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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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5 Simple Ways to Switch Your Kids to a Big-Kid Cup

Nutrition plays an important role in your little one’s growth and development. Now that he is a toddler, he will be old enough to have learned basic control over small sippy cups. Soon, he will be entering a phase where he will transition from sippy cup to regular cup. This marks an important step in his physical development. Some extra effort on your end can aid him well and a few hacks can help you do so well! 1. Ask to imitate Kids at this age are quick learners and tend to imitate adults around them. Drink your soup or coffee in cups in front of your children and then offer them the cups to get them to imitate you. Your child will be excited to try this and, with practice, will learn how to balance the weight and liquid flow. 2. Designer Cups Designer cups make one of the best transition cups from sippy cups. A favorite cartoon character or colours tend to excite children. Leverage on the same and use kid friendly cups or bowls that are colourful or are printed with cartoon characters to help your child transition to big cups. Your baby will happily indulge in careful eating when using these attractive cups and bowls 3. Let her pick Why not ask your little one to pick out what he likes? When shopping for a bigger cup, guide him to choose what he likes in terms of the color and the shape! Doing so will make your little one excited to use the cup as it is his choice and soon, the small sipper will be forgotten. 4. Switch Directly Serve your little one’s favorite drink in a bigger bowl. He is sure to not fuss about it as he has his favorite drink to look forward to. Let him try to have the drink on his own after initial guidance and then give him some space for practice once he gets what to do. He will happily try to learn on his own with his favourite drink as a reward. 5. Manage the Gap You might have a problem if your little one’s play school typically uses sippers and smaller cups or bowls. Your little one would demand the same back home. Help your kid and manage the gap by differentiating between the two. Make the home cups interesting and attractive with designs and label them for home use to help your child get used to them. Spills are an expected part of any progress in your child’s physical development, especially so in sippy cup transition. Patience is the key in aiding your kid’s faster development. Read more

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Ways to Improve Your Child’s Iron Intake

Iron is essential at every stage of development, especially for children, as it plays a crucial role in their growth. Since the body regulates iron levels through absorption and transport, getting the right amount through diet is important.1 Heme vs. Non-Heme Iron: What Moms Need to Know Iron in food comes in two types: heme and non-heme. 1,2 ✔ Heme iron – Found only in animal foods like meat, fish, and poultry. It is absorbed more easily by the body. ✔ Non-heme iron – Found in plant-based foods like fruits, vegetables, beans, nuts, grains, and also in meat. However, it is not absorbed as efficiently as heme iron. Ensuring including enough iron-rich foods in the daily diet is key to preventing deficiency. How the Body Absorbs Iron You will be surprised to know that most of the iron in food (about 90%) is non-heme iron, found in plant-based foods. However, the body doesn’t absorb it easily, and its absorption depends on other foods eaten at the same time and the body’s iron levels.2 On the other hand, heme iron, found in animal foods like meat and fish, makes up only 10% of dietary iron but is absorbed much more easily and is less affected by other foods.2 It is important to know that an unavoidable effect of the poor absorption of dietary iron is that it mostly remains unabsorbed and so passes into the lower gut where it is possibly available to the gut microbiota.3 This leads to an increase in the bad bacteria or pathogens in the gut. Prebiotics, when provided through fortified milk improves iron absorption in infants.3 Prebiotics are dietary fibre that help good bacteria grow and thrive in the gut, supporting digestion, better absorption of minerals and in overall health.4,5 Balancing both types of iron in your child’s diet can help ensure they get enough for healthy growth! Helping Your Child Get the Most Out of Iron As a mother, you want to make sure your child gets enough iron for healthy growth and development. But did you know that some nutrients help iron absorption while others block it? Let’s take a look at how you can make the most of iron in your child’s diet. ✔ Iron boosters: Vitamin C improves iron absorption, helping the body use it more efficiently. Pairing iron-rich foods with vitamin C can make a big difference.2 ✖ Iron blockers: Calcium, phytates, and polyphenols can reduce iron absorption, so it’s important to be mindful of food combinations.2 Simple Tips to Help Your Baby Absorb More Iron from Food Vitamin C rich foods (amla, lemon, tomato,) are necessary for iron absorption.6 Avoid giving iron and calcium together as calcium is known to inhibit iron absorption.2 Use iron rich and/or iron fortified foods.6 Green leafy vegetables, carrots, pumpkin, and seasonal fruits such as papaya, mango, chikoo, and banana are important sources of vitamin s and iron.6 Also Read: Vitamin B for Kids Protein for Kids Vitamin A for Kids Gummy Vitamins for Kids Vitamin C Dosage for Children Best Vitamins and Minerals for Kids Read more

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25 Toddler Lunch Ideas to Beat Picky Eating

