Thursday, July 22, 2010

Nutritional Information About Baby Food


We all know baby food is a natural transition in every baby’s life by about six months of age. It is really nutritious for your baby though, and do you know what goes into it?

You wouldn’t put strange food into your body and for that same reason you want to make sure you know what is in the food you are giving to your baby before you give it to them.

You’re Infants Needs
The nutritional needs of your infant are not the same as the nutritional needs that you have or that your spouse has. They need certain fats and only small amounts of the fiber, proteins and sugars that adults need. You should never apply your diet to your baby.

Jarred Food vs. Home Made Food
Jarred food is in many cases just as good for your baby as homemade food assuming the home made food is carefully prepared using clean work areas and kitchen tools. You want to make sure that you do not expose your baby to any harmful bacteria from your last meal that might be growing on the counter. When prepared carefully and made correctly either food is healthy for your baby to eat.

Water
Water is occasionally added to baby food in an effort to thin it out and get it to the proper consistence for your baby’s growth and development. When your baby first starts on baby food it would be very hard for him to swallow peas that have been simply chewed up, so baby food companies add water to make the food the right texture. If you are making your own baby food at home you can substitute breast milk or formula for the water.

Starch
Some people may not realize, but many baby foods contain starches which are easily digestible carbohydrates which are actually good for your baby. The Food and Drug Administration has stated that starches are ok to put in baby food but specifies that companies must put it on the label.

Textures
Why does your baby need texture in his food you might wonder? The texture on your baby’s tongue helps to teach them about shapes and sizes when it comes to food that goes in their mouth. Learning about textures when young, helps a baby as they become a toddler and begin to eat table food. It is important for them to learn to swallow chunky foods because no one can puree food with their teeth, even your toddler who thinks he can do EVERYTHING.

Organic vs. The Original
Is there really a difference and is it important which one you feed your baby? In the big world probably not, but if you and your family is into organic foods then you may want to follow along the same with your baby. Organic foods are free of the pesticides and preservatives that some of the original jarred baby food may have been made with or treated with while the food was growing whether it is vegetables or chicken from the range.

It is important for you to be concerned about your baby’s nutritional well being. After all, what you feed your child now will help shape the type of eater they grow up to be. If you have questions about what you should be feeding your baby or your baby’s developmental progress be sure to ask your pediatrician at your baby’s next well-check.

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