (one teaspoon) Cheese (2 slices) Mayonnaise (optional) Salt and pepper (according to taste) Method Apply butter to the slices of bread. Then, put one slice of cheese between two slices of bread and put the chicken or ham along with the vegetables between the slices. You can always skip the chicken and the ham to keep it vegetarian. You can also add some mayonnaise to the sandwich for taste. Put the entire thing into your sandwich maker, and your toddler’s lunch is ready! 2. Secure the Steak You will hardly find any child who is not fond of chicken! While a good deal of chicken will give your toddler his correct share of quality protein in lunch, he will never complain of a boring lunch either and finish it up in no time. As a plus point, grilled steak is the easiest to prepare as well, and you can keep it prepared the previous night as well! The ingredients too are the most basic and most easily available ones. Ingredients Grilled chicken (one boneless breast piece) Boiled potatoes (6-7 slices) Boiled peas (a handful Boiled carrots (4-5 slices) Salt and pepper (according to taste) Method Take a boneless breast piece of chicken and grill it in your micro oven or grill. Cut it up into small cube-like pieces so that it is convenient for your toddler to have it and put the pieces in his lunchbox. Take boiled potatoes and carrots, slice them and put it in the box as well. Add some boiled peas too, if it is winter! Sprinkle salt and pepper for flavour and your toddler’s chicken steak is ready! 3. Prepare the Porridge Are you are looking for lunch ideas for 1-year-old at daycare? A bowl of porridge would probably be the best idea as it would not only be easy to consume for your little one but also won’t take much time to finish up! As your bonus, it is extremely easy to prepare and can be made in even less than an hour’s time. You can also prepare it the on the previous night and store it in the refrigerator to avoid hurry the next morning. Ingredients Rice flour (1 cup) Boiled chicken Slices (half cup) Water (2-3 cups) Ginger-garlic paste (optional) Method Boil the rice flour for around ten minutes carefully by stirring it continuously so that the mixture does not burn or accumulate into lumps. Cook the chicken slices for about half an hour and add it to the boiled rice flour while it is boiling. Keep it in low flame for a couple of minutes and add the ginger-garlic paste for good taste. You can avoid it if you feel it would become spicy for your toddler. 4. Eggs are the Saviour Eggs are something that your toddler would probably never get bored off, owing to the different varieties it can be cooked in! From omelettes (can be cheese omelettes), egg wraps, egg tikkis to poached and the customary boiled eggs, each of these is extremely easy to make, needs the least effort and usually loved by all children. They are also extremely healthy and will add to the right amount of protein for your child. You can pair them up with some bread or even mashed potatoes, and your toddler’s lunch is ready to go! Ingredients Eggs Oil (1 tablespoon) Salt (according to taste) Method You can shuffle different recipes of egg depending on which one your toddler likes the best. Boiled eggs are certainly the easiest to prepare. Just take water in a pressure cooker and boil a couple of eggs for about 15 minutes. Once done, cut it into two halves and pack it sprinkling some salt. To make an omelette, put some oil into the frying pan and put the egg yolk in it by splitting the egg using a spoon. Fry it for a few minutes and transfer it into the lunchbox. 5. Noodle It Up Every child loves noodles! And if you are worried about it being unhealthy here is an extremely simple and healthy recipe of yummy homemade noodles that your toddler will enjoy even every day. Whole wheat noodles, rice noodles, and vermicelli noodles are good and healthy options. This won’t even take much time to cook, and the best part is, you can incorporate some healthy vegetables into it which your toddler would refuse to take otherwise! Ingredients Unsalted plain noodles Finely chopped carrots, beans and bell paper Scrambled eggs and small slices of boiled chicken (optional) Water (2-3 cups) Salt (according to taste) Method Boil the noodles in a pan until they are cooked soft. Cook the vegetables, scrambled egg, and chicken pieces separately in a frying pan for about 15 minutes and mixed them with the cooked noodles. Mix them well and add salt according to taste. You might garnish it with some sauce if your toddler likes it and his tasty noodles are ready! Things to Keep in Mind While Packing Daycare Lunch for Toddler Just as cooking the same meal every day for your toddler’s daycare can be boring for him, at the same time, you cannot provide everything that you cook for him at home when it comes to cooking for a daycare. So, when you are preparing and packing toddler lunch for daycare, you would have to keep the following things in mind: Make sure you choose an insulated lunch box or one that has a freezer pack so that the food remains intact for an extended period until your child has it. You can use aluminium foil packs to keep the food warm. Avoid ordinary plastic boxes as the material might interfere with the quality of the food prepared. Avoid foods that might not remain fresh for an extended period if you know that your child will consume it after a considerable period. For example, if his lunch break is after a long time, refrain from providing items such fruits as they might not remain fresh and intact for a long time. Try to provide dry items for lunch as they are relatively easy to handle and consume for your toddler. For example, puffed rice or sandwiches would any day make a better lunch than some item with a lot of gravy as your toddler might spoil his clothes or have a tough time handling it. Some food items have to be cooled down before putting them in lunch boxes, or else they might stand a chance to perish with time. So, make sure that after cooking you let it cool down to a normal temperature before you pack it in your toddler’s lunch box. Home-cooked food is always healthier than packed or take away foods. So, it is better than you pack cooked food most days rather than packing ready-made meals or fast food. If you do not have time to cook in the morning, it is a better idea to cook on the previous night and store it in the refrigerator before packing it in the morning. If your kid hates having certain healthy items and brings it back when given for lunch, add the item in a way that he does not understand what it is. For example, if your child hates vegetables and does not want it for lunch, arrange it creatively into food which he loves eating. For example, you can put some little pieces of carrots and beans into his noodle if he loves having that. This would serve both the purposes for your toddler as he enjoys the lunch and gets his share of nutrition as well. So, you needn’t worry about cooking your toddler’s daycare lunch anymore. With these recipes, you can cook a wonderful meal for him that he is sure to enjoy! Also Read: Food and Tips to Manage Fussy Eater Toddler Read more

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Foods to Eat & Avoid During Cold and Cough for Babies, Toddlers and Kids

