When a child turns 1 year of age, there are many physical, mental, and behavioral changes. Parents are very worried about what kind of food to feed the baby during this time. At this age, children are very fond of eating unhealthy foods like chocolates, chips, juices, etc. While this is frustrating, the upside is that a baby's attraction to different foods teaches them to understand hunger cues.
The American Academy of Pediatrics has published on its website the amount of calories, calcium, and vitamin D a 1-year-old child needs. Now you might be wondering what kind of food these minerals can be found in. In my article, I talked about 12 foods for your child's physical development.
Why Babies Need Natural Foods
Babies need extra food when they turn 1 year old. Because his physical growth starts from the age of 1 year. Many parents give their babies milk powder formula at this time. This is not right at all. Because the formula usually does not contain the necessary nutrients. Therefore, the parent should choose some natural foods for their babies from which they will get the necessary nutrients. If the baby eats various nutritious foods along with the mother's milk then his body growth will be very fast, the bones of his hands and feet will be strong and his body will be healthy. Moreover, the more natural nutritious food a child eats, the higher his immunity will be and the child will be less likely to get sick.
12 Natural Foods for Baby's Physical Growth
Following are the natural foods you can feed your baby once he turns 1 year old.
1. Fruits
This is the period when your one-year-old begins to work on developing their pincer grasp, which entails using their fingertips to pinch and move food as they try to feed themselves. This is a perfect opportunity to provide finger food.
Fresher, softer fruits are excellent choices throughout this period of transition and beyond. They support the development of healthy eating habits in addition to providing essential nutrients and a variety of advantageous plant compounds.
Healthy fruits like bananas, apples, strawberries, grapes, peaches, or mangos should be gradually introduced to your child. Large fruit pieces should be avoided as they can cause choking hazards. You can also make a smoothie or snack with the fruit and feed it to your baby.
You may boost your baby's immune system by feeding him healthy fruits. It will quicken his growth in physical terms.
2. Cow's Milk and Yogurt
This is an excellent time to introduce cow's milk since your child may be gradually weaning off of formula or breast milk.
Milk and yogurt are excellent sources of calcium, which helps to strengthen bones, and protein for growing teeth. A glass of cow's milk per day is enough for a 1-year-old baby to get the protein and calcium he needs.
Cow's milk or yogurt can also be offered at mealtimes or as a snack, even though you can still give breast milk until the child is two years old or older. Honey drizzled over yogurt or pieces of fresh fruit can be used as toppings.
While dairy products are usually acceptable for this age group, keep an eye out for any symptoms of a casein allergy.
3. Whole Grain
Kids love pancakes, and whole-grain foods are a great source of fiber, vitamins, and minerals. So, if you're wondering what to offer your one-year-old, pancakes made with whole grain are a healthy option.
Pancakes made with whole grains provide prebiotics that are good for the gut and nourish good gut bacteria. When sliced into bite-sized pieces, they are also safe for fingers.
Make your own or purchase a blend that contains just whole grains. Serve them hot off the skillet or griddle and garnish with a dollop of honey, applesauce, or fresh sliced soft fruits.
To add even more protein, spread a very thin coating of creamy nut butter. But be careful about tree nuts because they are a common allergy.
4. Oatmeal
One-year-old babies cannot chew solid food. In this case, oatmeal is a great alternative. It has a great nutritional profile with plenty of protein, carbohydrates, minerals, vitamins, and healthy fats, and it's easy to swallow.
Furthermore, the high fiber content of oats contributes to the regular and healthy function of their digestive systems.
Additionally, adding milk to your child's oatmeal in place of water will increase the amount of nutrients it contains. Top these with chopped strawberries, bananas, or the preferred raw fruit of your child.
5. Tofu
Iron, calcium, and protein are all abundant in tofu, with firm tofu having the highest concentrations (20Trusted Source).
56-gram serving of firm tofu gives your child over 14% of the daily value of iron. Additionally, 12% of their daily calcium requirements are met by the same serving.
Tofu can be served any way; it's really versatile. Silken tofu can be mashed with cottage cheese, avocado, or bananas, or combined into smoothies. All this will do is offer some substantial nourishment because of its neutral flavor.
