If your baby is already in the world of solids in his diet, it’s time to offer him nutritious foods for him and his brain! Every baby’s first experience with solids is different; some babies take their first feeds right away, while others require a bit of trial and error.
Allow your baby to try a variety of healthy and nutritious foods, and let patience and nutrition always be your reference. In case there are any specific considerations for your little one that you should be aware of, remember to always check with your child’s pediatrician before starting solids.
Foods that affect positively to baby’s brain development
Once you have the go-ahead from your pediatrician, focus on foods that are rich in nutrients that support your baby’s healthy growth.
1. Greek Yogurt
Yogurt is a popular food around the world. It’s a nutritious option because it contains calcium, protein, and healthy fats. Incorporating healthy fat options like yogurt into your baby’s diet will help develop their brain cells and provide probiotics that help build a strong microbiome. Recent studies have shown a connection between our gut and brain. Plus, babies like the rich, creamy texture of Greek yogurt.
2. Avocado
Avocados are creamy and pureed and are quite a popular food. It is a nutrient-rich fruit with healthy fats, vitamins, and minerals. Avocado is not only nutritious, the healthy fats it contains contribute to the development of brain cells. In addition, the texture of this fruit is smooth and easy for the baby to tolerate.
3. Cheeses
Softer cheeses are often introduced early (such as the popular “quesitos,” which are softer), depending on your baby’s preparation, because they are lighter in flavor and texture. Cottage cheese is an easy deal: your baby can have it as a snack or it can be mixed with a vegetable or fruit.
4. Eggs
Egg whites should not be introduced until 12 months due to their increased risk as an allergen, but egg yolks are surprisingly nutritious and easy to digest. Egg yolks contain cholesterol, so experts recommend consuming them in moderation. In addition, they contain fat-soluble vitamins, as well as choline, selenium, and vitamin B12, all of which are important for organ development.
5. Apples
These nutritious fruits contain quercetin, which helps stimulate brain activity. Apples are easy to offer as a first food (pureed) and throughout the feeding stages of your baby’s transition.
6. Lentils
Lentils are available in various forms and are popular throughout the world. They are especially nutritious because they contain fiber, iron, and protein. They are also soft and easy to cook (no soaking required) and can be easily eaten as a puree. They can also be one of the lighter options when it comes to legumes.
7. Leafy Greens
While these may be difficult to initially offer as a single vegetable, they could be used as a mix to make them better tolerated. For example, you could mix spinach with apple or carrots. Because many green leafy vegetables contain nitrates, it is often recommended as a later introduction; closer to 10 months and beyond. Leafy greens like spinach or kale offer lutein and vitamin K that contribute to positive brain activity.
8. Salmon
A baby’s growing brain requires DHA (docosahexaenoic acid), an omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acid that is essential for cognitive development. Salmon is an excellent source DHA diet. You can make some cooked puree, blend it into a puree, or even create a burger or salmon nuggets if your little one will accept it as a snack.
9. Chocolate
Chocolate is a food that people of any age usually like, especially children. Children like milk chocolate better, but dark chocolate is the one with the best properties for anyone who consumes it. It contains fiber, it is nutritious, it has less sugar than other types of chocolate, it is a great source of antioxidants and it helps to have a stronger immune system.
10. Tomatoes
Tomatoes are a necessary food in the diet of both adults and children. It provides vitamin C, A, K, iron and potassium. It also prevents degenerative eye diseases. It also cares for the skin, prevents constipation, improves blood circulation and is a natural diuretic. It has it all!