If your bundle of joy has a cold and cough, it must be really hard for you to see him suffer. Your child may have a poor appetite during this time and he may even refuse to eat. But not getting adequate nutrition can slow down his body’s natural response to fight infection. You must make sure that he eats the right food to get him immune system back on track. Read this article to find out which foods you can give (and avoid) to your child when he has a cold or cough. Video: Foods to Eat or Avoid During Cold and Cough for Babies and Kids Recommended Foods for Cough and Cold for Infants, Toddlers and Children Giving nutritious foods to a baby which can be digested easily by him would be the best option. Here are some foods you should include in your child’s diet if he has a cough or cold: 1. Breast Milk If you have a newborn or a baby below six months of age, breast milk will be the only source of nutrition for him. Breast milk, being a good source of antibodies, can strengthen the immune system of a child. Check to see if your baby is congested before you start feeding your child, as congestion can prevent your infant from feeding adequately. 2. Barley Water Suitable for infants who are at least six months old, barley water is a great remedy for fever, cold, and cough. However, it is not suitable for children with gluten allergy and caution must be exercised if a family member has such an allergy. This is because the allergy might have been passed on to your child and you could be still unaware of this fact. 3. Applesauce Also known as stewed apples, these are easy-to-digest and can help a baby stay hydrated. They come in handy during a cough and cold as they replenish the body’s fluid supply. 4. Rice Water or Gruel Recommended for babies who are above six months of age, rice gruel is a soothing home remedy for a cough and cold. Rice water boosts the immunity of a child thereby helping him combat any infection. 5. Sweet Potatoes Sweet potatoes are a rich source of nutrients and strengthen the immune system. They also help the body in producing white blood cells. Sweet potatoes can be consumed in the form of porridge or you can mash and puree them for your little one aged six months and above. 6. Carrots Carrots have medicinal properties and eating carrots can enhance the immune system and keep away bacteria and viruses. You can steam and mash the carrots to give it to your baby. You can also puree them or make carrot soup. However, give it your baby only if he is above six months of age. 7. Pomegranate Juice The antioxidants in pomegranate juice can help subdue your child’s cold. Make pomegranate juice and add a bit of pepper powder and dry ginger powder to it. Give it to your baby if he is 6 months or older. This juice will help provide him relief from a cold and cough. 8. Moong Dal Porridge Moong dal porridge is a wholesome and filling food for babies suffering from cold. It can be given during lunch or dinner. Suitable for children seven months and older, it is a soothing dish that you little one will enjoy. 9. Curd Rice If your child is over eight months of age, you can feed him curd rice with a little seasoning of ginger and cumin seeds any time he is unwell. If your child has a cough or a cold, ensure that the curd you serve him is at room temperature and not too cold or sour. 10. Idli and Dosa Steamed idli and dosa make great comfort food and can be given to kids when they are unwell and don’t feel like eating. You can give idli or dosa at any time of the day to your child if he is eight months or older. You can also offer chutney or some homemade jam as a dip. 11. Sabudana Porridge Sabudana is also known as sago; it is a good source of starch and can give your child a dose of energy. As it easy to digest, it is a preferred choice for children when they are sick. You can make sabudana porridge, serve it with vegetables, or you can simply give the water. It is good for babies aged seven months or older. 12. Broccoli Rich in antioxidants, broccoli is a good pick for combating infections. It energizes the body’s immune system and is suitable for children over eight months of age. You can make broccoli soup or puree for your little one. He will soon feel better. 13. Tomato Soup Almost all of us like tomato soup; it is tasty and healthy. And the good thing is that it can be even given to children older than eight months of age. It constitutes a healthy dose of Vitamin C – you can mix some mashed rice in it before offering it to your baby. 14. Mashed Potatoes Mashed potatoes taste delicious and can be quite filling for a baby. Made from boiled potatoes, they usually appeal to children of all ages and can be introduced from eight months onwards. 15. Dalia Being soft food, it can be swallowed easily, especially if a child has a throat irritation or pain. It can be made without milk to speed up the digestion process when a baby is sick. Dalia can be given to babies who are eight months and older. 16. Citrus Fruits Drinking orange juice or lemon juice can help prevent cell damage while easing congestion and thinning out mucus. Make the juice with lukewarm water and add a dash of honey. It is generally recommended for children who are one year or above. 17. Turmeric Milk A little turmeric powder mixed in warm milk with a dash of pepper acts as a natural antibiotic and can cure a cold as well as throat infection in babies who are one year or above. 18. Mushroom Soup The health benefits of mushrooms are plenty, and their ability to keep infections away is well known. You can give warm mushroom soup to your baby; it is great comfort food for toddlers with a cold and cough. It is usually given to children who have attained the age of one. 19. Poha or Beaten Rice It is soft and can be chewed by babies easily. Poha is also easy-to-digest and makes for a filling meal, especially for a child who is unwell. You can give poha to your child if he is 1 year or older. 20. Tulsi Water Tulsi or Indian basil can provide relief from a cold and cough. Boil a few leaves of tulsi in half a litre of water for about 5 minutes. Strain and give it to your child. You can give it to babies above 6 months of age. 21. Garlic Lentil Soup Just like rice water, dal ka pani is good for babies. But if your baby has a cold and cough, you can give him garlic and lentil soup. Garlic has antiviral properties and can boost the immune system. Its antiviral properties can prevent infections and speed up the healing process. 22. Ajwain Water Giving ajwain water can also relieve cough and clear chest congestion. Boil a tablespoon of carom seeds in water for some time. Let it cool then strain the liquid, then give it to your baby at regular intervals. 23. Bone Broth Bone broth is made by simmering bones and connective tissue for several hours. It is rich in nutrients like collagen, which can help to support a healthy immune system. Bone broth can be served independently or used as a base for soups and stews. 24. Soup With Turmeric Turmeric contains a compound called curcumin, which has anti-inflammatory and immune-boosting properties. For flavour and health benefits, you can add turmeric to soups, stews, and other dishes. 25. Oats Oats are a good source of fibre, which can help to boost the immune system and reduce inflammation. They are also a good source of zinc, which is important for immune function. Serve warm oatmeal with cinnamon and honey for added flavour. 26. Chicken Soup Chicken soup is a time-tested remedy for coughs and colds in adults and children. It is believed to reduce inflammation, soothe the throat, and provide essential nutrients that can help the body fight off infections. Chicken soup is easy to digest and provides much-needed hydration. 27. Ginger Tea Ginger is known for its anti-inflammatory and immune-boosting properties. Ginger tea can help to soothe a sore throat, reduce coughing and congestion, and ease nausea. Simply steep fresh ginger in hot water and add honey to taste. 28. Honey Honey is a natural cough suppressant that can help to soothe irritated throats and reduce coughing. It also has antimicrobial properties that can help to fight off infections. Add a teaspoon of honey to warm water or tea for children over one. 29. Yoghurt Yoghurt contains live cultures that can help boost the immune system and fight infections. It is also a good source of protein, which is essential for building and repairing tissues. Choose plain yoghurt and add fresh fruit for flavour. 30. Berries Berries such as strawberries, raspberries, and blueberries are rich in antioxidants that can help to reduce inflammation and boost the immune system. They are also a good source of vitamin C, which is important for a healthy immune system. 31. Cherry Cherries are important for a healthy immune system. They are also a good source of fibre, which can help to reduce inflammation. Include cherry in your diet for good immunity. 