When you are pregnant, you pass on the baby’s nutrition needed for growth. Your baby then comes into this world with unique nutritional needs. He requires special attention. It is very important that you give your child with the needed nutrition during the initial months. Any kind of deficiency during this time can have adverse effects on his future growth. Every mother makes efforts to make sure that her baby takes in adequate amount of nutrients. As soon as your baby crosses six months, he needs to have an intake of nutritional food along with breast milk. Now your baby does not only require more energy, he also needs all those things that facilitate development and growth.
When you begin giving your little one food alongside breast milk, you need to make sure that the food is easy to chew and is soft for your baby. To make it easy to eat and digestible, you can pound or mash the food. Moreover, introduce food to your toddler gradually.
Here are some of the most important nutrients your baby must be given after six months:
1. Calcium
The daily requirement of calcium for your baby is at least 500 mg. Most of the time, the calcium requirements are fulfilled through formula milk or breast milk. It helps to develop strong bones and teeth and makes sure that your baby is strong enough to keep any fractures at bay once he begins running and playing. You can add calcium to his diet by giving him calcium rich food like yoghurt, orange juice, oatmeal and cheese.
2. Omega 3
Your probably know about the benefits Omega 3 has for adults bud did you know it works its magic on children too? Salmon and avocado are storehouse of omega 3. You can even provide your child with omega 3 by consuming omega 3 yourself and passing it on to your child through breast milk. They are extremely important for the development of brain and vision. They have an important role to play in developing the cognitive skill of your baby.
3. Iron
Iron has a variety of things to do in your toddler’s body apart from producing hemoglobin and providing adequate amount of oxygen to the heart. Iron also has a vital role to play in improving memory and development of brain. Normally, babies are born with enough iron reserve to last them four to five months. However, after that they need to fill in the gap by taking food with a daily requirement of 11 mg. Foods like spinach, soya beans, eggs, potato and fortified cereals are full of iron.
4. Various Vitamins
The power of vitamins cannot be denied for the baby. He requires all the essential vitamins like A, B, C, D, E and K for healthy growth and development. Vitamin A is required for sharp vision and healthy skin. It is found in foods like sweet potato, carrots and broccoli. Vitamin D on the other hand is well known for strong bones and prevents rickets in children. Furthermore, Vitamin C happens to a strong antioxidant that prevents disease like scurvy and is found is baby friendly foods like citrus fruits, strawberries and tomatoes. Vitamin K is important for preventing clotting of blood whereas vitamin E is needed of development of nervous system.
