Numerous misconceptions surrounding the preparation of food for babies have been passed down through generations, and many modern mothers still consider them as "golden rules" when preparing meals for their little ones. However, these methods often lead to unpredictable consequences!
Reheating Food Multiple Times
Due to time constraints and the fact that babies eat only small portions per meal, some mothers feel compelled to cook a large batch and divide it into multiple servings. Nonetheless, reheating food multiple times can cause a loss of vitamins in vegetables and make the taste less appealing for the child. This approach may also result in the child developing aversions to the food.
Additionally, repeatedly reheating food stored in the refrigerator creates an environment for bacteria and fungi to thrive, which may go unnoticed by the mother. When feeding the child such food, there is a risk of stomach discomfort and food poisoning.
Instead of reheating multiple times, mothers can consider simmering a pot of plain rice porridge (congee) in approximately three bowls, then scooping out one bowl at a time to cook separately with different types of meat and vegetables for each meal. The remaining plain congee can be stored in the refrigerator.
Misunderstanding the Benefits of Bone Broth
Many mothers visit doctors with the same question: "Why do I put so much effort into taking care of my child's nutrition, but they still suffer from malnutrition? Despite frequently making bone broth for porridge, my child doesn't gain weight and may even lose weight."
According to nutrition experts, bone broth contains a lot of nitrogen, which gives it a pleasant taste but contains very little protein and calcium. Moreover, children under one year old cannot digest the animal bone marrow fat, and excessive consumption can lead to diarrhea or loose stools.
Although bone marrow contains a lot of calcium, it is in an inorganic form that the child's body cannot absorb. Thus, bone broth lacks sufficient nutrients for the child and may also pose hazards to their digestive system.
Furthermore, the belief that "bone broth is nutritious because all the essential nutrients from the food have dissolved into the broth, leaving behind only the 'remains' without nutrients" is another misconception. In reality, nutritional analyses have shown that the protein from meat, fish, shrimp, etc., is only present in the meat itself and does not dissolve into the broth.
Similarly, the fiber from vegetables also remains in the solid part. To ensure the child gets all the nutrients, they must eat the "meat" part of the food, which can be mashed, cut small, or cooked tenderly.
"Overusing" the Blender
Many three to four-year-old children have grown enough teeth, but mothers still feed them pureed food using a blender, fearing that they might not be accustomed to eating solid food. However, chewing is a critical skill in a child's development. Ignoring this skill may lead to delayed development and digestive issues.
Children who are used to swallowing without chewing will have poorer nutrient absorption and slower growth compared to their peers. Moreover, this habit affects the child's brain development as well. Without starting to chew food as they develop a strong brain, children will not be able to distinguish between hard and soft, crunchy and chewy textures when eating.
To avoid these mistakes, mothers should gradually introduce appropriate foods to their child at each stage of development. For example, when a child reaches six months old, they can start with watery rice porridge and gradually transition to thick rice porridge or solid rice dishes by the age of one.
Each time transitioning to a new diet, the child may experience some initial discomfort or vomiting. However, mothers should persevere, as the child will quickly adapt. Mothers can also "wean off the blender" by gradually blending the porridge less (reducing blending time), then cooking it into more solid rice porridge, and finally, rice with small and soft pieces.
Salty foods
Adding salt or fish sauce to a baby's food can adversely affect their kidneys. The kidney function of a seven-month-old child is still immature, and the child may not have the ability to process large amounts of salt.
This can lead to the accumulation of salt in the body, causing high blood pressure, edema, heart rhythm disorders, etc. In addition, there is evidence showing that excessive salt intake during the weaning stage can harm the child's brain development.
Ideally, mothers should avoid adding salt or fish sauce to their child's food if they are under one year old. When tasting the child's food, if it tastes just right to the mother, it probably means that the food is salty enough for the child.
Nutritious Foods Recommended for Mothers to Supplement Their Children's Diet
Green vegetables
Green vegetables are rich in vitamins, minerals, and fiber essential for the child's development and health. Mothers can include vegetables such as broccoli, spinach, kale, carrots, beets, cabbage, cauliflower, and curly kale in their child's diet.
Meat, fish, and soybeans
These food sources provide essential proteins for muscle growth and overall development. Mothers can prepare meats such as chicken, pork, fish, shrimp, and other seafood. For plant-based options, soy milk or tofu can be excellent choices.
Fresh fruits
Fruits are rich in vitamins, antioxidants, and fiber, supporting the child's digestive system. Mothers can offer fruits like bananas, apples, pears, oranges, grapes, pineapples, and strawberries.
Whole grains
Whole grains provide energy for daily activities and are a good source of fiber. Mothers can offer their child options such as brown rice, oats, barley, corn, and quinoa.
Milk and dairy products
Milk contains calcium and other essential nutrients crucial for bone and dental development in children. Mothers should ensure that their child consumes sufficient milk and provides dairy products such as yogurt, condensed milk, and cheese.
Nuts
Chia seeds, walnuts, and flaxseeds are rich in fiber and omega-3 fatty acids, promoting digestive health and brain development. Mothers can incorporate these nuts into various dishes or let the child eat them directly.
Tofu
Tofu provides plant-based protein and beneficial nutrients for overall health. Mothers can prepare vegetarian dishes using tofu, such as tofu in tomato sauce, stir-fried tofu, or soy milk.
Nuts like almonds, walnuts, and cashews
These nuts are nutrient-dense, containing unsaturated fats and vitamin E, beneficial for heart health and immune support.
Root vegetables
Sweet potatoes, carrots, beets, potatoes, and cassava are rich in fiber and vitamins, providing energy and supporting the child's digestive system.
Natural fruit juices
Instead of giving sugary drinks, mothers can prepare natural fruit juices without or with minimal added sugar. Natural fruit juices contain vitamins and antioxidants, promoting the child's overall health.
You can refer to Vitacare USA's natural and safe supplements to provide the necessary nutrition for your child.
Conclusion
To avoid these mistakes, mothers should choose suitable foods for each stage of their child's development. They can follow a basic food introduction timeline: at six months old, the baby can eat watery porridge and gradually move to thicker porridge or solid rice dishes by the age of one.
When transitioning to new foods, the child may experience some initial discomfort or vomiting. However, mothers should persist, as the child will quickly adjust.
Gradually reducing blending time and incorporating more solid food will help the child develop crucial chewing skills and improve their overall nutrient absorption and growth.
Moreover, mothers should avoid adding salt or fish sauce to their child's food to protect their delicate kidneys and promote healthy brain development.
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