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Check out this free, revolutionary ebook by Dr. Sarah Ballantyne (The Paleo Mom) and Serenity Kids co-founder Serenity Carr. Get the most up-to-date information on what and how to feed weaning babies. Learn the essential nutrients needed for baby's growth, macronutrient ratios, how to make a balanced meal, and more.
A baby’s first foods should be nutrient-focused and include healthy fats, quality meats and vegetables. Fat is necessary for nutrient absorption, brain development, hormone regulation and building the immune system. Meat is not only far more digestible for babies than carbohydrates, but is a more efficient source of the protein they require to thrive than any other food in our system. Finally, prioritizing meat, fat and vegetables over sugar and grains will help your baby’s energy and mood (read: far fewer meltdowns and way more peaceful sleep!).
It’s very important that a baby’s diet is focused on nutrient density from the start. Babies have increased growth and metabolism during their first few years, making their specific nutrient needs higher relative to body weight than children or adults. Organic meats, seafood, healthy fat sources and vegetables all yield some amazing nutrition. And because of the specific developmental processes children are going through, a few nutrients become particularly critical during this time, including the following.
VITAMIN Apromotes healthy vision, immunity and gene expression. The best sources of vitamin in the form of retinol are liver, eggs and full-fat dairy products and the best sources of vitamin A precursors are sweet potatoes, leafy green vegetables, squash, carrots and many other orange and green fruits and vegetables.VITAMIN B12helps to process metabolism and is important for neurological health (including playing a role in myelination from early fetal development all the way through early adulthood). The best sources of vitamin B12 are animal products like meat, fish, shellfish, poultry and eggsVITAMIN Cplays a role in synthesizing collagen and neurotransmitters during childhood. It’s also critical for proper immune function. The best sources of vitamin C are citrus fruits, melons, berries, kiwis, papaya, mango and pineapple. |
VITAMIN Dsupports children’s growing bones and teeth through its role in facilitating calcium metabolism. The best sources of naturally occurring Vitamin D (apart from what the body produces during sun exposure) are fatty fish, liver, eggs and full-fat dairy.CALCIUMbuilds bones and teeth. An adequate intake during childhood and adolescence is necessary in order for children to attain strong peak bone mass and reduce their risk of osteoporosis later in life.IODINEpromotes brain development in infancy. The body uses iodine to synthesize thyroid hormones, which in turn helps control a number of processes in the body such as growth, metabolism and development. The best sources of naturally occurring iodine are unrefined sea salt, sea vegetables, fish, eggs and dairy products. |
ZINCplays a role in growth, development, neurological function, immune function and cell metabolism. Zinc deficiency can impair children’s physical growth and increase their susceptibility to infection, so adequate intake is important for preventing “failure to thrive.” The best sources of zinc are organic meats, shellfish, crustaceans, nuts and seeds.OMEGA-3 FATS(specifically DHA and EPA) build cell membranes and promote healthy brain development, vision, gene expression and nervous system function. The best meat sources are fatty fish such as salmon, mackerel, tuna and sardines, but they can also be found in avocado and olive oils. |
| AGE | RECOMMENDED DIETARY ALLOWANCE | |
| PROTEIN |
0 - TO 6 MONTHS 7 TO 12 MONTHS |
9.1 GRAMS PER DAY 11 GRAMS PER DAY |
| CARBS |
0 - TO 6 MONTHS 7 TO 12 MONTHS |
60 GRAMS PER DAY 95 GRAMS PER DAY |
| FAT |
0 - TO 6 MONTHS 7 TO 12 MONTHS |
31 GRAMS PER DAY 30 GRAMS PER DAY |
Healthy Baby Code by Chris Kresser’s
Healthy Mama Happy Baby from Whole30
Infant Nutrition and Feeding: A Guide for Use in the WIC and CSF Programs. United States Department of Agriculture
Nutrition in Pediatrics: Basic Science, Clinical Applications by W. Allan Walker. Published by BC Decker Inc. 2008. Ed. Christopher Duggan and W. Allan Walker
Hunter-gatherer Childhoods: Evolutionary, Developmental, and Cultural Perspectives by Barry S. Hewlett and Michael E. Lam
Nourishing Traditions Book of Baby & Child Care by Sally Fallon Morell and Thomas S. Cowan
Real Food for Mother and Baby: The Fertility Diet, Eating for Two, and Baby’s First Foods by Nin
The Paleo Way for New Mums, Babies & Toddlers by Pete Evans
Baby Led Weening by Gill Rapley and Tracey Murkett