32. Quinoa Quinoa is a good source of protein, which is important for building and repairing tissues. It also contains fibre and vitamins that can help to support a healthy immune system. Serve quinoa as a side dish for dinner. These are some recommended food for kids during cold and cough, which you can give and relieve. Foods to Avoid During Cold and Cough You should avoid including certain foods in your child’s diet if he has a cold and cough. This is because some fruits and vegetables are likely to have a cooling effect and can lead to respiratory infections. These include: 1. Refined Sugar and Sweets Too much sugar is not good for anyone, especially for babies and toddlers. Hence, sugar and sweets laden with sugar should not be given to a child with a cold or cough. 2. Dry Fruits and Nuts Your child may find it hard to chew or swallow dry fruits and nuts if he has a cold or cough. There is also a risk of sticking pieces in his throat if he coughs while eating. So it’s best not to give dry fruits and nuts. However, you can give them in powdered form – add the powder to his milk and porridge when he is sick. 3. Spicy and Oily Foods Spicy or oily food can irritate the throat and worsen your child’s cough and cold. Thus, it is best not to give them to your kiddo. 4. Dairy Products Dairy products like milk, cheese, and yoghurt can thicken mucus and worsen cough and cold symptoms. Avoid giving dairy products to children who are experiencing cold and cough. 5. Processed Foods Processed foods like chips, crackers, and pre-packaged snacks are often high in salt and preservatives, dehydrating the body and worsening cough and cold symptoms. Choose whole, unprocessed foods instead. 6. Fried Foods Fried foods are high in fat and can be difficult to digest, worsening cough and cold symptoms. Avoid fried foods instead of baked, grilled, or steamed foods. 7. Sugary Drinks Sugary drinks like soda and juice can dehydrate the body and weaken the immune system, making it harder for the body to fight off infections. Avoid sugary drinks and, instead, opt for water or herbal tea. The above-mentioned food for babies in cold and cough should be avoided, and you will be good to go!  Tips to Feed a Child Suffering From a Cough and Cold If your munchkin is unwell, he is bound to get cranky and may fuss while eating. Here are a few things you should keep in mind to make sure he gets the required nourishment: Babies six months and younger should be breastfed or given formula if they have a cold and cough. Babies 6 months and above should have frequent small meals instead of big meals thrice a day. If your baby’s doctor prescribes oral rehydration solution (ORS) to your toddler, give it to your child as and when required. If your baby does not want to eat something, give him what he wants. Do not force-feed your sick child. If your baby is above six months old, ensure he stays hydrated. Offer him different types of fluids. These can include water, milk, broth, and fresh fruit juice made with slightly warm water. You should follow these general guidelines if your child is down with a cold or cough. However, if there are symptoms like wheezing or ear pain, it is best to consult a doctor immediately, as it can be an ear infection or something more serious. Also, do not introduce new foods when your baby is ill, as these can aggravate the symptoms or cause allergies, worsening the matter. Consult your doctor if your child’s condition doesn’t improve over a few days. Since dehydration is possible because of infections, keep an eye on your child; note these early signs to ensure you can get your child the help he needs immediately. References/Resources: 1. Colds in children; PubMed Central; https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2722603/; October 2005 2. Foods and Drinks to Avoid or Limit; Centers for Disease Control and Prevention; https://www.cdc.gov/nutrition/infantandtoddlernutrition/foods-and-drinks/foods-and-drinks-to-limit.html; May 2022 3. Mayo Clinic Staff; Cold remedies: What works, what doesn’t, what can’t hurt; Mayo Clinic; https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/common-cold/in-depth/cold-remedies/art-20046403; June 2022 4. Sanu. A, Eccles. R; The effects of a hot drink on nasal airflow and symptoms of common cold and flu; Rhinology; PubMed; https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/19145994/; December 2008 5. Rennard. BO, Ertl. RF, Gossman. GL, et al.; Chicken soup inhibits neutrophil chemotaxis in vitro; Chest; PubMed; https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/11035691/; October 2000 Also Read: How to Deal with Dry Cough in Babies Home Remedies for Children’s Colds and Flu Cold and Cough Medicine for Infants and Children Read more

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Baby and Toddler Foods To Carry & Avoid While Travelling

Travelling with a baby in tow may seem challenging, but the key to ensuring a smooth journey that both you and the baby enjoy is to be prepared for anything you may need. A major part of travelling with your baby is having the right food around, as babies stomachs are delicate, and can’t handle outside food. Many parents are unsure about what kind of food to carry when travelling with a baby and toddler. To keep your baby’s hunger satiated and her mood happy, it is important to carry food that is both, travel-friendly and delicious. Here are some baby and toddler travel food ideas. Video: Travel Foods for Babies and Toddlers (What to Carry and What to Avoid) Food for Babies While Travelling Babies between six to 12 months old are fairly new in the process of being introduced to solids, so it essential to be smart about the type of food you carry along for them. Here are some travel foods for babies. 1. Baby Food Baby food is nutritious, yummy, and quite easy to prepare while travelling. This kind of food is generally given to infants above six months. There are various baby food premixes that are easily available and travel-friendly. 2. Milk This is a complete food for babies and toddlers, due to the rich nutrients it contains. You can rely on breastfeeding the baby if you are travelling in a private vehicle, but it can be an issue in public places. Store breast milk beforehand, using a breast pump, and feed your baby during meal times. Formula milk is a great option, as it needs water and formula powder to make the mix. 3. Fruit Purees These are wholesome, loaded with essential nutrients, and easy to prepare when travelling. This can be prepared on-the-spot since all you need is fruit, milk, a bowl, and a fork. Mash the fruit add milk and feed it to your tiny tot. 4. Carrot Cake Travel isn’t fun without something sweet, right? Carrot cake is soft, healthy and delicious. You can always substitute flour and sugar with healthier ingredients such as whole wheat and jaggery or honey. Your child will be super happy when you bring out the carrot cake you’ve packed. 5. Porridge Mix If your baby is over 6 months, you can carry easy-to-make porridge for him. Some easy and delicious porridges made out of sattu or ragi are easy to prepare as you simply need to pour hot water and mix. They are nutritious, easy to carry and a sure hit for your child. 6. Vegetable Puree Boil vegetables like broccoli and carrot, and mash them until they reach a puree consistency. These can be seasoned and fed to your baby during travel to ensure his nutritional intake is sufficient for the day. Vegetables purees are easy to feed your child, and he will surely love the taste. Food for Toddlers While Travelling Between the ages of one to three, toddlers are now more accustomed to eating solid food, but require non-spicy, hygienic, and well-cooked dishes. Here are some food ideas for toddlers when travelling. 1. Yoghurt This superfood is easy to carry while travelling and is packed with essential nutrients such as calcium. Kids love the tasty flavours of yoghurt, which is light on the stomach. Ensure you pack yoghurt in travel-friendly jars for an easy feeding session. Ensure that you store yoghurt in a cool environment. 