Search
Close this search box.

6 Essential Nutrient-rich Foods for Infants.

Parents of infants have many things to consider, not just about what their children eat, but also how they feel. Proper nutrition is essential for your continued health, starting at birth.

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), optimal nutrition during the first three years is crucial for reducing chronic diseases and supporting regular mental and physical development. Healthy eating habits for infants are important. They need to be able to eat a wide variety of foods and have access to new flavors.

These are the recommended sources of essential nutrients by Plum Organics experts.

6 Essential Nutrient-rich Foods for Infants.

Orange Fruits and Vegetables
Orange fruits and vegetables, including sweet potatoes, butternut squash and pumpkin, provide a variety of mildly sweet and savory tastes. These fruits and vegetables are rich in beta-carotene which is a carotenoid, which can be converted to vitamin A in the human body. Vitamin A is vital for healthy skin, a strong immune system and vision in dim lighting. These fruits and vegetables also contain potassium, which is essential for maintaining fluid balance in the body. This helps to control blood pressure.

6 Essential Nutrient-rich Foods for Infants.

Meat, Poultry and Eggs, Legumes, and Beans.
This food group provides babies with delicious flavors and a variety of nutrients, including:

  • Choline plays a significant role in metabolism, early brain development, and other aspects of the human body.
  • Protein: vital for growth and development, as well as the optimal functioning of your body.
  • Iron: supports brain growth, immune function, and overall health. Babies’ iron stores, which were built up in utero, are often depleted by 6 months of age. This is why they should start eating iron-rich foods around this age. According to “The Journal of Nutrition”, 20% of infants aged 6-12 months are at high risk of iron deficiency. It’s a good idea to give babies food like Plum Organics’ Carrot Sweet Potato, Corn and Pea Baby Food Pouches. This makes it convenient to provide iron-rich proteins and savory tastes during infancy.
  • Zinc supports overall growth and immune function. The Dietary Guidelines for Americans states that approximately 54 percent of infants in the United States who are fed human milk lack adequate zinc intake.
6 Essential Nutrient-rich Foods for Infants.

Fish
Fish (such as salmon and steelhead trout, arctic and char, and sardines), provide nutrients such as protein and choline. They also offer interesting new flavors that are great for babies. Fish also contains DHA, which is an essential fatty oil that helps in the development of the eye and brain during infancy. Vitamin D, an essential nutritional nutrient, supports healthy bones, teeth, and bones.

Broccoli, Cauliflower, and Spinach
These vegetables may have a slightly bitter taste, but they also contain vitamin C. Vitamin C is an essential antioxidant which is especially important during infancy as it aids the body to absorb non-heme-iron from plant foods. For optimal iron absorption, make sure to pair iron-rich foods such as beans, whole grains and seeds with an infant-safe vegetable or fruit high in vitamin C.

6 Essential Nutrient-rich Foods for Infants.

Whole Grains
Iron-fortified cereals, such as amaranth, barley and quinoa, have mildly sweet, savory and nutritional benefits. They also offer digestive health and healthy bowel function support. Plum Organics’ Banana Zucchini, Amaranth Baby Food Pouches make it easy for babies to experience the rich flavor and benefits of whole grains. This kind of exposure increases the chances that babies will continue to eat whole grains and get the benefits as they grow up.

6 Essential Nutrient-rich Foods for Infants.

Coconut cream and yogurt
Coconut cream and full-fat Greek Yogurt are mild, sweet options that provide essential fats for neurological development and overall growth. Fat is an important energy source for infants on the go.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Don’t Miss Out…

Get Our Weekly Newsletter!

Sponsored

Paradox Magazine Cover Mockup July-22

Subscribe

Get the Latest
With Our Newsletter