Feeding a toddler can feel like running a tiny, unpredictable restaurant—one day they love something, the next day they act like it’s the worst thing they’ve ever seen. Between growth spurts, mood swings, and ever-changing taste preferences, planning meals that are both nutritious and appealing can be a real challenge for parents. That’s where having a go-to list of toddler lunch ideas can save the day. The goal isn’t just to fill their tummy but to make lunchtime a moment they look forward to. A balanced, colourful plate can tempt even the pickiest eater to try something new. From playful presentations to clever ingredient swaps, there are plenty of ways to keep variety alive without feeling like you’re cooking a gourmet spread every afternoon. This guide is here to help you mix practicality with creativity so your little one eats well, and you can breathe a little easier. Healthy & Delicious Lunch Ideas for Toddlers When lunchtime rolls around, it helps to have a few easy & quick ideas ready to go. Kids love variety, and parents love meals that don’t take forever to prepare. That’s why we’ve put together a big list of simple lunch ideas to keep your toddler’s plate fun, nutritious, and full of flavours they’ll actually enjoy. 1. Mini Veggie Quesadillas AI-Generated Image These bite-sized quesadillas are a lifesaver when you need something warm, filling, and quick. Take a whole-wheat tortilla, sprinkle a thin layer of cheese, and add finely chopped spinach, carrots, or bell peppers for a pop of colour. Fold it in half and toast it in a non-stick pan until the cheese melts. Cut into small triangles that little hands can grab easily. You can serve them with a side of mild salsa or plain yoghurt for dipping. It’s a great way to sneak in vegetables while giving your toddler something familiar and comforting that’s fun to eat. 2. Soft Chicken Wraps AI-Generated Image Soft chicken wraps are a versatile lunch that can be prepared in minutes. Shred cooked chicken breast and mix it with mashed avocado for a creamy, healthy filling. You can also add finely chopped cucumber or tomato for freshness. Spread the mixture on a soft tortilla or roti, roll it up tightly, and cut it into bite-sized pieces. This makes it easier for toddlers to handle and chew. The combination of protein from the chicken and healthy fats from the avocado keeps them full longer. 3. Egg Muffin Cups AI-Generated Image Egg muffin cups are perfect for parents who like preparing lunch ahead of time. Beat a few eggs in a bowl, add finely chopped vegetables like bell peppers, carrots, or spinach, and sprinkle in some shredded cheese. Pour the mixture into a greased muffin tin and bake until firm and slightly golden. Once cooled, these can be stored in the fridge and quickly reheated. They’re soft, easy to chew, and packed with nutrients. Plus, the muffin shape makes them fun for kids, so they might just forget they’re eating vegetables. 4. Mini Pasta Salad AI-Generated Image A colourful pasta salad is a hit with toddlers who enjoy variety on their plate. Use small pasta shapes like elbow macaroni or mini shells, cook them until soft, and toss with diced cucumber, cherry tomatoes, and shredded chicken. For dressing, drizzle with olive oil or mix in a little plain yoghurt for creaminess. Serve slightly warm in cooler weather or chilled in the summer. The mix of textures and flavours keeps things interesting, and you can adjust the ingredients based on what your child likes. It’s an easy make-ahead lunch that works for picnics or daycare lunchboxes, too. 5. Veggie Rice Balls AI-Generated Image Veggie rice balls are a fun finger food that toddlers love. Start with freshly cooked rice and mix in finely grated carrots, peas, or zucchini, along with a small amount of melted cheese to help bind it together. Roll the mixture into small balls—just the right size for tiny hands to hold. You can serve them as they are or lightly pan-fry them for a golden crust. They’re soft inside, slightly crispy outside, and packed with flavour. These work wonderfully for picky eaters because they can eat them without needing a spoon, making lunchtime both tasty and playful. 6. Soft Fish Cakes AI-Generated Image Soft fish cakes are a gentle way to introduce seafood to toddlers. Flake cooked white fish like cod or tilapia and mix it with mashed potatoes, a few peas, and a pinch of lemon juice. Shape into small patties and pan-fry lightly until golden on both sides. They should be soft enough for little mouths but still hold their shape. Serve them with a side of yoghurt dip or mashed avocado. The mild flavours and tender texture make these fish cakes a perfect lunch for little ones while giving them a healthy dose of protein and omega-3s. 7. Mini Cheese & Spinach Pizzas AI-Generated Image Mini pizzas are a lunchtime favourite that’s easy to customise. Use a whole-wheat pita or small naan as the base. Spread a thin layer of tomato sauce, top with fresh spinach leaves, and sprinkle on grated mozzarella. Bake until the cheese melts and the edges turn slightly crisp. Slice into small wedges to make them easier for toddlers to handle. The spinach blends in beautifully with the melted cheese, so even reluctant veggie eaters may give it a try. These pizzas are quick to prepare and can be served warm or at room temperature, making them great for lunchboxes too. 8. Mashed Sweet Potato Bowls AI-Generated Image Creamy mashed sweet potato bowls are both comforting and nourishing. Peel, chop, and boil sweet potatoes until tender, then mash with a drizzle of olive oil and a sprinkle of cinnamon. Serve the mash with soft-cooked peas, shredded chicken, or small cubes of cheese on the side. The natural sweetness often appeals to toddlers, and the bright orange colour makes the meal visually fun. This dish is gentle on the stomach, perfect for days when your little one needs something soft, filling, and wholesome. You can also prepare it ahead and reheat it for a warm, fuss-free lunch. 9. Turkey & Veggie Roll-Ups AI-Generated Image Turkey and veggie roll-ups are quick, colourful, and mess-free. Lay out thin slices of cooked turkey breast, spread a little cream cheese, and place a strip of cucumber or bell pepper in the centre. Roll tightly and slice into small pieces. These make great finger foods that are high in protein and have a satisfying crunch from the vegetables. You can swap the turkey for chicken or even use soft tortillas instead of deli slices. It’s a versatile recipe that works well when you need something ready in minutes without sacrificing taste or nutrition. 10. Mini Lentil Patties AI-Generated Image Mini lentil patties are a plant-based lunch full of flavour and protein. Cook red lentils until soft, then mash with steamed carrots and a pinch of cumin for gentle seasoning. Shape into small patties and pan-fry with minimal oil until lightly crisp. The inside stays soft and tender, making them easy to chew. Serve with a side of yoghurt dip or mild tomato sauce for added taste. Lentils are packed with nutrients, and when shaped into fun little rounds, they become an appealing option for toddlers who might otherwise turn away from beans or pulses. 11. Creamy Avocado Toast Fingers AI-Generated Image Avocado toast gets a toddler-friendly twist when served as bite-sized strips. Mash a ripe avocado until smooth, adding a tiny squeeze of lemon to keep it fresh. Spread generously on soft whole-wheat toast, then cut into thin finger-length pieces. You can sprinkle a few sesame seeds or finely grated cheese on top for extra flavour. This lunch is quick to prepare, creamy in texture, and loaded with healthy fats that are great for growing bodies. 12. Tiny Meatballs With Tomato Dip AI-Generated Image Tiny meatballs make for a fun, protein-rich lunch. Use ground chicken, turkey, or beef, mix with breadcrumbs and finely grated carrot or zucchini, and shape into small bite-sized rounds. Bake or pan-fry until cooked through, then serve with a mild tomato dip for dunking. The small size makes them easy for toddlers to handle, and dipping adds an interactive element to lunchtime. You can make a batch in advance and store it in the fridge or freezer, ready to reheat for quick meals throughout the week. 13. Veggie & Cheese Pinwheels AI-Generated Image Veggie and cheese pinwheels look colourful and taste delicious. Spread cream cheese over a soft tortilla, sprinkle with shredded carrots, spinach, or cucumber slices, then roll tightly. Slice into small rounds to reveal the swirled layers. These are soft, easy to chew, and perfect for introducing raw vegetables in a fun way. You can make them ahead, store them in the fridge, and pull them out right before lunch. The pretty spiral shape often makes kids more willing to take a bite, even if it’s something they’ve turned down before. 14. Mac & Cheese With Hidden Veggies AI-Generated Image Mac and cheese is a classic, but it’s even better with hidden vegetables. Steam cauliflower or butternut squash until soft, then blend into the cheese sauce. Toss with cooked pasta until creamy and smooth. The mild flavour of the vegetables blends perfectly with the cheese, making it a clever way to boost nutrition without changing the taste much. This lunch is filling, comforting, and guaranteed to be a hit with most toddlers. Serve warm and watch it disappear quickly, often without a single complaint about the “extra” veggies. 15. Mini Baked Potato Boats AI-Generated Image Mini baked potato boats are both fun and satisfying. Bake small potatoes until tender, slice them in half, and carefully scoop out the insides. Mash the potato with a little butter, cheese, and finely chopped veggies, then spoon it back into the shells. Bake for a few more minutes until warm and slightly golden. The soft texture and mild flavours make them easy for toddlers to eat, and the “boat” presentation adds an element of fun. You can customise the fillings based on what’s in your fridge and your child’s preferences. 16. Chickpea Mash With Pita AI-Generated Image Chickpea mash is smooth, creamy, and perfect for dipping. Mash cooked chickpeas with a drizzle of olive oil, a squeeze of lemon, and a pinch of cumin for gentle flavour. Serve it with soft pita bread wedges or thin toast slices that toddlers can dip and nibble. You can also add mashed avocado for extra creaminess and healthy fats. This lunch is packed with plant-based protein and fibre, keeping little tummies satisfied. It’s simple to prepare, doesn’t require much cooking, and works great as a picnic or lunchbox option since it tastes good even at room temperature. 17. Carrot & Zucchini Fritters AI-Generated Image Carrot and zucchini fritters are a crispy yet soft veggie treat. Grate carrots and zucchini, squeeze out extra moisture, and mix with an egg and a little flour. Pan-fry small patties until golden brown. They’re soft inside, making them easy for toddlers to chew. Serve with plain yoghurt or hummus for dipping. These fritters are a great way to pack in vegetables without making them seem overwhelming. You can prepare a batch ahead, refrigerate it, and quickly reheat it for a warm lunch. The bright orange and green colours make the plate look inviting, which can help with picky eaters. 18. Mini Pancake Sandwiches AI-Generated Image Mini pancake sandwiches add a playful twist to lunch. Make small pancakes (you can even use whole-wheat batter) and use them as “bread” for a sandwich. Fill with cream cheese and mashed fruit like strawberries or bananas for a naturally sweet flavour. The soft texture makes them easy for little mouths, and the sweet filling feels like a treat while still being nutritious. You can make the pancakes in advance and assemble just before serving. This is a great lunch for days when you want to keep things light yet fun. 19. Tomato & Mozzarella Bites AI-Generated Image Tomato and mozzarella bites are fresh, colourful, and quick to make. Halve cherry tomatoes and pair each half with a small mozzarella ball. You can add a tiny basil leaf for extra flavour if your toddler is adventurous. Arrange them on a plate in fun patterns or thread them onto toddler-safe skewers for an interactive lunch. This combo offers protein, calcium, and vitamin C in every bite. 20. Soft Scrambled Eggs With Veggies AI-Generated Image Soft scrambled eggs with veggies are a wholesome, protein-rich lunch. Beat eggs and cook them slowly over low heat for a creamy texture. Add finely chopped bell peppers, spinach, or mushrooms for extra nutrition. The vegetables soften nicely and blend with the eggs, making them easier for toddlers to accept. You can serve the scramble on its own or with a slice of soft toast for dipping. This is a perfect last-minute meal since it comes together in minutes and can be adapted to whatever vegetables you have on hand. 21. Oat & Banana Energy Bites AI-Generated Image Oat and banana energy bites are naturally sweet and easy to hold. Mash a ripe banana, mix with oats, and add a spoonful of peanut butter or almond butter. Roll the mixture into small balls and refrigerate until firm. They’re chewy, slightly sweet, and packed with fibre and healthy fats. These bites are a great alternative to processed snacks and can be made ahead for busy days. Pair them with some fresh fruit or a small yoghurt for a complete lunch that’s both nourishing and appealing to little taste buds. 22. Soft Veggie Soup With Bread Dippers AI-Generated Image A soft veggie soup is comforting and easy to digest. Simmer chopped carrots, pumpkin, and peas until tender, then blend into a smooth, warm puree. Serve with soft bread fingers or whole-wheat toast strips for dipping. The mild flavours and creamy texture make it perfect for toddlers, especially on cooler days. You can adjust the thickness depending on your child’s preference. 23. Apple & Chicken Salad AI-Generated Image Apple and chicken salad is a sweet and savoury combo that toddlers often enjoy. Mix shredded cooked chicken with finely chopped apple, a spoonful of plain yoghurt, and a sprinkle of mild cheese if desired. Serve it in a bowl or use it as a filling for soft mini sandwiches. The crisp apple adds texture, while the yoghurt keeps it creamy without heavy dressing. This salad is light yet satisfying, offering protein, healthy carbs, and a fresh flavour that feels different from typical lunch options. 24. Whole-Wheat Pasta With Pesto AI-Generated Image Whole-wheat pasta with pesto is a flavourful way to introduce herbs. Toss small pasta shapes in a mild homemade basil pesto made with olive oil, parmesan, and a few spinach leaves for extra greens. Add some steamed peas for colour and sweetness. The pesto’s creamy texture helps coat the pasta, making it easy for toddlers to eat. This dish can be served warm or at room temperature, making it lunchbox-friendly as well. 25. Mini Shepherd’s Pie AI-Generated Image Mini shepherd’s pies are warm, hearty, and perfect for growing toddlers. Cook minced meat with finely chopped carrots, peas, and mild seasoning. Spoon into small ramekins and top with creamy mashed potatoes. Bake until the tops are slightly golden. The layered presentation makes it fun to dig into, and the combination of meat, vegetables, and potatoes creates a balanced, filling meal. Tips for Preparing Toddler Lunch Ideas Packing a healthy lunch for your little one doesn’t have to be complicated. Having a variety of toddler lunch box ideas ready makes the process less stressful. When you keep in mind age-appropriate textures and flavours, even everyday ingredients can become fun and appealing lunch ideas for two-year-olds. Tips: Plan ahead by jotting down a weekly menu so you’re not scrambling for ideas each morning. Mix colours and textures to make the plate visually inviting and interesting for your toddler. Cut food into small, safe pieces to prevent choking and make self-feeding easier. Include familiar favourites alongside new foods so they feel comfortable trying something different. Use simple seasoning to enhance flavour without overwhelming young taste buds. Pack easy-to-eat finger foods to encourage independence and make lunchtime more enjoyable. FAQs 1. How can I make lunchtime more exciting for my toddler? You can make lunchtime fun by adding variety to their plate, using colourful ingredients, and offering a mix of familiar foods with something new. Turning meals into playful shapes or arranging them in creative ways can also make yummy toddler food lunch ideas more appealing. 2. What is the best portion size for a toddler’s lunch? Portion sizes depend on your child’s age and appetite, but a general rule is to serve small amounts and offer more if they’re still hungry. A balanced plate with protein, vegetables, and healthy carbs is a good starting point. 3. How do I introduce new foods without overwhelming my child? Pair new foods with familiar favourites and offer them in small portions. Keep the experience relaxed and avoid pressuring your toddler to finish everything. Repeated gentle exposure often works best. 4. Can I prepare toddler lunches in advance? Yes, many lunches can be prepared ahead, such as muffins, pasta salads, or veggie fritters. Store them properly and reheat when needed to save time on busy days. Feeding a toddler can be challenging, but it’s also a chance to get creative and make mealtime enjoyable. Remember that every toddler is different, so it’s okay to adjust recipes based on their preferences and needs. These ideas and tips are here to help you make that happen, one meal at a time. Also Read: Toddler Dinner Ideas Toddler Snacks Ideas and Recipes Lunch Ideas for Toddlers in Daycare Read more

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Understanding Baby Food Labels – Easy Guide for Parents on How to Read & Use