Tofu should be avoided if your child has been diagnosed as having a soy allergy.
6. Eggs
Eggs are a superfood that is great for both children and adults.
They are high in protein, good fats, and a variety of other nutrients, and they promote healthy brain development and eye health.
Serve them peeled and hardboiled, or scrambled. When your toddler starts trying to feed themselves, make sure you chop both of these into small pieces.
Take note that one of the top eight foods that trigger allergies in kids is eggs. After feeding eggs if you notice any problem in your child like stomach problems, rashes, or nasal congestion then you should avoid eggs for your child.
7. Chicken Meat
Adding soft pieces of chicken to your child's diet might be an excellent way to increase their protein intake. For healthy growth, this mineral is required.
Start by giving them soft cuts of chicken meat. In the blender, poach the meat first, then add milk or yogurt to soften this mixture. That means providing the chicken meat to your child in such a way that he feels comfortable eating it.
Steer clear of any thick or stringy meat cuts, since your youngster may find them difficult to chew. Additionally, avoid using strong or spicy seasonings as these could disturb their sensitive stomachs.
8. Avocado
You should feed avocados to your one-year-old. Their outstanding nutritional composition promotes your child's growth, and their soft texture is especially beneficial during this transitional age
Furthermore, the American Heart Association states that 30–40% of your toddler's calories should come from fat.
Rich in heart and brain-healthy fats, avocados are a great food for your youngster. Roughly 9 grams of good unsaturated fats can be found in 75 grams of raw avocado.
Try combining avocado with other smooth fruits and veggies, including cooked sweet potatoes or butternut squash.
9. Carrots, Broccoli and Peas
If you want to give your child enough nutrients then you have to introduce your youngster to some vegetables like carrots, broccoli, and peas.
Carrots, peas, and broccoli are high in vitamin C and fiber. Carrots also include lutein, which is good for the eyes, and peas are full of nutrients that help develop muscle.
Experiment with additional vegetables as well, such as steamed butternut squash, sweet potatoes, and parsnips. Serve these with hummus or a lemon-flavored yogurt dip.
Any of them should not be served raw because they are still too hard to chew.
10. Beans
For your 1-year-old child, 130 grams of mashed beans supply over 39% of the Daily Value for iron.
Mashed beans, whether they are kidney, white, or black, are a great source of iron that your 12-month-old child needs to maintain the health of their blood cells.
They will absorb iron far more effectively if you serve these alongside high-vitamin C vegetables like broccoli, chopped tomatoes, or sweet potatoes.
If your baby doesn't consume meat, this iron and vitamin C combination is especially crucial for him.
11. Chickpeas and Sesame Butter
Chickpeas and sesame butter combine to create hummus, which is packed with protein, good fats, vitamins, and nutrients.
Serve hummus with whole grain crackers, your child's preferred protein source, a slice of cheese, or cooked vegetables.
Although there are excellent store-bought alternatives, making your own is a simple task if you're in the mood. Just pulse some garlic, chickpeas, olive oil, and sesame butter in a food blender until creamy.
However, bear in mind that one of the top 10 most prevalent food allergies is sesame seeds. Because of this, be careful about serving your child such a food containing sesame.
12. Water
Your toddler needs to stay hydrated while they transition off breast milk or formula. Water is the best option. As needed, top out their sippy cups with fresh liquid.
A minimum of 250 ml of water should be given to your 12-month-old each day. If they're sick, active, or in a hot environment, they could require extra.
Special Instruction for Growing Child
Your one-year-old is going through a lot. Among many other developmental milestones, they are experimenting with self-feeding, learning to perceive hunger and fullness, and expressing their independence.
Fresh soft fruits, steamed vegetables, tofu, and eggs are just a few of the many sensible and healthful meal options available to you as you navigate this time of development and transformation.
The important thing is to choose foods that are soft, highly nutritious, and easy to chew.
In Conclusion, Introducing new meals one at a moment and in tiny quantities is a smart approach. Keep an eye out for negative reactions to any new meal you give them, and cease feeding it if you notice any indications of an allergy or intolerance.