Baby Food - Which is the best food for Babies

Babies need extra care as they are not capable doing everything their own and as parents, there is nothing we will not do for our children. When it comes to a newborn babies, the priority goes more high and they seek super attention towards them right from getting up to going to bed. Their beddings, clothing, feeding and hygiene are most important aspects to be taken seriously because each of this has an impact on baby’s health and so its growth. Healthy environment and nutritious food supplements with proper hygienic condition makes baby disease free and promotes growth wonderfully.

In all these, baby food stands out. Baby food is very much important for its growth and baby’s immunity power. Babies grow faster than the adults and when one grows, needs nutrition too. For this fast growth, they are to be supplied with extremely nutritious and good food. The food should be healthy, fresh and rich in all those nutrients that can build the body of a baby.

One has to remember that what is good for adults is not always good for babies. Thought baby’s body is a human body just like an adult, but their bodily systems are not developed and they need some extra nutrition to meet up the body demand for growth and development of different cells, tissues, organs and finally systems. In early years, baby’s digestive system is not so powerful and its intestines can’t digest whatever you give to eat. They are fully dependent on mother’s milk as that is very nutritious and full of immunity power, which a baby requires the most.

Babies have teething after sometime and till that period, it has to depend on the mother’s milk and in some cases extra supplements, which are carefully designed and formulated. Mother’s milk is almost a complete food for baby up to certain period especially up till a baby has started teething. Various vitamins, minerals, proteins, carbohydrates and fats in food are very much required for baby. This all can be supplied by certain dairy products, vegetables, eggs and some non-vegetarian items. One has to be careful giving any edible item to the baby as some food may harm baby’s health.

In some cases where in a mother has less breast milk or no breast milk, the baby food changes drastically. There are many baby foods available in the market as a substitute to mother’s milk. They are extremely rich in vitamins, minerals and many other nutrients but to start that, one must consult neonatologist. Depending upon the weight and age, newborns and babies are supplied this outside/substitute food. It can be either mixed with pure water or with milk. Lot many infant formulas available in the market are strictly tested and approved by food and drug departments of countries.

What should be given to babies?

Babies are delicate and so their bodily systems. Baby’s body systems are not capable to digest everything that is put into the mouth of baby. Since, everything can not be given to a baby; one has to choose the most nutritious food that can promote growth and immunity to the baby.

For the first two years, generally, babies need full cream milk and cheese otherwise babies can't absorb vital vitamins and minerals. In some babies, cow’s milk produces an allergy, so one can shift to goat’s milk. Other foods that can produce allergy to a baby include egg whites, peanut butters, soybeans, fish, pears, beans and some other spices. They may produce rashes on the body. One has to give a food to the baby that is time tested and trusted. Remember that baby’s intestines are not so well developed so too much fiber (roughage) will prevent important nutrients to be absorbed properly. Baby’s body starts storing calcium, which can further be very helpful in later stage of life, so supplementation of calcium is must and should not be forgotten. Proper supplementation of vitamins like Vitamin C and B complex is extremely helpful building immunity and to fight against diseases.

When baby grows and turn into children, they can be supplied by rich nutrients like chicken soup and green leafy vegetable juices on regular basis. Never omit milk and other dairy products for calcium supplements. One should also supply iron and folic acid so that baby is been prevented from anemia, a dangerous disease where baby’s hemoglobin level drops drastically.

Babies, in their early years of life need extra calories and therefore, food rich in calories and carbohydrates are proffered in almost all cases. Keep your babies away from junk food and carbonated water and other ‘so called’ cold drinks. They are tough to digest especially for baby’s intestines and more badly, they supply no nutrients. Drinks produce stimulation such as coffee, tea and alcohol should strictly be avoided. Snacks and sugary items can be restricted but not totally banned as sugar is also required for energy in the body. You should always have iodized salt so that some of the major diseases like goiter can be prevented.

When baby has enough teeth to chew, one can start with wheat, rice and other cereals. Pulses and beans are also very nutritious for the baby. Prefer steamed food than fried. Potatoes, tomatoes, cabbage and spinach are extremely needed to be supplied. They can be steam-cooked and smashed before giving to baby.