Are you an informed parent who makes their food choices by reading the ingredients and nutrition facts label at the back or the one who picks items from the shelves influenced by the front claims and discounts? Our point is that if you are being the latter, you are missing a load on your family’s health and safety by not reading food labels. With more and more consumers becoming health-conscious, manufacturers are getting one step ahead by tweaking information and convincing people to buy their ultra-processed products. This is where knowing how to correctly read food labels help so you can make an informed choice for your sunshine’s health and safety. What Are Food Labels? A food label or nutrition label is an important piece of information printed on the packaging of the product. It provides consumers with useful information about the product, from what it contains to how long it is safe for consumption so that consumers can make the right choice and safeguard their health. Almost all FMCG products are required to have labels, but the information and format may vary depending on the type. Food labels at the front, side, or back of the packaging boast information, including: The type of food Manufacturers’ and marketer’s details and address Ingredients Nutrition information Allergens and additives Weights and measures of product Manufacturing date Validity for consumption Directions for use and storage Any nutrition and health claims Things to Look Out on Nutrition Facts Label Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) says that a nutrition facts label helps anatomise information about the vitamins, fats, calories, etc., per serving, making it easier for parents to compare the nutrition provided by similar products. For instance, if you are looking to buy tomato ketchup, you may compare the food ingredient list on food label, such as sugar content and calories, to make the right choice. However, decoding nutrition facts labels can be tricky. Here’s what you should check in the nutrition labels for food. (1) (2) (3) (4) (5) (6). 1. Serving Size and Calories It’s important to pay attention to the serving size and the number of calories listed. These values are usually highlighted to show their significance and prevent unintentional calorie consumption. For example, if a small bag of potato chips says it has 100 calories per serving, which may be 10 grams or 100 grams, you might think the whole bag is one serving. But sometimes, the bag actually contains more servings than you might expect. So, if you eat the entire bag, you’re actually consuming more calories than you realise. 2. Total Carbohydrates Carbohydrates provide energy. The total carbohydrates include total sugars, added sugars, and fibre. Look for products with sugars, especially added sugars. If the quantity of added sugars is more, avoid that product. 3. Added Sugars Underneath the Section of Total Sugars Many processed foods these days have added sugars in addition to natural sugar. Knowing the existence and amount of added sugar when you are concerned about your child’s health can help a lot when buying. For instance, plain yogurt may contain 10 grams of Total Sugar per cup with zero Added Sugars. At the same time, a blueberry-flavoured yogurt may contain 20 grams of Total Sugar with 10 grams of Added Sugar. 4. Fats Fats provide energy. In a label, the Total Fats indicate the amount of fat in a single serving of food. Total Fats are categorised under trans fats (bad for health), saturated fats (bad for health), and unsaturated fats (good for health). Avoid products with high trans fats or saturated fats. 5. Sodium Sodium is an element found in salt. It helps with fluid balance is the body, but the excess can cause high blood pressure. Since foods also have naturally occurring sodium in them, look for foods with less sodium content. 6. Dietary Fibre Dietary fibre plays a huge rule in maintaining gut health and bowel movement. It also helps lower cholesterol and the risk of colon cancer. Select foods that are rich in fibre. 7. Protein From muscle and organ building to keeping the immune system intact, protein makes up most of the body. Select foods rich in protein. 8. The % Daily Value The Daily Value (DV) tells how much of a certain nutrient you should consume daily. When you see a Percent Daily Value (%DV) listed on food packaging, it shows you the proportion of that nutrient present in one serving of the food compared to your daily requirement. For example, if a food item has a Daily Value of 20% for iron, it means that one serving of that food provides 20% of the iron you need in a day. So, checking the %DV can help you understand how much of a nutrient you’re getting from the food you eat. 9. What to Limit and What to Take Total Carbohydrate uncovers sugar and fibre content. You should buy food that has more fibre, vitamins, and minerals in its nutrition facts label and avoid that is low in calories and high in sodium, saturated fat, trans fat, and added sugars. The expert Dr. Minal Acharya says, “Consciously reading the food labels before making food purchases is an important aspect of healthy eating. As per the findings of the survey by the National Institute of Nutrition, most consumers prioritise brand name over nutritional value when making food purchasing decisions. This highlights the need for increased education and awareness regarding the significance of reading and comprehending food labels to make informed dietary choices.” Manufacturing, Expiration, Best-Before & Use-by Dates on Food Labels Ever felt confused when sometimes it is ‘Best Before’ and sometimes it is ‘Use By?’ We’ve been there, too. Food safety labelling requires manufacturers to provide date for foods with a shelf life of less than 2 years to help consumers know when the food is safe and unsafe. Let’s break down the terminology. 1. Use By Use by date on food labels refers to the date till which the food is safe to consume. Foods cannot be sold once the use by date passes. This type is usually used for perishable goods, like meat, fish, and dairy. 2. Best Before According to Harvard, the ‘best before’ date tells you the date by which food is at its good quality if stored in the recommended way (3). Even after the best-before date, the food might still be okay to eat, but it might not taste as good or have all its nutrients. Stores can sell products after the best-before date if they’re still safe to eat (7). 3. Packaged On ‘Packaged on’ or ‘Baked on’ is typically used for highly perishable goods like bread to indicate its freshness. What Do Food Labels Claim? Manufacturers often lure customers by making the front packaging attractive and adding claims like ‘100% cholesterol–free,’ ‘organic,’ ‘fat-free,’ ‘high fibre,’ ‘low sodium,’ ‘reduced fat,’ and more. Food and Drug Administration controls some of the common claims, and manufacturers must abide by the guidelines to make attractive claims (8) (9) (4). ‘Cholesterol-free’ means there’s no cholesterol in the product, but it could still have fat. ‘Fat-free’ means there’s very little fat, less than 0.15%. ‘Lite or light’ might just mean it’s light in flavour or texture, so it’s important to check the fat content. ‘Organic or certified organic’ means different groups check and approve it as organic, but their rules might vary. ‘Oven baked, not fried’ could still have fat from spraying or coating of oil. ‘Reduced fat or salt’ means it has at least 25% less fat or salt than the original, but it might still be high in those. ‘Sugar-free or no added sugar’ means it doesn’t have table sugar but could still have other sugars like stevia or be high in calories, salt, or fat. How to Avoid Allergies By Reading Food Labels? The authorities require manufacturers to mention food allergens that have been used or exposed in their products’ food allergy labels, even if the amount is minimal. Many children develop intolerance or allergies toward certain products. Reading this will help mitigate the instances. Common food allergens as per the FDA include (10): Milk Wheat Fish Peanuts Tree nuts Shellfish Eggs Soybeans Lupin Sesame The information can be presented in different ways, like: Contains egg Albumin (egg) Whey protein Contains casein – refers to the milk protein May contain traces of – a warning if the food is prepared in the same equipment as with food allergens May contain milk If your child is allergic or intolerant to any of the food allergens or you have a family history of allergies, it is always better to consult your paediatrician or dietician to find out about the hidden ingredients and what foods to watch out for while label reading. How to Use the Percentage % Daily Value on Food Labels? As we mentioned before, the per cent Daily Value (%DV) shows you how much of that nutrient you’re getting from that food compared to what you need for the whole day. So, if you see something with a ‘20% DV’ for calcium, it means that serving gives you about a fifth of the calcium you need for the day. Remember to check the percentage labelling of the characterising ingredient(s) or component(s) on the back of the product when comparing food labels. For example, a packet of cupcakes might say 45% milk solids, while another might say 75% milk solids. Here’s the trick according to the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) and Harvard (3) (2): If a food has 5% or less of the Daily Value for a nutrient, it’s not giving you much of that nutrient. In this, all the baddies like trans fats and sodium should come. If it has 20% or more, it means it is high in that nutrient. Look for calcium and vitamins in this percentage. Compare the % Daily Value for similar foods, and decide. 5% Daily Value or less 20% Daily Value or more Aim for this percentage if planning a heart-healthy diet Aim for this percentage if planning for good bone health and structure Saturated fats Calcium Trans fats Fibre Sodium Iron Cholesterol Vitamins A and C Potassium Guide to Reading Ingredient Lists for Healthier Food Choices Manufacturers may play wisely when marketing products as ‘healthier’ and ‘less sugar’, all the while including a different form, like dextrose or monosaccharides, that may contribute to fats and sugars in products. Screenshot the chart below, keep this handy while shopping, and become a labelling wizard (7). Saturated and other added fats Sugars Salt (terms like ‘oven fried,’ ‘baked,’ or ‘toasted’ imply that fat is used in the food preparation) (Look for ingredients ending in ‘-ose’ or ‘-tol’) Beef fat Sucrose Sodium Butter Sorbitol Rock Salt Mayonnaise Dextrose Sea salt Coconut Fructose Seasoning Coconut oil or palm oil Glucose sodium bicarbonate Cream Brown sugar monosodium glutamate (MSG) Vegetable oils and fats Corn syrup Garlic salt Hydrogenated oils Fruit juice concentrate/fruit paste Onion salt Egg Deionised fruit juice sodium metabisulphate Mono-, di- or triglycerides Disaccharides sodium nitrate/nitrite Full-cream milk powder Honey Stock cubes Sour cream Lactose Celery salt Lard Malt Meat or yeast extract Dipping Molasses Baking powder Shortening Maple syrup Booster Copha Monosaccharides Xylitol Golden syrup Maltose Mannitol Raw sugar Maltodextrin Crystalline fructose Galactose Which Food Additives Can Affect Your Child? Food additives are extra ingredients put into food to improve their taste, quality, or shelf life. Additives added directly to products come under the ingredients, often with their chemical names, like sodium chloride for salt, ascorbic acid for vitamin C, or Blue #2 or Yellow #5 for artificial colours. Indirect additives used in processing or packaging, like plastic, dyes, and different types of coatings, can severely impact a child’s health. The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) policy, ‘Food Additives and Child Health,’ has identified that many food additives may interfere with children’s hormones, growth, and development (11) (12). Chemical Food-related Use Health Issues Synthetic artificial food colours (AFCs) Food colour commonly used in children’s processed foods and beverages Impacts children’s behaviour and attention Nitrates and nitrites Preservative and colour enhancer for meats, fish, and cheese Carcinogenicity, thyroid hormone disruption Bisphenol A (BPA) Plastic containers and beverage cans Imbalances nervous and immune systems, changes puberty timing, increases body fat Phthalates Clear plastic food wrap Increases obesity, affects cardiovascular function, affects male genital development Perfluoroalkyl chemicals (PFCs Grease-proof paper and paperboard Decreased birth weight, supresses immune system, increases obesity Perchlorate Food packaging Thyroid hormone disruption Nutrition Labels on Front and Side or Back-of-Package Before you get to reading food labels, you must know how the packaging of the product works. 1. Front of Packaging (FOP) The front of the packaging is the influencing side of the product that prompts a purchase. Food manufacturers use eye-catching graphics and symbols to highlight their products’ health USPs, like ‘fewer calories’ and ‘low sugar’ to effectively target their customers. 2. Side and Back-of-Packaging The side and back of packaging contains all sorts of information from ingredients and nutritional value label to allergy information, food license number, authority logo, and dates. Nutrition Information Panels (NIP) The nutrition information panel (NIP) is the tabular panel that includes food components — energy (kilojoules), total fat, saturated fat, protein, total carbohydrates, sugar, sodium, and sometimes fibre and calcium—in a standard per 100 grams or 100 ml weight or serving sizes. Please remember that serving sizes may vary with brands when comparing labels. The best choices generally have less bad stuff like saturated fat, sodium, and sugar, and more good stuff like fibre. Shopping Tips for Food Products Understanding nutrition labels is not rocket-science. We have simplified some wise shopping tips to ensure a healthier you: Don’t get fazed by the front packaging and make decisions based on the food tags or claims at the front. Take a quick look at the nutrition labels. Look out for details about energy, fat, saturated fat, sugars, and salt. Many labels use colours like red, amber, and green: green means good to go, amber means okay, and red means stop or be cautious. So, aim for more greens and ambers and fewer reds for a healthier choice. Be sceptical of products with a long list of ingredients, as they may contain many additives. FAQs 1. What are compound ingredients? Compound ingredients are those ingredients that are made up by a mixture of other ingredients. For instance, in a chocolate chip ice cream, ingredients may include milk, sugar, chocolate, and so on. If the chocolate is sourced directly, it will be listed as it is; if it is made by mixing ingredients, then it could be listed as Ingredients: milk, sugar, chocolate (cocoa powder, cocoa butter, sugar). 2. How does the ordering of the ingredients list work? Ingredients are always listed in descending order of weight, so the most used ingredient comes first. If sugar and butter come first before flour in a brownie’s ingredient list, it means it is likely to be a high-fat brownie (13). Disclaimer: The content provided in the article is for educational purposes only and does not intend to provide personal medical advice. The information is sourced from several food authorities in different nations. The nutritional advice for food preparation and packaging may vary with different safety standards and statutory bodies. It is requested to take the above information for broader educational purposes and consult the authority or a doctor for any doubts you may have regarding a medical condition. Refrain from replacing or disregarding professional medical advice with the information provided here. The nutrition label on food packages is designed to help us make informed choices about what we eat and drink. By paying close attention to the ingredients and staying up to date and open-eyed on food claims, food label nutrition facts, and allergen information, you can save a lot of trouble and ensure a healthier version of you and your family. References/Resources: 1. Food Labels; CDC; https://www.cdc.gov/diabetes/managing/eat-well/food-labels.html 2. How to Read Labels; FSSAI; https://eatrightindia.gov.in/how-to-read-label.jsp 3. Understanding Food Labels; Harvard T.H. Chan; https://www.hsph.harvard.edu/nutritionsource/food-label-guide/ 4. Reading Food Labels; Humana; https://kidshealth.org/HumanaLouisiana/en/parents/food-labels.html 5. Parent Tips: How to Use the Nutrition Facts Label; NIH; https://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/educational/wecan/downloads/nutritionlabel.pdf 6. Do You Eat Right; FSSAI; https://fssai.gov.in/upload/knowledge_hub/852185f89a7fc009c5Book_Do_You_Eat_Right_16_10_2020.pdf 7. Food labels; BetterHealth Channel; https://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/health/healthyliving/food-labels#what-are-compound-ingredients 8. Nutrient Content Claims; FDA Reader; https://www.fdareader.com/blog/2018/12/13/product-claims 9. Title 21; Code of Federal Regulations; https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-21/chapter-I/subchapter-B/part-101/subpart-A#101.13 10. Food Allergies: What You Need to Know; FDA; https://www.fda.gov/food/buy-store-serve-safe-food/food-allergies-what-you-need-know 11. Food Additives: What Parents Should Know; American Academy of Pediatrics; https://www.healthychildren.org/English/healthy-living/nutrition/Pages/Food-Additives.aspx 12. Trasande. L, Shaffer. R. M, et al.; Food Additives and Child Health; AAP Publications; https://publications.aap.org/pediatrics/article/142/2/e20181408/37584/Food-Additives-and-Child-Health?autologincheck=redirected; August 2018 13. Food labels; NHS; https://www.nhs.uk/live-well/eat-well/food-guidelines-and-food-labels/how-to-read-food-labels/ Also Read: Best Healthy Foods for Kids Essential Nutrients Your Baby Needs Baby Foods You Should Give Your Child Read more

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Elderberry for Babies and Kids – Is It Safe?

