Best Fruits and Vegetables for your baby development

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We all want our kids to grow up eating a healthy diet and once your baby reaches six months of age, it’s time to introduce healthy, nutritious foods into their diet because it is the time they need more energy and nutrients than at any other time in their life because in this age children need enough nutritious food every day to grow healthy, strong and smart and it is nearly impossible to think of healthier food than vegetables and fruits. Vegetables and fruits are some of the best sources of vitamins minerals and other nutrients.

The items in our list are ideal for babies 6 months and older. Just remember that solid foods of any kind should not be introduced before 4 months of age. From the age of 1, solid food will replace much of the milk in your baby’s diet. With that in mind, here’s our guide to what we consider to be the best and healthy food for your baby.

Carrots:

Carrots have large amounts of beta-carotene which is a great source of vitamin A and plays a role in your baby’s growth and healthy vision. Cooking carrots brings out their natural sweetness, which makes them appealing to babies. When making carrots for your little one, make sure they are cooked until very soft. You can either puree them or serve well-cooked diced carrots.

Avocados:

Avocados have the highest protein content of any fruit, and they’re rich in monounsaturated fat, this is a good type of fat that helps prevent heart disease and it is very good for healthy heart functioning. The macronutrients in avocado help develop a baby’s brain and nervous system, as well as increase absorption of fat-soluble vitamins A, D, E, and K. Make sure you only serve Baby ripe avocados and at first, try to start serving it 1 tbsp mashed. Wash the outside, then remove the peel and mash well. Avocado is not only nutritious, but it is also soft and easy for the baby to tolerate.

Sweet potatoes:

Sweet potatoes provide potassium, vitamin A, plus plenty of fiber, manganese, vitamin B6, and vitamin C, fiber, and beta-carotene—an antioxidant that prevents certain types of cancer and mops up free radicals. Most babies prefer to eat sweet potatoes because of their naturally sweet taste. When serving sweet potato to your baby, be sure to mash well and remove the skin.

Yogurt:

Yogurt is a popular first food all around the world. It is a nutritious option because yogurt gives your baby calcium, protein, and phosphorus, which are important for your baby’s healthy bones and teeth. It also has probiotics, a type of good bacteria that aids digestion and supports the immune system. Your baby can have it at 4 to 6. Always choose a whole milk yogurt and do not go for flavored yogurt which is rich in sugar.

Eggs:

Egg whites provide protein, while the yolks contain zinc and vitamins A, D, E, and B12. Egg yolks contain cholesterol, which is what comprises the outer lining of brain cells. Eggs contain fat-soluble vitamins as well as choline, selenium, and Vitamin B12 which are all important for brain development. Traditionally, pediatricians used to advise parents to not serve eggs, especially egg whites until after the first year of age because of the potential for allergic reactions. But that advice has now changed, and some experts believe that eggs should be delayed only in families that have a history of allergies.

Bananas:

Bananas are full of carbohydrates for sustained energy, as well as fiber to support a healthy digestive tract. They’re a perfectly designed baby food from nature, as they come in their easy-to-peel packaging. When serving bananas to young kids, make sure they are ripe and thoroughly mashed.

Peas:

Give your baby a new taste and texture by offering whole green peas. Though they look tiny, the nutritional value of peas is very high. This bright green vegetable is a great source of vitamins A, C, and B1, and offers folate, phosphorus, iron, proteins, and fiber. These can be steamed, boiled, or frozen to provide relief for teething gums.

Apple:

Apples are easy for your baby to digest, and it has the soluble fiber in it helps baby with constipation. It’s delicious, nutritious, and very easy to eat! These nutritious fruits contain quercetin, which helps in healthy brain activity.

Cheese:

Cheese contains protein, it also boosts calcium and a healthy dose of riboflavin (vitamin B2), which helps convert protein, fat, and carbohydrates into energy. Full-fat cottage cheese is a good source of calcium, protein, and other important nutrients. Before providing it to your baby it is advisable to cut it into small diced pieces. Start by offering your baby just 1 to 2 ounces of cheese a day if your baby is between 6 and 8 months old.

Salmon:

Salmon is one of the best foods you can feed your baby. Fatty fish like salmon abounds with fat-soluble vitamins and essential fats that support brain development, eye health, and the immune system. It’s rich in nutrients that growing babies need such as protein & fat. It’s packed with iron and vitamin D, which are two nutrients babies can often be deficient in and need for overall health.

Meat and chicken:

The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends meat as a first food because it’s such a great source of protein, zinc, and iron, especially red meat and chicken. Meat like chicken, lamb, or beef contains nutrients, which help red blood cells carry oxygen to cells and assists brain development. Younger babies can have meat purees, while older babies who can chew can have well-cooked, finely diced meats. Plus babies absorb iron more easily from meat than from iron-fortified cereals.

Lentils:

Lentils are so beneficial for babies. The legumes are rich in B-vitamins, including folate to support the nervous system and brain development, as well as protein to fuel the muscles and fiber to nourish the gut microbiome. They’re also one of the cheapest healthy foods you can buy.