2. Cereal Choose O-shaped cereals while shopping for your trip, and it can prove to be an ideal travel food for one-year-old children and above. Slide them onto his fingers and let him enjoy this engaging activity while travelling. You can add dry fruits to make it healthy and enhance the flavour too. 3. Eggs This superfood is rich in calories and helps to boost the immune system. The unsaturated fats in eggs help in developing the brain. As you’re travelling, you can stick to serving them hard-boiled eggs, as they are the least likely to create a mess. 4. Hummus This Middle Eastern dish is rich in iron, which can prevent anaemia. Its thick texture means that kids are unlikely to spill it, and can be eaten with pita bread, which is filling. Make sure to refrigerate it before carrying and store it in a cool environment. 5. Thepla Parathas are filling, delicious, and can be prepared according to your baby’s tastes. You can prepare theplas at home and pack them for your journey, and your baby is sure to love them. Ensure that you let them cool completely before packing them. 6. Granola Bars You can make soft energy bars or granola bars at home, loaded with healthy ingredients that are nutritious. They provide your little one with energy throughout the trip and are delicious and filling as well. 7. Chikkis Date and dry fruit chikkis, rajgira or peanut chikkis are a good option for toddlers while travelling. These are healthy and stay fresh for a longer time. 8. Baked/ Roasted Makhana or Jowar Puffs These are delicious, healthy, and filling, and a great option when travelling with toddlers. You can also add some milk flavours to them, which your child is sure to love. 9. Cheese Who doesn’t love cheese? Definitely not your toddler! Carry cheese cubes or cheese sticks and simply pass them to your child as finger food during the journey. It will keep him entertained and satiated for a while. 10. Cookies You can bake healthy cookies out of ragi flour and jaggery before your journey and pack them. These are a great snack for long journeys as they are sweet and delicious, and last for long when packed well. 11. Idli If you have a long journey, pack some idlis with sugar or jaggery for your little one. These are filled with nutrition and easy to hold and eat, so you can avoid any mess while travelling. For an extra zing, add spinach puree or beetroot extract to the idli batter to dye them green or purple. 12. Instant Upma or Poha You can dehydrate some veggies and make a poha or upma mix with very little oil. Once the dry base is prepared, you can pack it along and simply add hot water when it’s time for your baby to eat. These are easy to make and nutritious too. Foods to Avoid While Travelling With Your Baby or Toddler There are certain kinds of foods to be avoided when you are travelling with a baby in tow. Strike them off your travel list to ensure you and your baby have a hassle-free trip: Oily snacks (especially the ready-made variety) should be avoided, as they can lead to issues like heartburn and obesity. Soft drinks are rich in sugar and can erode the enamel of your kids. Cereals that are high in sugar can lead to early diabetes. Thin liquids are easy to spill and cause a mess. Kids have less control over their motor functions and can easily spill and drop food. Foods that are relatively small can get lodged in the windpipe and are a choking hazard. New and untried food which may not agree with your baby’s tummy Travelling with your baby should be special for you and your baby. Feeding your baby or toddler during an outstation trip should not cause any stress. All you require is effort and loads of patience, so the journey becomes enjoyable with food and feeding times are the least of your worries. References/Resources: 1. Feeding your baby: 6–12 months; UNICEF; https://www.unicef.org/parenting/food-nutrition/feeding-your-baby-6-12-months 2. Prohibited Item List; Airports Authority of India; https://www.aai.aero/en/airports/security-info/kullu-manali 3. Travel Recommendations for Nursing Families; Centers for Disease Control and Prevention; https://www.cdc.gov/nutrition/infantandtoddlernutrition/breastfeeding/travel-recommendations.html; July 2021 4. Foods and Drinks to Avoid or Limit; Centers for Disease Control and Prevention; https://www.cdc.gov/nutrition/infantandtoddlernutrition/foods-and-drinks/foods-and-drinks-to-limit.html; June 2023 5. When, What, and How to Introduce Solid Foods; Centers for Disease Control and Prevention; https://www.cdc.gov/nutrition/infantandtoddlernutrition/foods-and-drinks/when-to-introduce-solid-foods.html; August 2021 Also Read: Papaya for Babies: Benefits and Recipes Iron Rich Foods for Babies and Toddlers Healthy Weight Gain Foods for Babies and Children Read more

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15 Healthy and Tempting Finger Foods for Toddlers

Toddlers are at that age where they simply do not want to sit in one place while eating. They are too busy exploring everything; their food included. Anything and everything causes them to become distracted and lose interest in their food. Playing with their food actually helps children to develop and give them the chance to examine the different textures, tastes and colours of the food. In this situation, finger foods are the way to go! Video: 10 Simple and Healthy Finger Food Ideas for Toddlers 15 Delicious Finger Foods That Your Toddler Will Enjoy Eating There are plenty of healthy options for you to choose from. Fruits and vegetables are not just healthy and colourful but can be prepared in a way that makes it easy for your child to pick up and eat without much difficulty. There are many easy to make recipes that will make it fun for your children as they explore the world of food. Here are some simple and healthy finger food ideas for toddlers: 1. Steamed Veggie Salad A soft and nutritious treat. What You Will Need: Steamed seasonal vegetables chopped into bite-sized pieces Salt How to Prepare: Mix the vegetables and season with a little salt. Can be served on its own or with a side of meatballs and mashed potatoes. 2. Scrambled Eggs Loaded with protein, it will help in muscle formation, stronger bones and healthy growth. What You Will Need: One egg Milk Half tomato finely chopped Oil How to Prepare: Beat the egg with a teaspoon of milk. Add the tomatoes and salt. Heat one teaspoon of oil and pour the mixture into the pan. Mix as it cooks. 3. Fruit Salad This is ideal for a hot summer day as it keeps the child hydrated and helps to clear the skin. What You Will Need: Watermelon Mangoes Papayas Avocados or any soft fruit. How to Prepare: Cut into bite-sized pieces, mix and serve. 4. Peas and Beans If you want to raise your kids as vegetarians, use this recipe to get them their daily dose of protein. What You Will Need: Beans of choice Peas Salt How to Prepare: Drain and wash the beans well before cooking. Wait until the beans are half cooked and then add the peas. Cook until the beans are soft. 5. Eggy Banana Bread Laced with the goodness of banana, it aids digestion as it is high in fibre. What You Will Need: One ripe banana One egg 20ml milk Three slices of bread Butter How to Prepare: Mash the banana and then add the milk and egg. Mix well. Cut the bread into slices and then dip it into the mixture and fry until golden brown on both sides. 6. Mini Pea Pancakes High in proteins and fibre, it helps in optimising your toddler’s growth spurts as well as digestion. What You Will Need: One cup cooked peas One cup rolled oats 50g Feta cheese Half cup cottage cheese and two eggs How to Prepare: Blend all the ingredients in a food processor until smooth. Heat the pan over medium heat. Drop about a spoon of the mix into the pan and fry until bubbles appear on one side. Flip and fry until golden brown. 7. Turkey Breast Nuggets High in proteins and low in fats, this delicious treat is a better option on the non-vegetarian front. What You Will Need: One turkey breast diced into nuggets Two tablespoons of almond meal Two tablespoons tapioca Two teaspoons dry herbs Quarter teaspoon nutmeg Half teaspoon fine Himalayan salt, Two eggs Two teaspoons minced garlic Quarter cup almond milk How to Prepare: Preheat the oven to 180 degrees Celsius. Mix the eggs, milk and minced garlic in one bowl and the dry ingredients in another. Dip the turkey bites into the wet ingredients and then the dry. Place them on a baking sheet on a baking tray and bake for 20-25 minutes, turning halfway, or until baked through. These make great finger foods for toddlers lunch. 