Babies and kids often suffer from the common cold, which has no cure and its medication is not advised for children below the age of six. This has led parents to look at alternate remedies, one of which is elderberry. This herbal treatment is known to shorten the length of a cold and flu. Elderberry syrup for kids has gained a lot of prominence among American parents, with a lot of people locally making and selling it. However, while it is claimed that elderberries can shorten a common cold or the flu, it is vital for parents to be aware of their suitability for their little ones. Let us see whether elderberries are safe, what are their benefits and risks and everything else you need to know about elderberry for babies and kids. What Is Elderberry? Elderberry is the common name of Sambucus nigra, a derivation of the shiny, purple berries of the European elder tree, which has long been known as an immunity booster. It is rich in vitamins and nutrients like Vitamin C, dietary fibre, phenolic acids, flavonoids, and anthocyanins. Flavonoids, especially, are known to have strong antioxidant properties that help decrease inflammation and fight off numerous diseases. However, the elderberry bark, seeds, unripe fruit and leaves also contain a form of cyanide, that can be highly toxic for your little one. Elderberry is now available in many forms, including teas, pills or lozenges. Elderberry for children is popularly given in the form of syrup and gummies. However, while there are a lot of claims about the medicinal potency of these elderberry products for kids, there is not a lot of clinical research that suggests the same. Is Elderberry Safe for Babies and Kids? Safely incorporating elderberries into children’s diets involves moderate consumption of cooked, fresh, or dry ripe elderberries (1). Uncooked ripe elderberries and unripe elderberries may pose risks due to the presence of lectins, hydrocyanic acid, and sambucine, which could lead to gastrointestinal disturbance and toxicity (2). Cooking the berries deactivates these compounds, ensuring their safety for consumption. At What Age Can a Child Take Elderberry? Elderberry is a natural, traditional remedy that has qualities that may help reduce your child’s common cold or flu. Since the potency of Vitamin C and Zinc contained in the elderberry is low in potency, it can be given to children. Elderberry for toddlers may possibly be safe for upto ten days. However, it is not advised to administer raw elderberry leaves, fruits or flowers as they are harmful to your kids. They contain cyanide-inducing glycosides that are poisonous to humans. Usually, elderberry supplements are made less potent so that children may safely consume them. The effects on continuous use for longer periods of time is not known. Elderberry products are made less potent so that they may be safely taken by kids. Children from the age of 1 can possibly take elderberry, either in the form of syrup or gummies, depending upon the dosage. Different dosages will be prescribed for children of different ages, depending upon the age of the child. It is thus important to look at the instructions for use provided on the elderberry product you purchase. Are There Any Benefits of Elderberry for Children? With a shift in lifestyle towards natural and healthy remedies, rather than chemical ones, elderberries have gained a lot of prominences. Experts say that elderberry, due to its abundance of vitamins and nutrients like Vitamin C, dietary fibre, phenolic acids, flavonoids, and anthocyanins, is good for the immune system and may reduce inflammation. Elderberry has been known to be a useful remedy for the flu and common cold. However, its effectiveness as a treatment for heart diseases, cholesterol, lung disease, gum disease, cancer, AIDS, nerve pain, toothache, obesity, hay fever, chronic fatigue syndrome, and other such conditions has not been sufficiently researched and proven. Elderberry doesn’t act as a cure for any of these illnesses or prevents them but rather reduces their symptoms. There have not been any large clinical trials that can prove the ability of elderberries to help with these diseases, only peer-reviewed studies have been conducted that have shown that elderberries may improve health. One study conducted in Israel in 1995 with 27 Influenza B patients showed that a kind of elderberry syrup called Sambucol was very effective in improving their symptoms. In 2004, a study of 60 patients of influenza A or B were shown to have reduced symptoms after being administered elderberry syrup. In 2009, a study of 60 people with the flu was shown to have reduced symptoms after consuming doses of elderberry syrup. Conclusive studies on kids have not been conducted yet. So, wondering if there are any elderberry benefits for kids? Elderberry is said to have antiviral properties and it is widely accepted that elderberry helps in reducing the duration and symptoms of a common cold in kids and with few side effects. There have also been studies about whether elderberry is an effective cure for the flu and evidence has shown that it is at least as effective as Tamiflu. However, it is not a substitute for flu vaccines. You can give elderberries to your kids in the form of syrups or children’s elderberry gummies or elderberry vitamins for kids. Be sure to read the recommended dosage of each product. How Much Elderberry Is Safe for Babies and Kids Elderberry products like syrups and vitamins should ideally be given to children at the time of cold or flu. There is no universal standard of elderberry dosage for kids as every supplement may be different. Elderberry gummies can be taken by kids as young as 2-3 years. Elderberry syrup for babies is made less potent, especially in Vitamin C and Zinc, so that it may be safely consumed by kids. Children between the ages of 1-6 years can take 5-10ml of elderberry syrup twice a day. Children between the age of 7-12 years can take around 10-15ml twice a day. For daily maintenance, children between the ages of 1-6 years can take 5ml and between 7-12 years can take around 10ml daily. All manufacturers will provide specific details about safe dosages along with their product so you can follow that and avoid any health hazards for your kids. It is also important to administer these dosages to your children under the direction and supervision of a paediatrician. There are some elderberry supplements that are suitable for adults and others that are made specifically for children. Identifying the right commercial products is vital to your children’s’ safety. Is Elderberry FDA – Approved? Since the effects of elderberries, either positive or negative, have not been thoroughly researched, they are also not approved by the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA). It is only regulated as a supplement and not a drug. The FDA does not approve supplements prior to sale and thus companies manufacturing them are solely responsible for their safety and labelling. It is thus advisable to use commercial elderberry products that are manufactured and sold by reputable companies that follow CGMPs, which are the current good manufacturing practices. These require companies to adhere to certain standards for sourcing and production. Since elderberries are lethal and poisonous if not administered correctly, it is necessary to take a good amount of precautions to protect the health of your little ones. Risks and Side Effects Since there are no conclusive clinical studies on the effectiveness of elderberry or its risks on children and adults, it is necessary to take certain precautions. Consuming raw elderberry is extremely dangerous, for toddlers and adults alike. Raw elderberry leaves, fruits or flowers contain cyanide-inducing glycosides that are poisonous to humans. Prohibit toddlers from eating raw elderberries, especially if they are unripe or green or red in colour. Tea made using elderberry leaves is also not recommended for children neither are homemade elderberry products like syrups. They can cause severe diarrhoea, vomiting, dizziness, nausea and weakness. If you see signs of such elderberry poisoning in your child, be sure to immediately contact a poison control centre. Only use commercial products that have been tested and prescribed by a physician. Short-term use of elderberries consumed in the prescribed dosage is seldom associated with serious side effects. There are however no conclusive studies to show the effects or benefits of long-term consumption of elderberries. The common side effects of elderberry are weakness, nausea and vomiting, dizziness, stupor and numbness. There may also be instances where elderberry supplements can cause allergic reactions in children. If your child has diabetes or an autoimmune disorder, it is advisable to not give them elderberries in any form. Elderberries have been known to interfere with the functioning of diabetes medications, laxatives, asthma drugs and corticosteroids. Precautions to Take While Giving Elderberry to Children Introducing elderberry to children can be a health-conscious decision, but precautions should be observed to ensure their well-being. It’s crucial to follow specific guidelines to mitigate potential risks associated with the consumption of elderberry products in young ones (3). 1. Source Elderberries From Reliable Retailers Obtain fresh or dried ripe elderberries from a trusted store to ensure quality. Fresh elderberries, being perishable, should be used promptly to maintain freshness. 2. Cook Elderberries Before Consumption Always cook ripe elderberries before eating. Boil the berries for 20-30 minutes on low heat or follow specific cooking instructions provided in recipes, such as those for jams or cakes. 3. Consume Cooked Elderberries in Moderation Avoid excessive intake of cooked elderberries to prevent potential stomach upset. The high fiber content in the berries may contribute to this effect. 4. Thoroughly Remove Leaves and Stalks Before incorporating elderberries into culinary preparations, ensure the proper removal of leaves and stalks. These parts may contain harmful compounds that may persist even after cooking (4). 5. Consult Experts Before Administering Supplements Refrain from giving children elderberry dietary supplements or medicinal forms like gummies or tea without seeking professional advice (5). Dosage and usage methods may vary based on the child’s age and intended purpose, necessitating expert consultation. FAQs 1. Can Babies Be Allergic to Elderberries? Yes, babies can be allergic to elderberries. It’s important to introduce elderberries cautiously and monitor for signs of allergic reactions, such as rash, itching, swelling, or difficulty breathing. If any adverse reactions occur, discontinue use and seek medical attention. 2. Are Elderberries a Choking Hazard for Babies? Yes, elderberries can pose a choking hazard for babies, especially if they are not properly prepared. Ensure that elderberries are cooked, mashed, or processed to a safe consistency before offering them to infants. Always supervise babies during feeding to reduce the risk of choking. 3. Can Elderberries Impact a Baby’s Stool? Yes, elderberries can impact a baby’s stool. The natural compounds in elderberries, such as fiber and anthocyanins, may cause changes in stool color and consistency. It’s generally a benign effect, but if there are concerns or persistent changes, consult with a pediatrician for guidance. While elderberries are a century-old traditional remedy, they can be fatal if not administered with precaution. It is important to consult a physician regarding the dosage and the kind of product that you give to your child. If done correctly, elderberries can help manage the symptoms of the common flu and the flu. You can give elderberries to your child in various forms. Commercial products like syrups, vitamin supplements and gummies are being produced specifically for children with low quantities of Vitamin C and Zinc. References/Resources: 1. Assessment report on Sambucus nigra L., fructus; European Medicines Agency; https://www.ema.europa.eu/en/documents/herbal-report/final-assessment-report-sambucus-nigra-l-fructus_en.pdf; January 2014 2. The First International Symposium on Elderberry; University of Missouri Center for Agroforestry; https://centerforagroforestry.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/ElderberrySymposiumGuide.pdf 3. Ulbricht. C, Basch. E, Cheung. L, Goldberg. H; An Evidence-Based Systematic Review of Elderberry and Elderflower (Sambucus nigra) by the Natural Standard Research Collaboration (Journal of Dietary Supplements); ResearchGate; https://www.researchgate.net/publication/259696401_An_Evidence-Based_Systematic_Review_of_Elderberry_and_Elderflower_Sambucus_nigra_by_the_Natural_Standard_Research_Collaboration; January 2014 4. Poisoning from Elderberry Juice — California; Centers for Disease Control and Prevention; https://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/preview/mmwrhtml/00000311.htm 5. Can elderberry treat the flu?; UC Irvine School of Medicine; https://www.choc.org/news/can-elderberry-treat-the-flu/ 6. Charlebois. D; Elderberry as a Medicinal Plant; Purdue University; https://www.hort.purdue.edu/newcrop/ncnu07/pdfs/charlebois284-292.pdf 7. Zakay-Rones. Z, Thom. E, Wollan. T, Wadstein. J; Randomized study of the efficacy and safety of oral elderberry extract in the treatment of influenza A and B virus infections (Journal of International Medical Research); National Library of Medicine; https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/15080016/; March 2004 Also Read: Safe Herbs for Infants and Kids Giving Enema for Infants and Children Essential Oils for Infants and Kids Should You Give Cold and Cough Medicines to Babies and Children? Read more

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16-Month-Old Baby Feeding Schedule, Recipes, and Tips

