Now that your baby is about 6 months old, it's time to start solid foods, right? So like every mother, you're probably wondering, "What should I give my baby first?" While some start with fruits and vegetables, others are thinking about legumes like chickpeas, beans, and lentils. Are these really good for babies? Can they be given? Will they cause gas ? You probably have many questions like these too. Don't worry, we'll talk about all of this clearly today.
When is the best time to start giving nuts to your baby?
The most important thing to remember is that breast milk is the best and most complete food for a baby for the first 6 months. Even after you start solid foods, half of a baby's main nutrition for up to a year will come from breast milk or formula.
Babies usually show signs of being ready to eat solid foods around 6 months. See if your baby does these things too.
| Signs that your baby is ready for solid foods | |
|---|---|
| 1. The ability to hold your head up straight | If you can control your head without help, that's one sign. |
| 2. Staring at what others are eating | When you eat, does it seem like your baby is also moving his mouth and looking at the food greedily? |
| 3. Being able to swallow something given with a spoon | The baby is ready if the food can be moved to the side of the throat without being pushed out with the tongue. |
| 4. Doubling birth weight | An average weight of about 6 kilos (13 pounds) is also a good sign. |
Some foods, like honey, should not be given to babies until they are one year old. However, it is never too late to introduce nuts, like chickpeas, beans, and green peas. Nuts can be introduced as one of the first solid foods to your baby.
There is no specific order when introducing solid foods. Introduce only one type at a time. For example, if you are giving your baby mashed beans today, wait at least 3 days before introducing another new food. This is to see if your baby has any allergies.
What are the nutritional benefits of giving nuts to babies?
Nuts are a superfood packed with nutrients that are essential for a baby's growth.
- Valuable nutrients: This food contains many micronutrients essential for the baby's brain development and body, such as potassium, magnesium , iron, zinc, and folate.
- Protein and Fiber: These are rich in protein, which is necessary for the baby's muscle growth, as well as fiber, which prevents constipation.
- Essential Amino Acids: Nuts are one of the only plant-based food groups that provide Lysine, an amino acid that our body cannot make but is essential for growth.
- Antioxidants: Nuts are also rich in antioxidants that protect our cells from free radicals .
Simply put, research has even found that children who eat nuts from an early age have a better overall diet. Nuts also help reduce the risk of developing diabetes, obesity, and some types of cancer later in life.
How to prepare nuts for babies?
When talking about nuts, the biggest problem that many people have is "gassing after eating them". The reason for this is the type of sugar in nuts called oligosaccharides. This is a bit difficult for our bodies to digest.
But there is a very simple solution to this. Before cooking, soak the beans well, drain the soaking water, rinse them again in good water, and boil them in fresh water. Doing this will remove many of the gas- causing compounds.
Keep these things in mind when preparing nuts for your baby:
- Choose dried nuts over canned ones: Canned foods are high in salt and preservatives. Dried nuts are cheaper and better quality.
- Do not add salt or sugar: When first giving nuts to your baby, do not add salt, sugar, or any other sweetener. The baby should get used to the natural taste of the nuts.
- Make it age-appropriate: For babies around 6-8 months, blend boiled beans well and give them as a smooth puree. When your baby is a little older, you can mash them with a fork and give them as little pieces as possible ( MASH ed).
Things to consider when giving nuts
No matter how beneficial nuts are, you still need to consider safety when giving them to your baby.
Avoid foodborne illnesses
Dried nuts can be contaminated if not properly cleaned and cooked. So follow these steps.
| Steps | What to do |
|---|---|
| 1. Inspect | Look carefully to see if there are any small stones or pieces of wood among the dried nuts. |
| 2. Rinse | Wash the seeds thoroughly with clean water several times. |
| 3. Soak | Add about 5 cups of water to 1 cup of dried beans, boil for 2-3 minutes, cover with a lid, and let soak for at least 4 hours. |
| 4. Cooking (Cook) | Drain the soaking water, rinse again, add new water, and boil well. |
This not only reduces gas, but it also reduces the amount of antinutrients in nuts. These antinutrients, such as lectins and phytates, interfere with the body's ability to absorb good nutrients like iron. Therefore, it's important to eliminate these.
Special Warning: Be careful with Red Kidney Beans!
Red lentils contain a type of lectin that can be toxic in high doses. So if you are giving red lentils to your baby, soak them for at least 5 hours. Cook them in boiling water for at least 30 minutes. Never cook red lentils in a slow cooker.
Allergies
There is no evidence that delaying the introduction of certain foods after 6 months of age reduces the risk of developing allergies. However, if your baby has severe eczema or an egg allergy, it is wise to check for a peanut allergy. In these special cases, talk to your doctor about the best time to introduce something like peanuts to your baby.
Take-Home Message
- Legumes like chickpeas, beans, and lentils are very nutritious foods that can be given to babies after 6 months.
- To reduce stomach gas and harmful substances, always soak dried beans thoroughly, drain the water, and boil them thoroughly in fresh water.
- When first given, give it as a smooth puree, without salt or sugar. Wait a few days before introducing a new food.
- If you are giving red kidney beans, be sure to soak them in water and boil them thoroughly for at least 30 minutes.
- If you have any concerns about your baby's food, especially allergies, don't keep it to yourself and talk to your pediatrician or family doctor.
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