8. Meatballs Easy to munch on, these nutritious balls of protein may get cleared out within minutes! What You Will Need: Ground meat of choice Rava Eggs Parmesan cheese Steamed and chopped carrots How to Prepare: Mix all the ingredients in a bowl. Cover and refrigerate for an hour. Preheat oven to 220 degrees Celsius. Using wet hands form into balls and bake for up to 15 to 20 minutes or until cooked through. 9. Frozen Fruity Bites A good meal packed with nutrients during a hot summer day, it helps your kid cool off and can aid digestion. What You Will Need: 200g yoghurt A handful of fresh fruits How to Prepare: Line twelve muffin cups on a tray. Spoon some yoghurt into the bottom of the cups. Take a few pieces of fruit and press them into the middle of the yoghurt. Put the tray in the fridge for a couple of hours. 10. Broccoli and Carrots An acquired taste, this recipe is high in fibre and can be an effective substitute for laxatives. Broccoli and carrots are also rich in Vitamin A, and hence this dish is good for eyesight. What You Will Need: Broccoli Carrots How to Prepare: Steam the broccoli and carrots well and give them to your toddler. They may take a while to get used to the taste of broccoli, but it is rich in fibre as well as vitamins C and A. The sweetness of the carrots should balance out the taste of broccoli. 11. Cucumber Strips Cucumbers are great for soothing sore gums during the teething period. What You Will Need: Cucumbers How to Prepare: Cut the cucumbers into long and wide strips to prevent choking. 12. Mac N Cheese Loaded with the goodness of cheese and milk, they help in strengthening the bones. What You Will Need: Cooked macaroni Grated cheddar Parmesan cheese Two cups of milk Quarter cup butter Two and a half tablespoons maida Half cup breadcrumbs How to Prepare: In a saucepan melt the butter, and stir in enough flour to make a paste. Slowly add milk, stirring constantly. Add the cheese to the mix and stir until it is melted and the sauce is thick. Put the macaroni in a large pot and then add the sauce. Mix well. Melt some additional butter in the pot and add the breadcrumbs. Cook until brown. 13. Potato and Butternut Squash Tots This is packed with fibre to help aid digestion. What You Will Need: 250g peeled white potatoes 250g peeled butternut squash Half cup grated cheddar cheese One and a half tablespoon maida Half clove crushed garlic One teaspoon mixed dried herbs Quarter cup breadcrumbs How to Prepare: Chop the butternut squash and potatoes into small pieces and put them into a pan of boiling water. Cook until soft. Drain and then add back to the pan. Mash with a hand masher and add the cheese, flour, garlic and herbs and mix well. Season to taste. Put everything on a plate and let it cool for a while before shaping it into tots. Roll into breadcrumbs and then fry the tots until golden and crispy. 14. Quinoa and Fish Baby Bites Packed with proteins and Omega 3 fatty acids, this dish can help improve eyesight and heart function. What You Will Need: Half cup cooked quinoa One cup roughly chopped baby spinach Four eggs One small can of tuna How to Prepare: Preheat oven to 200 degrees Celsius. Mix everything in a bowl and add salt. Spoon mixture into mini silicone trays and bake until the egg is fully cooked; roughly 15 minutes. 15. Rainbow Omelette Cakes High in protein, this dish can get your kids excited as soon as they hear the name. What You Will Need: One teaspoon olive oil Half red pepper Two spring onions One small carrot Two tablespoons sweet corn 50g cheddar cheese Three large eggs How to Prepare: Preheat the oven to 180 degrees Celsius. Place cupcake cases in muffin trays. Finely chop the spring onions and the peppers. Grate the carrot and cheese, drain and rinse the sweet corn. Sautee the spring onions and the peppers over a low flame. Once they start to soften, take the pan off the flame and add the cheese and corn. Break the eggs and whisk until frothy. Add all the vegetables and the grated cheese to the eggs. Mix well. Put them into cupcake cases and bake until cooked through. You can experiment with different ideas and come up with your own toddler finger food recipes. Always remember to cook all the vegetables and meat until everything is tender enough for your child to eat. Toddlers are learning about the world so help them experience the best food there is. Don’t forget that while some children with very sensitive taste buds may create a fuss, they can get used to any taste over time. Also Read: Healthy & Tasty Snacks for Kids Calcium-Rich Delicious Food for Kids Healthy Lunch Box Recipes for Children Foods for Developing Kids Brain Read more

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16 Healthy Foods for Toddlers to Gain Weight

Is your toddler eating well but not gaining too much weight? Do they also tend to suffer from fatigue, irritability and slow development? A nutrient-dense diet can help them put on weight and also get the required vitamins, minerals, and proteins for steady growth. On the other hand, being overweight could lead to obesity, which could further lead to several lifestyle illnesses at a young age. Fat is necessary for a child’s diet, but it is the right kind of fat that aids development. Here are some foods that can help increase weight in toddlers. How Can One Determine If a Child Requires Weight Gain? Humans, including children and adults, are unique – with different sizes and shapes. Before settling on ways or foods for your child to gain weight, it is essential to establish the fact whether they need to lose or gain the weight. If your little one is properly meeting their growth milestones, gaining weight (slowly but steadily), meeting hunger cues, and seems healthy, then you don’t have to worry about the weight or growth curve. We have to accept that children, like adults, have beautiful, unique sizes. However, if your child is not eating properly, does not have timely hunger cues, has repetitive medical conditions, and has uncharted off of their growth curve for a seemingly long time, then there should be no delay in contacting a paediatrician for the consultation. There are several foods to help toddlers gain weight. Check them out now! Foods to Increase Weight in Toddlers Toddlers will get increasingly fussy with their diet as they get independent in their ways. Parents will often find themselves dealing with picky eaters as they want a variety in their diet. Food served to toddlers must cater to their developing taste buds while providing them with the necessary nutrients to stay active and achieve a healthy growth rate. Here are a few tips to help you include different kinds of nutrient-rich food to your toddler’s diet to ensure that he remains healthy. 1. Breast Milk Breast milk is the best food for a baby until the age of six months, and even a year. Exclusive breastfeeding is needed up to six months for the child to get maximum nutrition and gain weight and health. To feed a baby, a mother must eat food rich in protein, vitamins and minerals to increase milk supply. A lactating mother is recommended to have a powder made of cumin and fennel seeds with desi ghee, fenugreek leaves and dill leaves or other galactagogues as per traditions. 2. Cereals/ Chapattis (10 months)/ Boiled Vegetables (7 months) At about one year of age, you can start with finger foods that your child can eat by himself. Try feeding some breakfast cereal like cornflakes/ dalia soaked in milk. You can also serve some chapati or stuffed vegetable paratha spread with ghee and cut into small pieces. If you eat meat, serve with some shredded pieces of chicken. 