Mothers, especially first-time moms, tend to get jittery when it comes to deciding what to feed their babies. If you have a 16-month-old toddler, who relishes an apple one day and refuses to eat it the next day, you are bound to get frustrated. The trick is to introduce new foods to your toddler so that she doesn’t get bored of eating the same food. Keep her diet balanced and introduce her to new tastes and food textures. If you want to know what foods you can give to a 16-month-old toddler and what kind of feeding schedule you should follow for him, then read this article. We also have a 16-month-old feeding schedule and some meal ideas for 16-month-old babies, which you experiment with for your little one. What to Feed a 16-Month-Old? A toddler must have a balanced meal each day. A healthy diet that consists of all the essential nutrients is a must for toddlers for their healthy growth and development. So here is a list of food that can be given to your 16-month-old baby. 1. Fruits and Vegetables Apples Banana (healthy for weight gain, contains vital nutrients) Orange (rich in vitamin c) Grapes Potatoes Broccoli Carrots 2. Non-Vegetarian Chicken (shredded and boiled) Fish Eggs 3. Other Food Items Rice (boiled) Oats Milk Yoghurt Kidney beans (boiled and mashed) Legumes Whole wheat Mashed fruits and vegetables How Much Should a 16-Month-Old Eat? At 16 months, a toddler knows quite well what she wants to eat and what she never wants to put in her mouth. Hence, forcing your baby to eat something won’t do any good. But as per the nutritional food chart, you must make sure that she gets about 1000 calories approximately per day. Another good way of knowing how many calories to give to your baby is to add up to 40 calories for every inch of her height. Feeding Schedule for a 16-Month-Old Here is a sample feeding schedule for a 16-month-old. We have given some foods that you can include in their meals. Feel free to include other healthy foods in her diet Meal Time Food Name Breakfast (8:00 am – 8:30 am) Scrambled eggs, oatmeal Lunch (11:30 am -12:00 noon) Fruits or vegetables, pasta After Nap (3:00 pm -3:30 pm) Yoghurt, cheese sticks Dinner (6:30 pm -7:00 pm) Steamed broccoli, chicken Drinking milk along with every meal/snack is important for a 16-month-old toddler. As it will fill her stomach and she won’t ask for unhealthy snacks in between meals. Therefore, giving milk along with every meal to your little one will develop a healthy and good appetite cycle. But how much milk should a toddler take every day? According to paediatricians, a toddler should take 3-4 ounces of milk with every meal or 5-6 ounces of milk along with three main meals. Foods to Avoid for a 16-Month-Old Toddler Listed below are foods that you should not include in your 16-month-old’s food chart. Low-fat milk Raw vegetables Peanuts Prawn Mutton or beef Fish with bones Food Recipes for a 16-Months-Old Toddler Cooking something that is nutritious as well as tasty can be quite challenging for parents. To help you with that, here are four food recipes that you can make for your 16-month-old toddler. 1. Green Veggie Fritter Filled with the goodness of spinach and sweet corn, the tasty green veggie fritter makes for healthy and nutritious finger food for your little one. Ingredients Sweet corn (unsalted) – 1 can Spinach (baby leaves) – 5 – 6 no. Garlic (crushed) – 1 clove Spring onion (chopped) – 1 Flour (plain) – 50 g Baking powder – ½ tsp Egg (optional) – 1 Milk – 50 ml Vegetable oil How to Make Take sweet corn, blanched spinach leaves, garlic, chopped spring onion in the food processor and pulse them until done. Take the flour in a bowl and add the mix to it. Followed by baking powder and milk. Whisk in the egg and mix well. You will get a thick batter. In a pan, heat some vegetable oil. Once the oil is hot, drop spoonfuls of batter in it. Cook for about a minute or two then flip. Press the fritters with the spatula to cook it well. Once they turn light golden, transfer them on to a plate lined with tissue. Let the tissue absorb the excess oil. Serve warm. 2. Mini Chicken Shepherd’s Pie The shepherd’s pie is a great recipe for your little one as it will provide your baby with the much-needed protein required for his healthy growth and development. Ingredients Chicken mince (with some fat) – 100 g Chicken stock (low salt) – 150 ml Lentils (rinsed and soaked in water) – 25 g Onion (finely chopped) – 2 tbsp Garlic (crushed) – 1 clove Tomato puree – 1 tbsp Celery stick (diced) – 2 tbsp Yellow pepper (diced) – 3-4 tbsp Potato – 300 g Courgette (diced) – 3 – 4 tbsp Carrot (diced) – 1 cup Milk – 25 ml Cumin – 1/4th tsp Cheddar cheese (grated) – 150 g Butter – 25 g Vegetable oil – 1 tbsp How to Make Heat some vegetable oil in a saucepan. Add in the chopped onions and fry them until cooked properly. Then add the carrot, celery, pepper, garlic, and cumin. Stir then allow the vegetables to cook for 2-3 minutes. Add the chicken mince and mix it well with the vegetables. After some time, add the courgette and tomato puree. Allow it to cook for a few minutes. Then add the soaked lentils, pour in the chicken stock and put a lid on. Allow it to simmer in low heat for 35-40 minutes. Keep stirring it from time to time. Boil the potatoes until they are well cooked. Peel the potatoes and mash them with milk and butter. Once the chicken mince and vegetable mix are cooked, pour it into a blender and make a fine puree. Pour the puree into the ramekins and top it with mashed potatoes and grated cheddar cheese. Bake it for 30 minutes until the top becomes golden and starts bubbling at the sides. Allow it to cool before serving it to your little one. 3. Apple and Carrot Oatmeal Cookies Packed with the goodness of apple, carrot, and oatmeal, this apple and carrot oatmeal cookie is one of the healthiest snack ideas for toddlers. Ingredients Flour – 1 cup Oats – 1 cup Carrot (grated) – ½ cup Apples (grated) – ½ cup Raisins (finely chopped) Sunflower seeds (roughly crushed) – 1/4th cup Cinnamon powder – ½ tsp Water How to Make In a bowl, take the flour and add the oats, grated apple and carrot, and raisins to it. Add in the sunflower seeds and cinnamon powder. Slowly add water to knead a dough. Flatten the dough using a rolling pin and cut out circular shapes using a cookie cutter. Line a baking tray with parchment paper and place the cookies on it. Bake for 10-12 minutes at a temperature of 350 degrees Fahrenheit. 4. Banana Pancakes These fluffy banana pancakes are not only delicious but also packed with potassium and fiber, making them a perfect breakfast or snack for your 16-month-old. Ingredients Ripe banana – 1 Egg – 1 Whole wheat flour – 2 tablespoons Cinnamon (optional) – 1/4 teaspoon Butter or oil for cooking How to Make In a bowl, mash the ripe banana until smooth. Add the egg and whisk together until well combined. Gradually stir in the whole wheat flour and cinnamon until a smooth batter forms. Heat a non-stick skillet or griddle over medium heat and lightly grease with butter or oil. Pour small amounts of batter onto the skillet to form small pancakes. Cook for 1-2 minutes on each side, or until golden brown. Remove from heat and let cool slightly before serving to your little one. You can cut the pancakes into small, toddler-friendly pieces for easy eating. Feeding Tips for Parents Here are some tips that you must follow when feeding your toddler. Cut fruits and vegetables into small pieces of not more than half an inch before giving them to your toddler. Remove the seeds and pits in the fruits before giving them to your baby. Toddlers should be given nuts after breaking them into small pieces. Avoid giving fruits and vegetables that are cut into very small pieces or your baby might choke on them. Hard foods like popcorn, potato chips or candies should not be given since they could prove to be a choking hazard. Chewing gum, sticky jellies, dried fruits, and marshmallows can get caught in your baby’s throat and therefore, it is best to avoid them. Nut butter if taken in dollops can be difficult to swallow for babies. Therefore, always give nut butter to your baby by spreading a thin layer on a cracker or a slice of bread. Another way is to mix them in yoghurt or apple sauce before serving them to your baby. FAQs 1. Why is my 16-month-old toddler not eating? At 16 months, toddlers may experience fluctuations in appetite due to various factors such as teething, illness, developmental changes, or simply being too distracted to eat. It’s important to offer a variety of nutritious foods and maintain a relaxed mealtime environment. 2. How to make your 16-month-old gain weight? To help your 16-month-old gain weight, focus on offering nutrient-dense foods rich in healthy fats and proteins such as avocados, nut butter, cheese, whole milk yogurt, and lean meats. Encourage regular meals and snacks throughout the day and avoid filling up on low-calorie foods like juice or excessive amounts of water. 3. Is it normal for your 16-month-old to be a picky eater? Yes, it’s common for 16-month-olds to exhibit picky eating behaviors as they explore new tastes and textures. Encourage exposure to a variety of foods, offer choices within healthy options, and avoid pressuring or forcing your child to eat. With patience and consistency, most picky eaters will gradually expand their palate over time. Treat your baby to the above-given recipes and make a sample meal plan keeping in mind the foods that should be avoided. In no time you will see your little one enjoying every meal! References/Resources: 1. Serving Sizes for Toddlers; American Academy of Pediatrics; https://www.healthychildren.org/English/ages-stages/toddler/nutrition/Pages/Serving-Sizes-for-Toddlers.aspx 2. 8 Tips for Introducing Solid Foods With Baby-Led Weaning; Cleveland Clinic; https://health.clevelandclinic.org/8-tips-for-introducing-solid-foods-with-baby-led-weaning 3. A Dietitian’s Best Advice If Your Child Is Underweight; Cleveland Clinic; https://health.clevelandclinic.org/dietitians-best-advice-child-underweight/ 4. Feeding Your Baby and Toddler (Birth to Age Two); C.S. Mott Children’s Hospital (University of Michigan Health); https://www.mottchildren.org/posts/your-child/feeding-your-baby-toddler 5. How much protein does my child need?; CHOC; https://health.choc.org/how-much-protein-does-my-child-need/ 6. 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/ 7. 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 Also Read: 10 Month Old Feeding Schedule 13 Month Baby Feeding Schedule Feeding Schedule of 14 Month Old Baby Recipe and Feeding Schedule of 15 Month Old Read more

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14 Month Old Feeding Schedule, Recipes and Tips

