Non-vegetarian food is an excellent source of first-class protein and contributes in a big way to promote muscle development and strength in children. However, your baby’s digestive system isn’t ready for it, at least during the first year after birth.
Non-vegetarian food is an excellent source of first-class protein and contributes in a big way to promote muscle development and strength in children. However, your baby’s digestive system isn’t ready for it, at least during the first year after birth.
Here are few rules that you need to follow while giving non-vegetarian food to your child:
#1 Start with eggs: They are an excellent source of protein and are compatible with your baby’s developing digestive system. ‘However, keep in mind that you shouldn’t start on eggs before your baby is nine months of age,’ says Dhvani Shah, pediatric nutritionist, Mumbai. Your baby’s systems take that much of time to mature to be able to digest non-vegetarian foods. Here is a list of eight important weaning foods to help you get started with your baby’s meals.
#2 Move to fish and chicken after one year of age: If you want to give your baby fish or chicken, wait till your baby is little older than a year. ‘Start when your baby is 13 or 14 months old. However, keep in mind that you need to introduce fish and chicken in form of broth or soup first, and refrain from giving chunks of meat at the start,’ says Dhvani. Here are eight tips to help your toddler eat well.
#3 Fish comes before chicken: While introducing non-vegetarian food try giving your baby fish first before meat. ‘It is better to start with fish and then move to poultry. Keep in mind there is a pattern you should follow, start with soup or broth, then move to steamed, boiled or grilled chucks after a month of introducing the broth,’ informs Dhvani.
#4 Go slow with red meat: When it comes to red meat, lamb is still a better option than sausages and dark red meat. ‘Apart from lamb, the other varieties of red meats are high on nitrate content which could interfere with the brain development of toddlers,’ says Dhvani. Ideally it is best to avoid giving red meat to your child under five years of age.
#5 Don’t overcook the meat: Follow this rule for both fish and meat. Always opt for grilled, steamed and boiled meat for your child under age of three.
#6 Limit the intake: ‘Ideally for babies and toddlers limit the intake of non-vegetarian foods to twice a week. Consumption of fish and meat too often can drop your baby’s metabolic rate as it takes longer time to digest. Ideally give your baby fish or chicken during dinner and not at lunch. This will ensure that there is enough time for the food to digest before your baby is ready for the next meal,’ says Dhvani.
#7 Cook the meat right: Make sure that you wash and clean the meat thoroughly before cooking it. Avoid buying processed meat for your baby.
Originally published on www.thehealthsite.com
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