Feed your baby a variety of solid foods before age 1 is the proper time. Research shows that the more fruits and vegetables babies eat before age 1, the more likely they are to eat a variety of produce by age 6. Here are 6 foods to feed baby before age 1.
6 Foods to feed baby before age 1
(1) Berries
Babies eat with their eyes. The colors of strawberries, raspberries, and blueberries are bright and beautiful. You can use a blender to blend the berries as fruit puree or dice them as finger foods to feed your baby. Berries are a good source of vitamins and fiber. They are also loaded with antioxidants and immunity boosters.
(2) Small bits of meat
You can introduce chicken or turkey to your baby first and red meats next. Meat is high in iron and protein. Many studies have found that the more finely ground the meat, the more easily the body can absorb the iron. You are recommended to offer small bits of pureed meat that mix into pureed vegetables for your baby.
(3) Small bits of salmon
Salmon is packed with DHA and omega-3 fatty acids, which are essential to babies’ growing brains and cognitive development. Feed small bits of cooked and mashed salmon to your baby once a week.
(4) Small bits of eggs
Each egg contains 6 grams of protein, healthy fats and choline are good for babies’ eye health. Also, eggs are easy to prepare. You can mix blended scrambled egg with vegetable puree or just chop a hard-boiled egg/ cut up an omelet as finger foods.
(5) Soft-cooked & pureed broccoli
Broccoli is high in vitamin C and is a great source of soluble fiber for babies’ growth and development. Cut broccoli into florets and cook them until soft in a pot of boiling water. Then, place them in ice water to retain their green color. Use a food processor to blend the florets until smooth and serve it as puree.
(6) Soft-cooked & bite-size carrots
The crunchy and sweet carrot is a good source of vitamin K and vitamin B6, which helps blood clot properly and promote brain health. Peel and dice carrots thinly or chop them into bite-size. Them, steam or roast the carrot sticks with olive oil until soft. Serve them as finger foods.