Wow! Your little bundle of joy is already 14 months old! Watching your baby take baby steps around the house is an absolute delight. We’re sure you agree that a baby may be quite a handful at this age with his increasing urge to explore everything around him. Well, that’s not a surprise because your baby is mastering new skills and growing rapidly, so extra attention may be required for his nutrition and diet. If you are wondering what your baby should eat at this stage, we have more information on the 14-month-old feeding schedule right here for you! Read on! What to Feed a 14-Month-Old? A couple of months after your baby’s first birthday, he may still be making up his mind about what he likes or dislikes regarding food. However, as parents, you should keep introducing a variety of food items to your baby. Here are some 14-month-old baby food ideas that you can try for your baby: 1. Fruits/Vegetables While your baby can eat all the fruits and vegetables you have introduced to him, here are some healthy choices for your little one: Bananas Kiwi Mangoes Melon Apple Pineapple Berries Carrots Peas Cauliflower Squash Broccoli Green beans Celery 2. Non-Vegetarian Here are some non-vegetarian food options for your 14-month-old baby: Chicken Lean meat Fish Eggs 3. Other Food Items Here are some other food items that can be included in your baby’s diet: Whole milk Cheese Yoghurt Pinto, black, navy and kidney beans Pasta Rice Cereal Pulses and lentils How Much Should a 14-Month-Old Eat? At 14 months, your baby should consume approximately three main meals and two snacks daily. On average, 40 calories per inch of your baby’s height is the average amount of calories that your baby should be consuming. The calories in food for 14-month-old babies should come from fresh fruits, vegetables, dairy and protein for optimal growth and development. Calcium is one of the essential nutrients for your baby, and thus, milk should be an important part of the baby’s diet. Choose whole milk for your baby, and if you are wondering how much whole milk should be given in a day, well, do not feed more than 16 to 24 ounces to avoid any kind of iron deficiency. 14-Month-Old Feeding Schedule Here is a sample 14-month-old food chart for your baby: Meal Time Food Name Breakfast Waffle with applesauce, or lentil pancake/dal cheela. Nut butter, or 5-7 soaked nuts (add to milk, grounded). Milk Mid-Morning Snack Banana Cheese stick/paneer cubes/yoghurt Lunch Pasta with peas and spinach Apple, vegetable soup Milk/yoghurt/cheese Evening snack Raisins Fruits Dinner Tacos with bean, corn, and shredded chicken filling, wraps, flatbread/chapati, tortilla, or rice. Broccoli or a vegetable of your choice Milk (at bedtime) The above food menu or diet plan is for reference purposes only. You can make changes as per your baby’s preference. Foods to Avoid Feeding a 14-Month-Old Child Your toddler needs a variety of nutrients at this age for his overall growth and development. However, you need to ensure he doesn’t have food allergies. Therefore, certain foods may still not be a good idea for your baby at this age. Here are some foods that you should avoid feeding your fourteen-month-old baby: Sticky food items such as marshmallows or peanut butter should be avoided as they may lead to choking. Hard food items that may become difficult to swallow, such as popcorn, hard candies, nuts, seeds, etc., should not be fed to babies. Also, refrain from giving hard vegetables, such as raw carrots, and fruits such as whole grapes as they can lead to choking. Make sure the vegetables are properly cooked, and fruits are cut into bite-sized pieces. Refrain from feeding chunkier or larger pieces of chicken, fish, and meat to babies. Be careful about food allergies, especially if you have a family history of food allergies. Be careful when feeding foods that may cause allergic reactions, such as eggs, milk, peanuts, etc. Food Recipes for a 14-Month-Old Baby Here are some main meal ideas for 14-month-old babies that you can try: 1. Veggie Pasta A wholesome meal with loads of green vegetables, this yummy pasta can be served both as a lunch or dinner. Ingredients: 1 cup Penne pasta, boiled 1 tablespoon carrot, finely chopped 1 tablespoon peas 1 tablespoon green beans, finely chopped ½ tablespoon onions, chopped 2-3 tablespoons tomatoes, chopped 1 tablespoon olive oil ¼ teaspoon black pepper ¼ cup tomato ketchup ¼ cup cheddar cheese Salt to taste How to Prepare: Heat oil in a pan. Add onions and cook until they turn pink. Throw in the tomatoes and cook until they turn mushy. Add all the vegetables, salt, and pepper. Cook on medium flame until tender. Do not cover. Add tomato sauce and cook for a minute or two. Add boiled pasta and cook for a few minutes. Finally, add cheddar cheese and cook on low flame for a minute or two. Serve yummy veggie pasta at room temperature! 2. Apple Cinnamon Pancake A perfect breakfast recipe, see your baby wipe off the entire serving in no time! Ingredients: ¾ cup flour 1 medium-sized egg 2 to 3 tablespoons grated apple ½ teaspoon cinnamon 2 tablespoon palm sugar (you can use brown sugar or other healthy alternatives, too) ½ teaspoon baking powder (optional) 1 tablespoon cream (optional) Butter, for cooking How to Prepare: Sieve flour and baking powder together and keep it aside. Beat an egg and sugar together until fluffy. Add flour into the egg and sugar mixture as you keep beating the mixture. Make sure no lumps are formed. Add grated apples and cinnamon powder to the egg and flour mixture. If the mixture is not of the required consistency, you may add cream to adjust it. Heat butter in a non-stick pan. Pour the pancake mix in the pan. Cook well from both sides. Serve warm pancakes with apple sauce or any other homemade syrup! 3. Corn and Spinach Fritters This is a yummy snack recipe that is loaded with the goodness of sweet corn and spinach. Ingredients: 1 cup sweet corn ½ cup baby spinach leaves ½ onion, finely chopped 2 cloves of garlic, finely chopped 1 medium-sized egg ¼ cup milk ¼ cup flour ½ teaspoon baking powder Salt to taste 1 to 2 teaspoon Olive oil for cooking How to Prepare: Put sweet corn, baby spinach, egg, and milk in a blender jar. Blend until you get a coarse paste. Add onions, garlic, and salt and mix well. Add baking powder and flour to the mixture and give it a thorough mix. Heat oil in a shallow pan. Scoop out small amounts of the mixture and pour it in the pan (do not cook more than 4 to 5 fritters at a time), flatten the fritters using a spatula. Shallow fry the fritters until they turn brown on both sides. Serve these yummy fritters with a homemade sauce or dip! These are some easy and nutritious recipes for your baby that you can make any time. You can even modify these recipes as per your preference or as per the ingredients available with you! While some children will readily eat the foods their parents prepare, some might become picky and make feeding a challenge. Read on to know how you can feed your picky eater. Tips for Parents to Feed a Picky Toddler Babies experiment with tastes, flavours, and textures in food at this age, which is very normal. If you are dealing with a picky or fussy eater, these tips can help you feed him: Refrain from force-feeding your baby. If your baby refuses to eat a certain food, never urge him to eat. Try to introduce the same food after a few days. It is often seen that babies may try foods a few times before they know whether they like it or not. Do not confuse your baby when it comes to food. This means that you should offer plain and simple food to your baby which is easily recognisable. Complex meals, such as casseroles, may sometimes confuse babies, and they may refuse to eat. Make mealtimes fun times, which means do not feed your kid when he is whiny or cranky. Get the entire family to eat together and make the meal times more pleasurable and enjoyable for your little one. You can put on some soothing music, too. Offer meals at the same time every day. This helps the baby know about meal times, and thus, he may be more prepared to eat. If your baby wishes to eat food using his hands, let him do that. Babies love to touch and feel food. Soon, he will master eating with a spoon or fork, so don’t bother! Your baby is a big copycat, meaning he would like to copy what you do! So, if you want him to finish his broccoli, ensure you eat that, too. Be an example, and see your baby just follow you! FAQs 1. How many times should a 14-month-old drink milk in a day? A 14-month-old baby should typically have 2-3 servings of milk per day. They need about 16-24 ounces of milk in total. You can offer milk at mealtimes and as a snack. However, it’s essential to ensure that milk doesn’t replace a well-balanced diet with other foods, as solid foods are becoming increasingly important for their growth and development at this age. 2. What is the ideal weight of a 14-month-old baby? The ideal weight for a 14-month-old can vary. On average, boys tend to weigh around 20-27 pounds and girls around 19-25 pounds. These numbers provide a general guideline, but individual growth patterns can differ. It’s crucial to consult with your paediatrician to monitor your child’s growth and ensure they are healthy and developing properly. As your baby grows and hops from one milestone to another, the need for nutrition increases, and therefore, it becomes important to introduce different types and varieties of food to him. Breast milk or formula may still be an important aspect of your baby’s diet, but at this juncture, solid foods hold great importance to meet the added nutritional needs of your little one. References/Resources: 1. Sample Menu for a 1-Year-Old Child: American Academy of Pediatrics; https://www.healthychildren.org/English/ages-stages/baby/feeding-nutrition/Pages/Sample-One-Day-Menu-for-a-One-Year-Old.aspx 2. Feeding & Nutrition Tips: Your 1-Year-Old; American Academy of Pediatrics; https://www.healthychildren.org/English/ages-stages/toddler/nutrition/Pages/Feeding-and-Nutrition-Your-One-Year-Old.aspx 3. Muth. N; Recommended Drinks for Children Age 5 & Younger; American Academy of Pediatrics; https://www.healthychildren.org/English/healthy-living/nutrition/Pages/Recommended-Drinks-for-Young-Children-Ages-0-5.aspx 4. Tips to Help Kids Enjoy Fruits and Veggies; Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics; https://www.eatright.org/food/planning/meals-and-snacks/get-fruits-and-veggies-to-the-plate 5. Finger Foods for Babies; Nemors KidsHealth; https://kidshealth.org/en/parents/finger-foods.html Also Read: Feeding Schedule for 13 Month Old 15 Month Old Baby Feeding Schedule 16 Month Old Feeding Schedule and Recipes Read more

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13-Month-Old Feeding Schedule, Recipes and Tips

