5 Things to Consider When Buying Baby Food
Babies are fragile with a rather delicate body and immune system. The friable growing body needs proper nutrition and hence extra care needs to be taken when buying baby food. Store brought baby food items, just like any other food item, comes in both good and bad forms. Not only that the nutritional values are different but also the packaging and preparation style of the items differs. So, even though one may think that they have considered all the labels before investing in a brand or a type, there are still some minor things that slip by. This is why some very common factors have been identified that need to be considered before giving in to a choice.
Growth First: Look For Iron-Rich Foods
Iron is the first and foremost nutrient that is required for a growing body- the sole reason mums force kids to eat leafy green vegetables. For families that consume meat, single meat items such as beef, chicken, turkey, pork, etc. are a great option. No added flavors are required for children but if insisted upon, veggies make a great option to add some zing.
Cereals are the go-to products for vegetarian/vegan families. Avoid milk if you are vegan and add some fruits like bananas (brings in phosphorous), apple (rich in iron), etc. Flavored cereals should be kept at bay as they are high in sugar. Items like Organix Banana and Plum Porridge works wonders.
Liquids for a Hydrated Body
While packed juices are not recommended for babies due to the higher sugar content, water still remains a priority in the list of important food items. If wanted, fruit/vegetable juice squeezed at home can be considered as a good option for a hydrated and energetic body of your child.
Reading Labels Goes a Long Way
Most people out there are already engaged in the task of reading and evaluating food items using the labels. It is highly important to carefully examine all the ingredients used in the prepared food as they may prove harmful to the baby. Components like salt, sugar, and starch should be given a lot of thought before exposing your baby to them.
Do Not Be Afraid To Pick the Real Veggies
Veggies are your real friend when it comes to bringing a balanced meal on your growing baby’s table. It helps develop the taste and makes the baby used to eat them as well. The veggies are the best source to get all nutrients and vitamins while developing the taste simultaneously. Canned veggie purees which have not been sweetened with added flavors are a good option to go along with fresh vegetable.
Choose Glass Over Plastic:
Glass jars are often preferred over plastic containers or pouches for many reasons. They provide more convenient storing options. They can be microwaved and food contents are clearly visible from outside as well. Along with allowing excess to the examination of the food, glass containers also keep stored food fresh for longer. Since pouches have the option to slurp the food right out of the container, babies get habitual of that hence it is harder to develop proper eating habits in them in the later stages. Moreover, plastic pouches contain a high chance of reacting with the stored food and spoiling it. That is why products that are available in glass containers, such as Hipp Organic Meal Jars, are more baby-friendly.