It is very natural to be all confused about what solid food to give your baby. It sure is very frustrating to brainstorm so much before feeding your little angel. The worst part is when each and every person, magazine and website give you different opinions making you even more conscious about what to start with.
Upon hearing wheat, you might immediately get yourself thinking about all the debate you have heard around it. Wheat also happens to be the most allergenic food and you should always introduce your baby with it with caution and at an appropriate age. However, it is extremely nutritious and healthy for your baby.
Health benefits of wheat for infants
Wheat has a popular reputation as a grain around the world. But before you start introducing wheat to baby, let us delve into its importance on health for your little one.
- Full of minerals and vitamins
Wheat is packed with Vitamin B and minerals which play an important role in the overall development of your baby. Minerals and vitamins even facilitate mental development. Moreover, it also has chlorophyll in it that aids in purifying blood.
- Facilitates oral health
Doesn’t the food made of wheat make your chew it so much? All this extensive chewing aids in improving oral health. It prevents cavities and facilitates blood circulation in gums.
- Rich in carbohydrates
Wheat is a great source of carbohydrates. This is the biggest reason for such heavy amount of wheat consumption around the world. Carbohydrates are responsible for generating energy for both mental and physical activities. And your baby requires energy to perform all his every day activities. It is a great energy booster in case your little one gets dull.
- Facilitates digestive health
Healthy digestion is extremely important for the health of your child. When the digestive system does not work as it should, it lead to other health issues. Wheat happens to be an easily digestible food. It minimizes risks of flatulence and keeps the intestine healthy.
When should you introduce wheat to your baby?
There happens to different opinions regarding when you should introduce wheat to the baby. Some of the experts believe that you should give your baby wheat based recipe after waiting for at least one or two years. on the flip side, few others think that you can begin introducing wheat when the child is 6 months old. However, recent studies show that there is no particular reason for delaying introduction of wheat. You can simply start giving your child wheat any time after he turns 6 months old.
Make it a point to consult your doctor before adding wheat in your baby’s diet as he knows better about your family history and baby’s health.
Things to remember!
Wheat is among allergy causing foods which is why you need to be careful before giving it to your baby. Some of the things to remember are:
- Don’t give wheat flour
Feeding your baby with wheat is okay but don’t give him wheat flour as it can cause wheat allergy.
- Go for simple wheat recipes
It is important to feed your baby with simple wheat recipes. Initially, is more advisable to give your child processed wheat and not whole wheat as it can be heavy on the stomach.
- Stop if your baby shows sign of asthma
If you baby happens to who signs of asthma or respiratory problem, delay feeding wheat or not give him at all.