Once the baby is in his 12th month, you will start noticing a few changes, especially when it comes to his meal and nap times. You will find yourself altering the baby’s meal plan a lot. From his 13th month, he will start eating more solid foods, and these changes in his eating habits will alter his growth pattern too, but there is nothing to worry about as it is normal. This is a great time to introduce your little one to new foods and create a 13-month-old feeding schedule. This also helps ensure he is getting enough nutrients and is eating well through the day. Here are some ways to cope with these changes and make sure your baby is getting all the nutrients he needs after he turns 13 months old. What Kind of Food Should You Feed Your 13-Month-Old? 1. Fruits/Vegetables Fruits are one of the best foods to feed a 13-month-old child, so include one cup of soft/mashed fruit in your baby’s diet. Soft cooked vegetables are amazing finger foods too for a 13-month-old. Here are some ideas to feed fruits and vegetables to your little one: Applesauce Avocado Banana Blackberries Blueberries Broccoli (extra soft) Butternut Squash Cauliflower (extra soft) Cooked Diced Apples Cooked Diced Carrots Cooked Diced Celery Inside of Baked Potato Mango Mashed Potato Mashed Sweet Potato Peaches Pears Peas Plum Potato Pureed Soups (i.e. tomato, butternut squash, etc.) Raspberries Spinach Strawberries Sweet Potato Watermelon 2. Protein As soon as your baby becomes a toddler, you can start giving him white meat. All the energy he needs to play and learn will be supplied by the protein in the meat. It is better to puree the meat to get a smooth texture or finely shred the meat to make it easy for the child to digest. So, what can you feed your 13-month-old? Here are some ideas. Chicken (extra soft) Hard-boiled Egg (or mashed hard-boiled egg yolk) Meatballs Meatloaf Plain Pulled Pork (extra soft) Salmon Scrambled Egg Shreds of Pot Roast (extra soft) Tilapia Turkey (ground or breast/cutlet) 3. Other Food Items Foods other than fruits, vegetables and protein will help the baby explore different textures and including these in your 13-month-old’s meal plan is the best way to get him used to adult food. You may give these foods a try and make them a part of his diet. Bagel Barley Black Beans Brown Rice Cheerios Cheese Corn Bread Corn Grits/Polenta Cream Of Wheat English Muffin French toast Graham Crackers Muffins Oatmeal Pancakes Pita Plain or Buttered Bread Quinoa Short Pasta Toast Tortilla Town House Crackers Waffles Yogurt Now, let’s move on to another important part of your 13-month-old bay’s diet, milk. Yes, until now, your little one was only drinking breast milk. After he turns 13 months old, you can introduce cow’s milk to him. Wondering how to do that? Read on to know more. How to Introduce Cow’s Milk to a 13-Month-Old Baby? After your kid turns 13 months old, and until he turns three years old, go for whole milk in his diet as toddlers require fats for development and growth. The maximum amount of cow’s milk you can give your baby is 300 ml per day. Giving amounts of milk above that might lessen appetite in babies. Also, do not dilute it with water as it might reduce the nutrition content. If your toddler does not like taking plain milk, then you can try to flavour it with homemade natural flavours, or add milk to desserts/porridge. Including/blending milk in other milk products like cheese and yoghurt can also do the trick. So now you know what your 13-month-old baby should eat. But, are you wondering how much he should eat? The next section should help you with some information on that. How Much Should a 13-Month-Old Eat? You can feed your 13-month-old baby three meals, cow’s milk, and two snacks per day. You may wonder how much milk for a 13-month-old is sufficient. Continue breastfeeding, if you are a breastfeeding mom, whenever the baby demands. Prepare a schedule for the meals and healthy snacks for your 13-month-old based on his preference. Aim for a variety of foods to ensure the child gets a balanced meal. The quantity of food must always be guided by the baby’s hunger as each baby has his own appetite, and they mostly change it every day based on their diverse physical activity levels. However, here is an approximate amount each serving of meals and snacks could contain. Whole grains, carbohydrates, and cereals (between ¼ cup and ½ cup) Vegetables and fruits (between ¼ cup and ½ cup) Milk and other dairy products (1 cup) Protein/meat/meat alternatives (¼ cup) Also, take a look at the schedule given in the table below to get an idea of what you can include to balance your little one’s meals. 13-Month-Old Feeding Schedule Here is a 13-month-old eating schedule that you can implement for your little one. Breakfast Lunch Snack Dinner Monday Oatmeal ½ cup milk Banana 1 oz cheese Jam/Bread Broccoli ½ cup milk ¼ cup cheerios ½ peach ½ cup milk Veggie rolls Veggie Beet Soup ½ cup milk Tuesday Cheese Egg (Scrambled) ½ Clementine ½ cup milk Peaches Bread/Jam Broccoli ½ cup milk 4-5 Crackers with Peanut Butter ½ cup milk Chicken Mashed potatoes Veggie roll ½ cup milk Wednesday Banana Cottage Cheese ½ cup milk Applesauce Tuna sandwich ½ cup milk ¼ cup peas ¼ cup cheerios ½ cup milk Potato fries ½ cup milk Thursday Cheese Egg (Scrambled) ½ cup milk Avocado Peaches ½ cup milk 4-5 Crackers with Cream Cheese ½ cup milk Spaghetti ½ cup milk Friday Applesauce Oatmeal Banana ½ cup milk Tuna Cottage Cheese Peas ½ cup milk ½ cup milk ¼ cup cheerios 1.2 cup milk Homemade Pizza (with veggies) Saturday Cheese Egg (Scrambled) ½ cup milk Cottage Cheese Bread/jam Pears ½ cup milk Crackers ½ cup milk ½ oz. Cheese Rolls Steak Carrots Twice Baked Pots ½ cup milk Sunday Oatmeal Applesauce Banana ½ cup milk Peas, Bread/Peanut butter ½ cup milk Ctg. Cheese ½ cup milk ¼ cup cheerios Pancakes Fruits Eggs ½ cup milk You could also add seeds and nuts into the feeding guide, but you must always powder or mash them to avoid choking and ensure your toddler is not allergic to them. With different/new foods, your little one might have his favourites and oppose eating certain foods that are healthy for him. If you have a picky eater, here’s how you can deal with him. How to Encourage a Picky Eating Toddler to Eat? If your 13-month-old refuses to eat, here are some tips you can use to feed him all the nutritious meals you make for him. Encourage self-feeding by giving the baby finger food. Never force the toddler to finish his meal. Let the baby take his/her own time to enjoy and finish the food. If the baby refuses, then try to feed again a little later. Feed a variety of nutritious meals in small quantities, and your toddler is sure to like at least a few of those foods. Let the baby experience and enjoy the food even if he creates a mess around him. Avoid junk/processed food and sugary foods as much as possible. Set an example when it comes to food habits. Your little one learns by watching his parents too. As mentioned above, you must avoid feeding processed and sugary foods to your 13-month-old baby. However, even from the list of healthy foods, there are some foods you should avoid to ensure your baby’s health. Read on to know more. Foods to Avoid Feeding a 13-Month-Old Baby Not all foods are good for feeding your babies though it is normal to want to introduce them to new textures and tastes. Here is a list of foods you must avoid to prevent choking and allergic reactions. Large pieces of meat Whole grapes Hot dogs Cough drops Candy Pretzels Raw vegetables Raisins Chips Popcorn Marshmallows Dried fruits and seeds Low-fat milk Nuts (if the family has a history of allergies) Jellies To make meal preparations easy, you can start with some of the recipes given below and build on the diet chart slowly and steadily. Baby Food Recipes for a 13-Months-Old Baby 1. On-the-Go Breakfast Muffins Ingredients Sugar – 1/3rd cup Bulk Italian Sausage – 1 pound Large eggs – 7 nos All-purpose flour – 2 cups Baking powder – 3 teaspoons Salt – 1/2 teaspoon 2% milk – 1/2 cup Canola oil – 1/2 cup Shredded cheddar cheese – 1 cup How to Prepare Preheat the oven to 400 degrees. In a large nonstick skillet, cook the Italian sausages until they are no longer pink. Crumble the sausages as you cook them in the skillet. Drain on paper towels and wipe the skillet. Whisk 5 eggs in a small bowl. Pour the mixture into the same skillet and stir and cook until no liquid eggs remain. Remove from the stove and keep it aside. In another large bowl, whisk the sugar, flour, salt, and baking powder. Take another bowl and whisk the remaining milk, eggs, and oil until they blend. Add the wet mixture to the dry ingredients and mix it well. Fold in 2/3 cup of cheese, the scrambles eggs, and the sausage. Fill the paper-liner or greased muffin cups with this muffin mixture. Sprinkle the remaining cheese on top. Bake for 15 minutes or until you get a clean knife/toothpick when dipped in the centre of the muffins. Cool the muffins for 5 minutes before removing them. You can either serve these warm or freeze the muffins in an airtight container. 2. Fruit Kabobs With Cream Cheese Dip Ingredients Confectioners’ sugar – 1/3rd cup Softened cream cheese – 6 ounces Sour cream – 1/3rd cup Almond extract – 1/4th teaspoon Fresh, trimmed strawberries Apples Slices Pineapple slices (1 inch, at least) How to Prepare In a small bowl, beat the confectioners’ sugar, cream cheese, sour cream and almond extract until you get a smooth mixture. Refrigerate the dip until serving. When feeding your baby, remove some dip in a bowl and let it come to room temperature. Then, dip small pieces of the fruits into it and feed them. 3. Cheddar Creamed Corn Ingredients Cream cheese – 8 ounces, cubed Frozen corn – 18 ounces, thawed Cheddar cheese – 3/4th cup, shredded Butter – 1/4th cup, melted Heavy whipping cream -1/4th cup Salt – 1/2 teaspoon Pepper – 1/4th teaspoon How to Prepare Combine all ingredients in a 4 or 3-qt slow cooker. Cook for about 3 to 3 ½ hours or until the corn is tender and the cheese melts. Stir well before and bring to room temperature before feeding your 13-month-old baby. As a bonus, we also have some feeding tips that you are sure to find useful while feeding a nourishing diet to you 13-month-old baby. Feeding Tips for Parents Carefully monitor the food items and ingredients you give your toddler for the first time. Do not freak out if the toddler chokes or coughs a little. However, stop giving it right away if the baby is choking and coughing frequently. Check for allergy symptoms when giving a new food. Make the food toddler-friendly by chopping it to little pieces, so that the toddler can chew it easily. While eating, introduce the little baby to different foods so that your toddler gets used to various flavours and textures. Let your baby use his fingers to point out the food item he wants to try! Encourage your toddler to develop an interest in unprocessed and fresh foods by feeding him fresh food items from the 13-month-old baby food chart. Expand the taste buds of your baby by trying out flavorful combinations and different spices. FAQs 1. How Can I Add Vegetables Into Food for Picky Eaters? If your child is a picky eater, you can incorporate vegetables into food by mashing them and hiding them under flavours that he prefers. For mild-tasting vegetables, cut them into cute shapes and let your child dip them into a sauce and eat. 2. How Do I Know if My 13 Month Old is Getting Enough to Eat? Babies at this age require about 1000 calories of food a day, which includes snacks and meals. If you are feeding your child a balanced diet and including all food groups in meals, he should be well feed. If your baby is hungry, he will be able to signal his hunger at this age. Make mealtimes fun to motivate your toddler to eat healthier. As long as your baby has a balanced diet of fruits, vegetables, and proteins, he will be getting all the nutrients his body needs to become healthy and strong. References/Resources: 1. Infant and Toddler Nutrition; Centers for Disease Control and Prevention; https://www.cdc.gov/nutrition/infantandtoddlernutrition/index.html; June 2022 2. Nutrition for kids: Guidelines for a healthy diet; Mayo Clinic; https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/childrens-health/in-depth/nutrition-for-kids/art-20049335; September 2022 3. Toddler Nutrition; Medline Plus; https://medlineplus.gov/toddlernutrition.html 4. Early childhood nutrition; UNICEF; https://www.unicef.org/nutrition/early-childhood-nutrition 5. Nutrition; American Academy of Pediatrics; https://www.healthychildren.org/English/agesstages/toddler/nutrition/Pages/default.aspx Also Read: Finger Foods for Toddlers To Tempt Them Ways to Make Food Attractive for Toddlers Foods to Give to Babies and Toddlers In Fever Read more

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15 Month Old Baby Feeding Schedule, Recipes and Tips