3. Fruits (6 months) Banana, chikoo (sapota), mango, custard apple are some great choices of food that can be given as cut fruits after 6 months of age or added to milkshakes, custard that can be given 7 months onwards. You can make smoothies with these fruits sprinkled with powdered nuts and curd. Bananas are a natural source of energy and carbohydrates, containing 105 calories per 100 gms 4. Vegetables Veggies don’t help a child gain weight directly but are needed to prevent constipation and digestive issues when we increase proteins to make kids gain weight. Add a lot of green leafy vegetables to your child’s diet. Spinach, fenugreek leaves, carrots, pumpkin, beans, and others are a rich source of minerals and vitamins. Try to include 3-4 serves of veggies every day. Peas are rich in vitamins and dietary fibre and a great source of food for high calories. 5. Eggs (1 year) Eggs are rich sources of protein, beneficial in terms of adding calories, and one of the high-fat foods for toddlers. Eggs can be served boiled, fried or made into an omelette. Another great way to add eggs to your diet is by adding them to custard, pancakes or fillings for chapati rolls. French toast is another great option for the intake of carbohydrates and calories. Introduce eggs only after your baby completes 1 year of age. If you want to give your child eggs before that, please consult your physician. 6. Fish/Meat/Poultry (7 months) Fish is a great source of Omega 3, which is highly beneficial for brain development and hormone production. They are rich in proteins and vitamins. Chicken is rich in niacin, magnesium, phosphorus, Vitamin B6 and B12. Chicken can be served as a stew or soup or added to rice in the form of curry. 7. Paneer & Cheese – (8 months) You can make paneer at home with whole milk. Chop these into bite-size pieces and offer them as finger food to your child. An ideal snack to eat without any accompaniments, it can also be added to parathas as a filling or in curries with rice. Cheese is another food that is rich in calcium and also helps kids put on some healthy fat. Cheese slice can be had by itself or added to sandwiches, chapatis or pasta and makes a wonderful combination of taste and nutrition. 8. Dried Fruits and Nuts (1 year) Nuts are great snacks and energy boosters, benefiting your child’s growth in many ways. Walnuts, peanuts, almonds, raisins, black currants, dates, and dried apricots are great options to include in your child’s breakfast. Try offering them nuts or dried fruits as an alternative to chocolates and candies. They will compensate for the sugar cravings and balance the nutrition intake at the same time. If starting feeding nuts before 1 year of age, please consult your dietitian or paediatrician before the same, as nuts can cause allergies. 9. Avocados (6 months) Avocados are dense in the amount of fat and calories they possess, and this composition makes it an ideal healthy food for toddlers and kids. One of the best high-calorie food for toddler weight gain, avocado tastes great in soups, dips, sauces, spreads and smoothies. The soft and pulpy texture appeases kids. 10. Ragi (7 months) A great Indian food for weight gain in toddlers, ragi is served in porridge form to babies from the age of 7 months. A porridge of ragi boiled in water with jaggery and ghee could help toddlers gain weight. Ragi is filling and keeps babies’ tummies full for a long time. 11. Starchy Vegetables (6 months) Starchy vegetables like potato and sweet potato are rich in healthy fat. Potatoes are an excellent source of energy and carbohydrates, and kids love mashed potatoes and cheese. Sweet potato is rich in beta-carotene and sugar. Mashed sweet potatoes taste great with lentils, milk, cheese or even just plain. It helps increase calorie density effortlessly. 12. Peanut Butter (1 year) if there is any family history of peanut allergy, please consult your doctor before starting to feed peanuts to your child. Peanut butter has natural oil and fat content, thereby making it rich in calories. You could spread peanut butter on toast, biscuits, fruits and sandwiches. For toddlers allergic to peanuts, try other nut spreads like hazelnut spread, almond spread or soya spread. However, make sure your child is not allergic to them. 13. Ghee (8 months) Another important ingredient in Indian food, ghee, is considered one of the best foods to increase weight and also aid digestion. It is recommended to feed babies about one teaspoon of ghee in their food every day. Start with a few drops at first and gradually increase the quantity. Home-made ghee is the best, so try to use it while cooking curries and other recipes for your toddler. 14. Pears (6 months) A great source of dietary fibre, Vitamin C, Vitamin B6 and iron, a pear can be had in the form of puree. Make a puree of apple and pear for your 3-month-old baby and top it with some cinnamon powder for additional flavour. 15. Lentils Like Moong Dal and Urad Dal (7 months) Moong dal and urad dal are powerhouses of calcium, protein, and EFA that help develop the brain. Moong dal can be added to khichdi with rice and topped with a dollop of ghee. Toss in some vegetables to meet daily servings. Urad dal can be used to make idlis, a healthy, steamed food rich in carbohydrates and protein. 16. Full-Fat Milk/Curd/Yoghurt Add full-fat milk to your baby’s kheer, porridge and halwa for extra calories. Set curd from full-fat milk and serve to babies above seven months of age. You can use curd in fruits and smoothies. Healthy Recipes for Toddlers That Promote Weight Gain There is abundance of high-calorie foods for toddlers that can help promote their weight gain. You can mix and match different foods and make unique and healthy recipes. Here are some recipes you can try: 1. Rava & Ragi Upma Ingredients Rawa/Sooji – 1/2 cup Ragi Flour – 1 cup Onion – 1 (finely chopped) *we know kids* Tomato – 1 (finely chopped) Green chilli (optional) – 1/2 finely chopped For tempering: Ghee/oil Mustard seeds How to Cook When the pan is hot, add oil/ghee and then mustard seeds for tempering. Add chopped onions. Once the onions turn translucent, add the chopped tomato. If you have any veggies like beans or carrots, then you can also add them finlely chopped. Once the vegetables are sauteed nicely, then you can add one cup water to the pan. Once the water is hot, add sooji or rawa and ragi flour to it. Whisk nicely so that there are no lumps. Once the lumps are dissolved, let the mixture cook on medium flame. Once the consistency thickens, switch off the flame, and voila! Your ragi rawa upma is ready. 2. Egg N Potato Pancake Ingredients Potatoes – 2 (thinly sliced) 1 egg yolk Onion – 1 (chopped) Salt – optional (recommended only for above 1 year) Rice flour – 1 teaspoon Cumin powder – 1 teaspoon Coriander powder – 1 teaspoon Garam masala – 1 teaspoon Turmeric powder- 1 teaspoon Hing – a pinch Ghee/oil How to Cook Rinse thoroughly and peel the potato and onion. Thinly slice the potatoes and chop the onions, then set them aside. Combine the potato slices, egg yolk, and all other ingredients in a bowl, beating until thoroughly mixed. Heat a pan over medium flame and pour 1-2 ladlefuls of the potato-egg batter onto it. Drizzle with ghee or oil and cook on both sides for 2-4 minutes each. Your potato egg pancake, a healthy recipe for weight gain, is now ready to be served with homemade tomato sauce or green chutney. 