Kiddipedia
As parents, we constantly make decisions to ensure our children’s well-being. One of the most crucial choices we face is how we feed our babies during their first 1,000 days—a period that profoundly impacts their growth and development.
From conception to their second birthday, our little ones undergo incredible changes. Every bite they take contributes to their long-term health and happiness.
In the sea of advice, there’s one principle worth paying particular attention to: the importance of introducing bold flavours and textures to our babies’ diets.
You might wonder why exposing tiny taste buds to adventurous tastes is necessary so early on. Well, it’s because their taste buds are incredibly adaptable, and early exposure to diverse flavours can shape their eating habits for life.
Contrary to what many believe, babies aren’t born with set food preferences. They’re eager to explore new tastes and textures, from sweet fruits to savoury fish. By introducing a variety of flavours, we can help them develop a love for healthy foods.
But it’s not just about taste – it’s about providing the nutrients they need to grow. Bold flavours often come from nutrient-rich foods like leafy greens and whole grains, which are essential for their development.
Here are some nutrient-packed ingredients to consider adding to your baby’s diet during this critical period:
- Bone Broth: Bone broth is a great way to include more collagen and amino acids such as glycine and proline. These are great for supporting gut health and the immune system. Adding apple cider vinegar (or other acids) and cooking for a longer time when cooking at home helps minerals leach out of the bones, making them easier to digest.
- The Rainbow: Eating a variety of fruits and veggies in those First 1000 Days means you’ll unlock antioxidants, vitamins and minerals from each plant group which supports healthy growth.
- Chicken Liver: is a rich source of iron, vitamin A, and vitamin B12, crucial for growth and development. (1-2 tablespoons per week is plenty to avoid excessive Vitamin A intake!)
- Salmon: Rich in Omega-3 fatty acids, essential for brain development and overall health.
- Spices: Each spice has a unique set of health benefits. They are rich in antioxidants and other bioactive compounds that support health and well-being..
Equally crucial is the role of diverse textures in developing oral motor skills and encouraging self-feeding. From the satisfying crunch of a fresh apple to the tender flakiness of baked fish, exposing babies to a variety of textures helps them learn to handle and explore food with their hands and mouths – a vital step in their journey towards independent eating.
Embracing bold flavours and varied textures may pose challenges. It can be messy, chaotic, and occasionally difficult. However, the benefits far outweigh the inconveniences. By encouraging our babies to explore and experiment with a wide range of foods, we’re laying the foundation for a lifetime of healthy eating habits.
By Jessica Kurosaki, Accredited Practicing Dietitian Specialising in Infant Nutrition