By the time your little one turns fifteen months old, he has started eating solid food. In fact, the little one has become a pro and started liking solid foods more than milk. The kid can now start eating many foods that were off-limits before. As there are very few food restrictions on the kid now, he can have most foods adults can have. With a nutritious diet, you can ensure he gets all the nutrients required for his growth. It is essential to give him a balanced diet composing of essential nutrients, while also maintaining his love for food. This is also a great time to experiment by feeding him different foods. Let’s find out about food for 15-month-old babies. What to Feed a 15-Month-Old Baby? The little one has turned fifteen months old, and now he can recognize different foods and demand their favourite ones too. They have a different food habit than the first year; therefore, parents need to ensure they include healthy ingredients and balance their diet, not to forget in accordance with the liking of the young one. For a wholesome diet, baby food ideas for parents should include all the food groups. Let’s take a look at them one-by-one. 1. Fruits/Vegetables A 15-month-old baby can chew most vegetables. Try to avoid fibrous vegetables such as broccoli or cauliflower, which they might find difficult to chew. If you want to feed these vegetables, boil and mash them to make them tender. A 15-month-old toddler can have all the fruits now, but parents must cut them in small bite-size pieces, including small fruits like grapes to prevent their babies from choking on them. 2. Protein A 15-month-old baby needs approximately 13 grams of protein daily. So, parents can feed soft pieces of well-cooked meat or chicken. Fish intake should not exceed 12 ounces per week. The baby can have fish such as salmon, light tuna, catfish and Pollock as these fishes have less mercury. The toddler can also have scrambled eggs. 3. Other Food Items Include as many cereals as possible, such as rice, millets, wheat and pulses in the diet of your 15-month-old kid. Kids this age also love pasta but remember to choose the whole-grain variety to make it easier for them to digest. Cheese is also a good source of protein for the kid. Kids can now have nuts and seeds but in powdered form, not whole. Once you know what your 15-month-old baby can eat, knowing the quantity/portion of food can help you provide enough nutrition per meal. Read on to know how much your 15-month-old baby should eat and the feeding schedule you can follow to provide him with the necessary calories every day. How Much Should a 15-Month-Old Eat? A 15-month-old kid should have a calorie intake of approximately 1000 calories per day. He should have three meals plus two snacks every day, which should have all the food groups, including vegetables, fruits, protein, grains, and dairy. The young one needs roughly 700 mg of calcium per day, which should come from milk and other calcium-rich foods. Also, several parents wonder how much milk they should give their little one. Well, 360-480 ml of milk every day should be enough to provide your 15-month-old baby with the calcium he needs. 15-Month-Old Baby Feeding Schedule Your growing 15-month-old baby needs a feeding schedule made according to his/her eating habits. The parents need a diet plan according to the likes and dislikes of their toddler. The kid now has a schedule for sleeping, playing and other activities. He also needs an eating or feeding schedule to ensure he gets a wholesome diet. Here’s a sample of a 15-month-old food chart you can refer to make your own kid’s diet chart. Meal Time Food Name Breakfast Baby iron-fortified Cereal – ½ cup or 1 cooked/boiled egg Add fruits to the cereal or feed separately Banana –½, cut in small cubes Strawberries – 2 to 3, sliced Whole milk – ½ to 1 cup Morning Snacks Whole milk -1/2 cup Whole wheat muffin or slice toast – 1 Add 1 to 2 tsp of peanut butter or cream cheese to it Fruit slices – ½ cup Lunch ½ sandwich of turkey slice, chicken or egg salad or peanut butter Cereal – ½ cup Green vegetables- ½ cup, cooked Evening Snacks Whole milk – 1 cup Cubed or string cheese or 2 to 3 berries or 2 to 3 tablespoon chopped fruits Dinner Whole milk -1/2 cup Yellow or orange vegetable – ½ cup, cooked Pasta/rice or potato- ½ cup, boiled Meat – 2 to 3 ounce, cooked and diced or grounded When charting the feeding schedule for your 15-month-old baby, you must also know which foods to avoid. The next section of the article will help you understand this. Foods to Avoid for a 15-Month-Old Baby Here’s a list of some foods that parents should avoid feeding their 15-month-old babies: Avoid unpasteurized cheese or dairy products. They are harmful as they could contain listeria, a bacterium that can cause listeriosis. Don’t feed over 4 – 6 ounce of fruit juice per day. Avoid highly processed foods such as chips, candies, microwave meals or foods with added flavours, and artificial colours. Don’t feed the baby whole nuts or seeds, as they can cause choking. Sugar and salt – avoid excess sugar and salt in the baby’s food. Avoid sugary and salty snacks too. Avoid feeding raw vegetables, especially carrots, broccoli or cauliflower. Avoid raw eggs or uncooked eggs to avoid salmonella infection. The kid should not be fed raw seafood, fish or red meat. Let’s take a look at some recipes that are safe to feed a 15-month-old baby. Food Recipes for a 15-Month-Old Baby If you are wondering what to make for dinner or snacks for your 15-month-old baby, here are some recipes that are easy to make and can provide all the essential nutrients to your little one. 1) For Breakfast Breakfast is the first meal of the day, and should ensure that your little one has a hearty plate with nutrients to give him energy through the day. Here are some breakfast recipes. 1. Whole Wheat and Buttermilk Pancakes Ingredients All-purpose flour – 3/4th cup Wheat flour – 3/4th cup Butter – 3 tbsp Vegetable oil – 1 tbsp Sugar – 3 tbsp Baking powder – 1/2 tsp Salt – 1/2 tsp Egg – 1 nos Buttermilk(low fat) – 1.5 cups Egg white – 1nos Maple spray – 3/4th cup How to Prepare Take a bowl and mix the flours, baking soda, sugar, and salt. Whisk them well. In another bowl, whisk the buttermilk, oil, egg, and egg white. Add the wet mixture to the flour mixture and whisk it well. Heat a non-stick griddle over medium flame. Take 1/4th cup of the mixture and spread it on the griddle to make the pancake. Flip the pancake once you see bubbles forming on the top. See that the edges are also cooked on both sides. Feed the kid these delicious pancakes with butter or maple syrup. 2. Blueberry and Spinach Puree Ingredients Blueberry puree – 1.5 cups Frozen spinach – 2 packets (10 oz) Lemon juice – 1/2 tsp Water – 2 tbsp How to Prepare Boil the spinach with some water in a pan. Cover the pan with a lid once it starts boiling. Reduce the flame and simmer it for 7-8 minutes. Drain the water and let the spinach cool a bit. Then, blend the spinach till you get a smooth puree. Add the puree to the blueberry puree. Add the lemon juice. Add some water to adjust the consistency. Your blueberry and spinach puree is ready. 2) For Snack Snacks are a pick-me-up during the day. Here are some snacks for a 15-month-old baby that you can try out. 1. Carrot Puree Ingredients Carrot – 3 Water – 2 tbsp Salt – to taste How to Prepare Peel and boil the carrots until soft and mushy. Blend the boiled carrots into a smooth consistency. Add salt to taste, and serve to your baby. 2. Date and Sesame Laddoo Ingredients Sesame – 1/2 cup Dates – 3-4 Roasted cashews – 5-7 How to Prepare Toast the sesame on a pan until it starts to crackle. Blend the dates until they are soft. Add a little water if needed. Blend the roasted cashews and sesame seeds until they are a fine powder. Mix the dates and powdered cashews and sesame seeds. Shape them into small balls. Let them set for a few minutes before serving. 3. Kheer Ingredients Cooked rice – 1/2 cup Milk – 1/2 cup Jaggery -2-3 tbsp How to Prepare Heat the milk in a pan. Add the jaggery and stir until melted. Add the cooked rice and mix until it reaches a thick consistency. Cool and serve to your child. 3) For Lunch If you’re looking for yummy, nutrious, and comforting food ideas for your baby, look no further. Here are some lunch ideas for 15-month-old babies. 1. Baby’s Pasta Ingredients Pasta – 2 tbsp Low sodium chicken broth or vegetable stock – 1.5 cups How to Prepare In a pan, boil the broth or stock. Add pasta to it. Cook for 7-8 minutes; till the pasta turn tender. Serve when cool. 2. Khichdi Ingredients Rice – 1/2 cup Tur dal – 1/4 cup Vegetables of choice – 1/4 cup Ghee – 1 tbsp Salt to taste Haldi – 1/2 tsp How to Prepare Wash and soak the rice and dal for 2 hours. Add the soaked rice and dal, and chopped vegetables to a pressure cooker. Add salt and haldi. Cook for 2 whistles on medium flame. Let it cool, and serve to your baby with a dollop of ghee. 4) For Dinner Dinner need not be too heavy, but it should be nutritious. Here are some dinner ideas for a 15-month-old baby. 1. Risotto Primavera Ingredients Yellow Squash – 1 cup Olive oil – 1.5 tsp Asparagus – 1 cups, cut diagonally Garlic clove – 1 nos Black pepper – 1/4th tsp Leak – 1/2 cup, chopped Parmesan cheese – 1/2 cup, grated Thyme – 1.5 tsp Butter – 1 tbsp Chicken broth – 32 oz Water – 1 cup Salt to taste How to Prepare Heat a pan and saute the squash, asparagus, salt, and black pepper on medium flame. Take another pan, and cook the chicken broth and water on low heat. Melt the butter in a Dutch oven and saute the leek. Add the broth mixture to it. Keep stirring and cook it for 5-6 minutes. When cooked, add thyme and cheese. Top it with the sauteed veggies and serve. 2. Curd Rice Ingredients Cooked rice- 1/2 cup Curd – 1/4 cup Salt to taste How to Prepare Mix the curd and rice together. Mash it a little to make it a semi-smooth consistency. Add salt to taste. If it is too cold, leave it in room temperature for a few minutes before serving to your baby. Not every toddler accepts new foods. It can be quite a task to feed new recipes to growing toddlers. The tips given below will come in handy when you try to feed you 15-month-old baby one of the recipes given above. Tips for Feeding a Picky Toddler Most parents get confused about what to do when they see their baby refusing to eat. Try these feeding tips the next time your toddler resists foods: Introduce new food one at a time. Too many new things can confuse the kid. Feed the kid an assortment of recipes, so the baby sees variety and doesn’t get picky about one food. Be creative with the food. Try telling a story to hold your child’s interest as you feed him, or cut sandwiches in different shapes such as stars, animals, etc. Don’t force-feed your child. He will eat when he is hungry and will eat as much to fill his stomach. Force-feeding will make your child irritable. At 15 months, toddlers think they are big enough to eat their food themselves. Allow them to self-feed. Assist them if needed, but let them enjoy eating food with their hands. At this age, kids start wandering and enjoy exploring things around them. He might not like to sit for a long duration while eating his food and might get irritated sooner than expected. Therefore, feed small portions of food, several times a day. To keep the kid engaged in eating, make him eat with the family. To make eating easy for them, cut their food in small pieces. FAQs 1. Why Is My 15-month Old Chewing But Not Swallowing? This is a common problem, especially with kids chewing and spitting out food. It could be due to new foods, not liking the taste or texture, or being too full to eat. 2. How Much Water Should a 15-Month Baby Drink? Your child should be drinking anywhere between 2-4 cups of water daily at this age. You can give him this quantity by making him sip water frequently through the day. 3. What Are The Best Foods For Weight Gain in a 15-Month-Old Baby? Foods like potatoes, pumpkins, dal, ragi, eggs, and milk can be given to babies for weight gain. However, make sure you are checking with your paediatrician about concerns regarding your baby’s weight. Your little one is growing, so are his eating habits. The young one needs a wholesome diet for his development. The food you feed him has to be wholesome as well as interesting for the child. Therefore, incorporate an appropriate eating schedule with healthy recipes such as the ones given in this article and watch your little one get ready for the next growth milestone. References/Resources: 1. Feeding & Nutrition Tips: Your 1-Year-Old; American Academy of Pediatrics; https://www.healthychildren.org/English/ages-stages/toddler/nutrition/Pages/Feeding-and-Nutrition-Your-One-Year-Old.aspx; October 2020 2. Feeding your baby: 1–2 years; UNICEF; https://www.unicef.org/parenting/food-nutrition/feeding-your-baby-1-2-years 3. Solid foods: How to get your baby started; Mayo Clinic; https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/infant-and-toddler-health/in-depth/healthy-baby/art-20046200#; October 2021 4. Feeding Your Baby: The First Year; Cleveland Clinic; https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/articles/9693-feeding-your-baby-the-first-year#.; February 2020 5. Recommended Drinks for Children Age 5 & Younger; American Academy of Pediatrics; https://www.healthychildren.org/English/healthy-living/nutrition/Pages/recommended-drinks-for-young-children-ages-0-5.aspx; May 2022 Also Read: Best Food Ideas While Travelling with Infants Healthy Weight Gain Foods Ideas for Your Infant Best Dinner Foods for Your Infant That can Make Him Sleep Read more

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Introducing a Sippy Cup to Your Toddler

Whether your baby is bottle-fed, breastfed or a combination of both, you may want to introduce a sippy cup to him between the ages of 6 to 9 months old. However, parents have a number of questions about sippy cups, such as:” Are they safe?”, “When should they be introduced?” etc. Read on to get all your questions on introducing sippy cups to toddlers answered. When You Should Introduce a Sippy Cup to a Toddler Ideally, if your baby can sit on a high chair, it’s about time to introduce a sippy cup to him. You should first introduce a sippy cup to your baby between 6 to 9 months. The transition from a bottle or breast to a sippy cup is slow, so you can alternate between the two. It usually takes a while for kids to understand that milk and other liquids have sources other than the breast or bottle, and you may initially have some trouble. Babies also take time to adjust to holding the sippy cup and drinking from it, as their motor skills are still developing. Introducing a sippy cup early on ensures that your child takes his time to adjust to the change and can drink independently from the cup by 1 year. Remember, sippy cups by themselves are the stepping stone to drinking from an open glass or straw, so you want to get your child used to the change early on. A great way to know if your child is ready for a sippy cup is to look for signs of readiness. These include: Sitting without support Holding the bottle independently Eating solid food Showing interest in the sippy cup Tips to Introduce a Sippy Cup to Your Toddler Here are some tips that will help make the transition from the breast or bottle to a sippy cup smoother. 1. Start With Familiar Liquids Putting expressed milk or formula into the sippy cup adds that sense of familiarity and will make the sippy cup more desirable to your baby. If you have started giving your baby some water, you can also put some of it in the sippy cup. 2. Choose a Soft Spout A soft, pliable spout on the sippy cup makes it feel more like a breast or bottle, so your child doesn’t feel like he is being given something completely foreign. Hard spouts feel unfamiliar, and babies tend to resist such sippy cups. 3. Don’t Fill It Up Completely Fill the sippy cup only 1/4th of the way, so it feels lighter and your baby will be more likely to finish all the liquid in it. It shouldn’t have to be a task for your little one to hold a heavy cup. 4. Offer It in the Morning Children are usually least fussy with milk in the morning and tend to chug down as much as you give them. Your child is less likely to refuse the sippy cup in the morning because he is hungry. This goes for mid-night feeds as well. If your child wakes up in the middle of the night feeling hungry, give him breastmilk or formula in the sippy cup. 5. Show Your Baby How to Drink From It If your baby has trouble figuring out how to drink from the sippy cup, show him how to, and make a sucking noise as well. Remember to sterilise the spout or give a clean one to your baby after you use it. What to Do if Your Baby Refuses the Sippy Cup A sippy cup is, after all, unfamiliar, so it is likely that your child may initially refuse to use it. Here is what you can do in that case. 1. Dip the Spout in the Liquid Dip the spout of the sippy cup in the liquid that is in the bottle. Once, he gets a taste of it, he will likely want more and start drinking from the sippy cup. 2. Try Different Liquids If your child refuses to drink familiar liquids from the sippy cup, try switching it up with juices or water. 3. Experiment With Different Sippy Cups Sometimes your child may just not like the sippy cup, so you could try using other varieties with differently shaped handles, spouts, etc. Try until you succeed. 4. Alternate Between the Bottle and Cup Alternating between the bottle and sippy cup during or between feeds may also help you get your baby acclimatised to the cup. 5. Go Slow Rushing your baby will only cause him to become more resistant to the sippy cup. Instead, let him take his time. If he says ‘no’ when you offer him the sippy cup, don’t force him. Instead, find ways that’ll make your child accept it willingly. Whatever you do, try not to create a negative experience around the sippy cup. Let your baby have his space, while you use these tips to sneakily change things up once in a while. Remember, all babies are different, and it is likely that your child will take his own time and ways to get used to a sippy cup. Also Read: When Your Toddler Picks Up a Spoon for Feeding Read more

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