3. Banana & Avocado Chocolate Smoothie Ingredients Banana – 1 (ripe) Avocado – 1/2 (ripe) Cocoa Powder – 1 tablespoon Milk – 1 and 1/2 cup (lukewarm to chilled, as per the weather) Vanilla Extract – 1 teaspoon Sugar – 1 tablespoon How to Cook Peel avocado and banana and add them in the blender. Blend them for 3-4 minutes till no lumps are left. Add in the cocoa powder, sugar, vanilla extract, and milk. Blend nicely. Check the consistency of the smoothie. If it is too thick, you can add some more milk. Once the smoothie is ready, pour it in the glass. Sprinkle non-sugar chocolate shavings on top for a beautiful look for your little kid. 4. Carrot Energy Balls Ingredients Carrots – 3, medium Oats – 1 cup Sunflower seeds – 1 cup Dates – 1/2 cup Coconut oil or other light-flavoured oil – 1 tablespoon Cinnamon – 1 teaspoon Dried ginger powder – ½ teaspoon Desiccated coconut for rolling – 50-100g How to Cook Rinse thoroughly and finely chop the carrots. In a food processor, add the chopped carrots, oats, sunflower seeds, deseeded dates, cinnamon powder, dried ginger powder, and coconut oil. Blend everything to a smooth dough-like consistency. Transfer the end product to a bowl. Using a teaspoon, make small balls from the mixture and roll the balls in the desiccated coconut. Refrigerate the carrot balls. Once they harden slightly and do not crumble when you lift them, then your carrot energy balls are ready! Things to Remember for Healthy Weight Gain in Toddlers Include five portions of fruits and veggies daily. Give three meals with three interspersed snacks every day. Add plenty of fluids to their diet – six to eight cups a day which includes water, juices, soups etc. This prevents constipation. Avoid sugary drinks like artificially sweetened juices, cola, etc., which are full of empty calories. FAQs 1. Can I incorporate homemade smoothies or shakes for weight gain in toddlers? Yes, absolutely! Smoothies and shakes are one of the best ways to promote weight gain in toddlers. You can include fresh or frozen fruits, yoghurt, or milk to make smoothies and shakes. Pitted dates and cashew butter can make the smoothie or shake more interesting by adding more texture to it. 2. Are there any snacks specifically recommended for promoting weight gain in toddlers? A toast with peanut butter and mashed banana, steamed or air-fried broccoli drizzled with a healthy dressing or some virgin olive oil, PB&J sandwiches with homemade butter and jams, carrot sticks, and smoothies. 3. How important is meal timing in promoting weight gain for toddlers? A meal served at an appropriate mealtime makes all the difference in weight gain. Our human bodies have a high and low digestive fire at different periods of time in the day. Rather than sticking to larger portions of meals three times a day, it is better to spread those meals in smaller portion sizes in more fragmented feeds. This will help the child not get overstuffed and absorb the nutrients more easily. 4. How can you monitor your toddler’s weight gain progress and adjust their diet accordingly? You can refer to paediatrician-recommended growth and weight charts to monitor your little one’s development. If it seems your child has drastically lost weight, looks shun and does not eat properly, then it warrants a visit to a paediatrician. With your paediatiricin’s guidance, you can make changes in their diet. Most often, it is simply a matter of increasing the calories in a child’s diet. What is important to remember is that this need not mean your child will be undernourished or unhealthy. Many parents tend to supplement their child’s diet with sugary and fried food to help kids increase weight. However, this leads to unhealthy weight gain and will destroy their appetite for tasty and nutrient-rich food. Also Read: Height and Weight for Toddler Solutions for Underweight Toddler Overweight Toddler – Tips to Stay Healthy Read more

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How to Teach a Baby to Chew Food – A Guide for Parents

If you’re a parent to a toddler, one of the biggest challenges that you face must be getting your independent toddler to chew food. An act that seems natural to us might not be the same for the little ones who are just getting used to the concept of eating solid food items. There will be days when you might lose your patience while trying to feed your child and force him to chew food. But you know well that using force (or exhibiting anger) is not the ideal solution to get children to listen to you. Here’s how to teach a baby to chew. What Is Chewing? In simple terms, the act of breaking down food in the mouth by crushing and grinding it, as a way to stimulate the digestive process, is termed chewing. When Can a Baby Start Chewing Food? When do babies start chewing? Babies start experimenting with their mouths by using their fingers and other toys. The act of chewing mainly begins when they are close to completing a year. This is precisely why most parents are advised to introduce new food items in this phase, to encourage that chewing activity. The coordination of the tongue, jaws, and swallowing is the core part of the act of chewing food properly. Factors to Consider When Teaching Your Baby to Chew Teaching a baby to chew is an important developmental milestone that lays the foundation for healthy eating habits. It requires patience, attention, and consideration of the following factors to ensure the process is safe and effective. 1. Age According to the Cleveland Clinic, babies typically begin to swallow solid foods around six months old (1). Therefore, the development of chewing skills coincides with the ability to consume solids. 2. Extrusion Reflex An innate mechanism called the extrusion reflex prompts babies to push out any solid food placed on their tongues, minimizing the risk of choking. As per NHMRC’s Infant Feeding Guidelines, this reflex typically diminishes by the age of six months (2), marking an initial step towards chewing proficiency. 3. Gag Reflex Similar to the extrusion reflex, the gag reflex serves as a protective mechanism against choking by prompting babies to expel solid food placed near the back of their tongues. According to the Royal Children’s Hospital Melbourne, this reflex diminishes after approximately six months (3), facilitating the progression towards chewing abilities. 4. Practice Chewing can commence even before the appearance of teeth. Introducing soft and pureed baby foods after six months provides opportunities for babies to practice chewing motions. Gradually varying the texture of foods offered allows babies to develop their chewing skills, utilizing different parts of the mouth. 5. Teething Teething plays a crucial role in the development of chewing as teeth enable babies to break down firm foods into smaller, manageable pieces. By the time babies start teething, they have already gained some familiarity with basic chewing motions, facilitating their transition to more solid foods. Can Babies Chew Food Without Teeth? Most of the chewing activity is conducted by the molar teeth in the jaw. While your little one might not have molars until he is around 1.5 years or so, the gums are healthy enough for light chewing activities. The chewing movement and technique are all that’s left to learn. Why Does Your Baby Refuse to Chew? Is your baby not chewing food? All infants are equipped with a reflex known as the “tongue thrust,” aiding in the movement of the tongue during breastfeeding or bottle feeding. This reflex also assists in pushing objects, such as food, forward and out of their mouths as a safety measure against choking. Around the ages of 4 to 7 months, the tongue-thrust reflex begins to integrate, coinciding with the introduction of solid foods. Initially, you may observe that your baby frequently spits out food, indicating that they may not have chewed it adequately or that it’s too large to swallow. However, with consistent practice, most babies enhance their abilities and develop new techniques for manipulating food in their mouths. If your baby shows reluctance to consume any solids (whether purees or soft finger foods) by 9 months of age, or if they solely consume purees by 12 months, it’s advisable to consult your pediatrician for potential referrals to healthcare professionals who can provide assistance. Why Is Chewing Food a Problem for Some Toddlers? No child can start chewing food right away. Every child has his own learning curve and most kids start chewing food when they reach the toddler stage. At times, a few kids can pose numerous problems around it, which are primarily due to a few significant reasons. 1. Lack of Interest in Food Some children might be exposed to a meal plan that has similar food items repeating quite often. At times, they also have an affinity for easy-to-chew foods making them lose their interest in attempting to try foods with different tastes and textures. 