Babies gradually grow from taking breast milk or/and baby formulas, to lighter meals and then to solid healthy baby food. However, the search for the right and healthy food for your baby can be a daunting task sometimes for a parent. Well, that can be a thing of the past as this article details a complete guide on what to consider when next you go shopping for your infant meal. These tips include;
1) The Nutritional Component of the Food
It is crucial to check for the nutritional content(s) that make up the food. Foods highly rich in vitamins and minerals are recommended for your baby. Baby food should contain both macronutrients and micronutrients.
2) Carefully Read the Labels
Labels tell the nutritional component of the food as well the expiry date of the product. For example, if sugar is listed as the first ingredient, then it is a sign that the food is composed of a whole lot of sugar. Also, always remember to check the “use by” date on the food label to ensure it is not expired. If it is, then do not purchase such food.
3) Compare the Ingredients and Nutritional Value of Various Brands
Baby food brands have different ingredients and nutritional compositions. Therefore, compare them in order to select which is best suited for your baby.
4) Search for More Organic Healthy Baby Food
Organic foods contain less toxins, so it is advisable to go for them. These foods include; meat and poultry, fish, dairy product and egg, fruit and vegetable, grain, nut, cheese, cereal.
5) Foods Rich in Iron
Look out for foods rich in iron as it is vital for body and brain development. Foods such as meat, plantain, cereals are rich sources of iron.
6) Gradually Introduce New Foods to Them
New foods may cause allergies in your babies, so it is important you are careful and gradual in introducing new foods to them.
7) An Advertisement Does Not Equate To The Food Being Healthy
Just because a food was advertised does not mean it is healthy for your baby. Be sure to carefully read the labels, looking out for the nutritional value of the food.
8) Do Your Research
It is important as a parent to carry out due research on the kind of foods you want to purchase, the brand, manufacturers and the stage or age range the foods are meant for before going to the market.
9) Consult a Pediatrician
A pediatrician can be able to guide you as a parent on which foods best suits your baby at the stage they are, and even recommend some food brands for you. It’s important to follow your pediatrician’s guidelines in the selection of healthy baby food.
10) Compare Products in Various Shops
When shopping for healthy baby food, you do not go to just one store. You visit multiple stores to compare products available and prices as well.
Shopping for your baby food can be fun when you know what to do and how to go about it. With these aforementioned tips, you can now confidently shop for your baby food at whatever stage they are.
Happy Shopping!