Living and Loving – September 2019

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XANET SCHEEPERS

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L&L | SEPTEMBER 2019 | 45

baby & toddler

Goodfoodsfor baby

“The foods below are all healthy

options, providing essential nutrients

for growth and development.

Nutrient-dense complementary

foods should be introduced from six

months of age, along with continued

breastfeeding. Gradually introduce

a variety of different foods to expose

your little one to different tastes

and textures,” recommends Cath.

WINTER SQUASH

(BUTTERNUT, PUMPKIN)

Butternut is a good source of vitamin for

development of eye sight and building

immunity, as well as fibre. Introduce

butternut or pumpkin from six months of

age, pureéd at first then mashed with

a fork. Progress to cubes or slices once

your baby can tolerate finger foods. LL

AVOS

Introduce avos from six months,

mashed with a fork, progressing

to cubes once your baby can

tolerate finger foods. Avocados

are high in monounsaturated

fats, which are good for brain

development and growth.

SWEET POTATOES

Sweet potatoes are high in

vitamin A, which is needed

for the healthy development

of your baby’s eyes. They’re

also high in beta carotene

and potassium, vitamin E,

calcium and folate – all of

which encourage growth.

Start introducing pureéd sweet

potato, then mash it with a fork

and cube it once your little

one can tolerate finger foods.

MEAT (CHICKEN,

LAMB OR BEEF)

Meat is a good source of

protein, iron, zinc and most

of the B vitamins. You can

introduce chicken, lamb

or beef into your little one’s

diet around one month

after starting solids (usually

when he is around seven

months old). Cut the meat

into small pieces or shred

it to begin with. As your

child progresses to finger

foods (around eight to nine

months) you can cut the

meat into small cubes.

YOGHURT

Yoghurt can be offered in small

amounts once good sources of protein

and iron (chicken, fish, beef, egg)

have been established in your baby’s

diet. Yoghurt should not be offered

as a meal, only as a snack. Rather

opt for plain unsweetened yoghurt.

While yoghurt is a good source of

calcium, at this stage most of your

child’s calcium requirements will be

met by breast milk or formula, so it’s

not necessary to offer frequently.

EGG

Egg yolk is a good source

of protein, potassium and

calcium and can be given to

your baby at least one month

after starting solids (usually

around seven months). Try

scrambled eggs first to see

if your little one enjoys it.

BANANA

Bananas are a good source

of fibre. They also contain

potassium, which is important

for nerve development. Offer it

to your baby from six months,

mashed with a fork at first.

GREEN PEAS

Peas are a good source of fibre.

Introduce green peas from six

months of age, pureéd at first, then

mashed with a fork. Add some

mint as a way to expose your little

one to different flavours. Whole

peas can be offered when

your baby can tolerate

finger foods – between

nine and 12 months. Always

encourage your baby to chew

and eat without distractions.

Click on Child, then Nutrition for

a guide on when to introduce

allergy foods to your baby.

LIVING

AND

LOVING

.CO.ZA