Did you know that eight common foods are powerhouses when it comes to providing essential nutrients for your baby’s growth and development? We chat to Cath Day, spokesperson and registered dietician for the Association for Dietetics in South Africa (ADSA), on the top foods you can gradually introduce to your baby from six months of age, along with continued breastfeeding.
Amazing 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.
Brilliant Bananas
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.
Wonderful Winter squash
Butternut is a good source of vitamin for the development of eyesight and building immunity and 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.
Super 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.
Marvelous 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.
Excellent 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.
Yummy 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.
Great 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.