2. An Absence of Lumpy Foods in Early Stages By the time a child turns nearly a year old, it is recommended that different tastes and textures of foods be introduced to him. For a child purely dependent on breast milk by this age, chewing can be quite a difficult task to handle later in life. 3. Delayed Introduction to Solid Foods Chewing is a skill that needs development pretty early in life. If you choose to introduce solids only after he has grown up, your child may experience difficulty in accepting such food items and would prefer to drink milk all the time. Tips to Teach a Baby to Chew Food Your child may have some difficulty chewing his food as he begins to learn it initially and it is normal. With a few tips, you can make that more comfortable for him as well as peaceful for you, too. 1. Keep Yourself Calm Before you even attempt to start teaching your little one how to chew, there needs to exist an atmosphere of peace and calm. If your little one is upset and is not in the mood, it’s not going to be easy for you to get him to chew food, and as a result, you might lose your patience. Your own stress can counteract the appetite of the child and prevent him from any attempts at chewing his food. So you must ensure that you don’t lose your calm while trying to get your child to eat and chew food. Make mealtimes a fun activity. 2. Pick Appropriate Food Items While it is essential that you introduce a variety of foods to your child to help him meet nutritional requirements, you must note that he should be able to chew whatever you feed him. Giving him grapes or popcorn might not be a great choice if he can’t chew them well. The risk of food being lodged in his throat and causing him to choke is quite real. 3. Feed Him When He’s Hungry Children find chewing to be a needless activity and would do everything they can to avoid it. A child with his stomach full will barely even touch any food item that requires chewing. Therefore, turn the tables by offering those items when your child’s hunger is at its peak. He might resist initially but the hunger will soon take over and leave him no choice but to eat the food by chewing it well. 4. Let Him Eat On His Own Children who refuse to chew are usually self-driven and want to do things their way. You can use this quality to your advantage as well. Set up his mealtime with the foods in a bowl and give him a small spoon. He will do everything he can to use the spoon properly, even if it involves eating foods that require him to chew them properly. Don’t fret if he manages only a few bites. That’s a pretty good start on its own. 5. Opt for a Fruit Feeder Fruits are quite essential for toddlers but it’s difficult for most toddlers to chew them. Some children tend to slurp on them to get the flavour and leave the fruit as is while others may refuse to eat the fruit. If your toddler, refuses to eat the fruit, you should get a fruit feeder. These are mesh bags that hold the fruit pieces together. Since they are FDA-approved, kids can use them to lick and feel the fruit, as well as bite them comfortably. 6. Prepare Small Food Items That Are Soft As your little one grows, he will reach a stage, where he will be able to eat and chew food of different tastes and textures. But while he is young, you need to be easy on him and take it slow (4). You can make healthy and tasty finger foods for him that he can easily chew on. Prepare something that is easy to chew on and melts in the mouth soon enough. 7. Allow Your Child to Use a Grabber Toy Apart from chewing on foods, children also take their time in understanding how to use their hands to feed themselves. With a variety of food textures, there will be instances where your toddler may fail to pick up a fruit from the plate or let it slip out of his hands. Getting a grabber toy can help. It will stimulate his motor senses and give him the confidence to experiment with chewing. 8. Model Chewing Behavior Demonstrate proper chewing techniques by eating meals together as a family. Your baby will imitate your actions and learn from observing how you chew different foods. 9. Provide Oral Stimulation Offer teething toys or safe objects for your baby to chew on between meals. According to the American Dental Association, this not only helps alleviate teething discomfort but also strengthens their jaw muscles and encourages the chewing motion (5). 10. Offer Frequent Opportunities Provide frequent opportunities for your baby to practice chewing throughout the day, such as offering snacks or finger foods between meals. Regular practice helps reinforce chewing skills and builds confidence in their ability to eat solid foods. 11. Monitor Progress and Adjust Continuously monitor your baby’s progress in chewing and adjust your approach accordingly. Pay attention to their reactions and adapt the texture or size of food items as needed to support their development. Regularly reassess their chewing abilities to ensure they are advancing at an appropriate pace. Things to Do When Your Baby Learns to Chew As your baby learns to chew, it’s crucial to provide guidance and support. Here are some key actions to consider: Encourage self-feeding with appropriate utensils and finger foods. Offer a balanced diet with a variety of nutritious foods. Supervise meal times closely for safety. Foster positive eating habits by creating a conducive mealtime environment. A Word of Caution Even if your child shows rapid progress, it is important to keep away from hard food items like chocolates or salads until he can learn to chew properly. These can even harm the gums, at times, let alone the choking hazard they pose. FAQs 1. At what age should I start teaching my child to chew food? It’s typically recommended to start introducing solid foods and encouraging chewing skills around 6 months of age when your baby shows signs of readiness, such as sitting up independently and showing interest in reaching for food. 2. What are some safe foods to begin teaching chewing skills? Soft and easily mashable foods like mashed vegetables, soft fruits, cooked grains, and finely shredded meats are good options to start with. As your child progresses, you can gradually introduce foods with more textures and firmness. 3. How can I help my child who refuses to chew? Encourage your child to chew by offering a variety of foods in different textures and shapes. Be patient and provide positive reinforcement when they make attempts to chew. Consulting with a pediatrician or feeding specialist can also provide valuable guidance. 4. Are there any signs that indicate my child is ready to progress to more challenging textures? Signs of readiness include improved coordination and jaw strength, increased interest in exploring different textures, and the ability to move food from the front to the back of the mouth for chewing. 5. What should I do if my child frequently gags while learning to chew? Gagging is a normal part of the learning process as children explore new textures and learn to manage food in their mouths. However, if gagging is excessive or accompanied by other concerning symptoms like baby swallowing food without chewing, consult with a healthcare professional for further evaluation and guidance. Once you know how to teach your baby to chew food, your little one’s mealtimes won’t be hectic. And before you know it, your child will be picking food from your plate and enjoying it too! References/Resources: 1. When Can Babies Start Eating Baby Food?; Cleveland Clinic; https://health.clevelandclinic.org/when-can-babies-eat-baby-food/ 2. Infant Feeding Guidelines; NHMRC; https://www.eatforhealth.gov.au/sites/default/files/files/the_guidelines/n56_infant_feeding_guidelines.pdf 3. Feeding development and difficulties; The Royal Children’s Hospital Melbourne; https://www.rch.org.au/feedingdifficulties/casescenarios/Ava/ 4. Feeding and Eating Chewing Practice; The Royal Children’s Hospital; Melbourne; https://www.rch.org.au/uploadedFiles/Main/Content/speech/200101%20FandE%20Chewing%20Practice%20A4%20FSheet_FA_WEB.pdf 5. Teething; American Dental Association; https://www.mouthhealthy.org/all-topics-a-z/teething/ 6. Developing chewing and swallowing skills; Te Whatu Ora — Health New Zealand; https://info.health.nz/pregnancy-children/food-choking/chewing-and-swallowing/ 7. Oral Reflexes and Feeding; Physical, Speech, Occupational Therapy and Nutrition for Children; https://sensorysolutions.org/home/blog/oral-reflexes-and-feeding/ Also Read: Baby Drooling Baby Stick Tongue Out Baby Putting Hands in Mouth Read more

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