Top 15 Best Foods for Babies

Breast milk is the first, crucial, and precious source of nutrition for the comprehensive development of infants. Rich in nutrients and providing the best immunity, breastfeeding enhances a child's ability to fight diseases significantly. Exclusive breastfeeding for the first two years improves resilience against illnesses. Nutritionists strongly recommend this practice. You've probably heard about the abundant DHA and ARA in breast milk; these are essential components for building the structure of a child's brain, mainly the gray matter and retina. However, for optimal absorption of necessary DHA, the mother's diet during pregnancy and breastfeeding should be well-balanced, ensuring the best milk supply for the baby. While it's ideal for babies to be exclusively breastfed for the first six months and continued for as long as possible, some mothers, due to physiological or other reasons, may resort to formula milk. However, caution should be exercised in choosing a safe formula milk, as there are many inferior products in the market.

Fish is a nutrient-rich food with high levels of vitamin D and Omega 3, beneficial for the cognitive development of young children. These nutrients help protect the brain against memory loss symptoms and age-related cognitive decline. Additionally, the omega-3 in fish enhances your child's immune system. Remember to include fish in your child's diet 2 to 3 times a week.

Beef contains a significant amount of iron and zinc, reinforcing the stability of the brain, making it easier for children to concentrate and enhancing memory effectively. In the early stages of life, a child's memory develops rapidly. Mothers should incorporate beef into their child's daily diet. However, remember to feed only lean meat. Adjust the amount of beef according to the child's age for optimal absorption. I usually divide it into smaller portions for my child beforehand to facilitate daily meal preparation.

Cereals contain a significant amount of Vitamins A, B, and C, nurturing cells and the nervous system. Additionally, cereals provide iron and zinc, reducing the risk of obesity while supplementing and enhancing the physical development of the child. Cereals are particularly rich in fiber, ensuring proper digestion and the comprehensive development of young children, helping reduce the risk of constipation in toddlers. If mothers want their child to gain weight, this is a perfect choice.

Chicken eggs are a food rich in protein, vitamins, and essential minerals for the child's development. Additionally, chicken eggs are abundant in DHA and Lecithin - nutrients crucial for brain development. They not only promote the development of the nervous system and body but can also provide vitality for the healthy growth of the child's brain. Moreover, the egg yolk contains Choline, which is beneficial for the child's memory.

Surely, mothers are aware that yogurt provides a high level of Vitamin D. Not only that, but it also contains a good amount of calcium for bone development. Both of these nutrients are beneficial for the child's height growth. Additionally, yogurt contains digestive enzymes, excellent for gut health and the digestive system of young children. Therefore, I recommend mothers to supplement their children with one to two cups of yogurt every day to help them grow strong and healthy.

Green vegetables contain a large amount of natural vitamins and abundant fiber. Especially, they also contain a significant level of antioxidants, aiding in the restoration of damaged cells, highly beneficial for the development of a child's brain. However, mothers should not stick to feeding children only a few specific types of fruits and vegetables. It is essential to choose a variety of vegetables to stimulate the children's taste buds and provide a diverse, rich source of vitamins for both physical and mental development. I have noticed that many young children, especially those in school, tend to be reluctant to eat vegetables. Therefore, during the early stages of feeding, mothers should pay attention to supplementing a rich variety of fruits and vegetables for the child in their first solid meals to familiarize them with the taste of vegetables and prevent any aversion later on.

Fresh fruits help provide a rich source of vitamins for the child's body. Some fruits like kiwi, orange, banana, strawberries, etc., contain a high amount of Vitamin C, K, E, potassium, fiber, Folate, and Calcium. These components not only promote height growth but also contribute to superior intelligence in children. It is essential to supplement fresh fruits daily for children. Mothers can offer them directly or prepare smoothies or fresh juices for the child to drink.

Chicken meat is one of the foods rich in nutrients, especially Protein. The amount of Protein in chicken plays a crucial role in improving the child's height, helping them develop flexible and strong bones. It is an essential nutritional source for a baby's developmental stage of introducing solid foods. The breast and thigh of chicken are rich in lean protein and low in fat, so mothers can confidently feed their children without worrying about obesity. However, chicken thighs also contain twice the amount of iron and zinc compared to other parts, so mothers should not overlook this part when introducing solid foods to their children.

Many parents often avoid giving peanut butter to their children due to concerns about allergies. Some also believe that peanut butter contains too much fat. In reality, peanut butter has a high content of healthy fats that are beneficial for the child's health. Therefore, feed your child peanut butter once you have determined that they are not at risk of an allergy to this type of food.

Iodine is one of the nutrients that plays a particularly important role in the intellectual development of children. However, it's crucial to provide iodine to your child in the right amount. If your child consumes too much salt, it can lead to retention, causing swelling, heart disorders, and many other dangerous conditions. Mothers, especially, should note that children under 1 year old should not consume salt, except in some cases following the doctor's advice. For children over one year old, [mothers should follow the recommended dosage below, without exceeding it, as it can be harmful to the child.

• Children from 1 to 3 years old should consume about 1.5g/day;
• Children from 4 to 8 years old should consume about 1.9g/day;
• Children from 9 to 13 years old should consume about 2.2g/day;
• Children from 14 to 18 years old should consume about 2.3g/day.

Pumpkin is not only delicious but also contains a diverse range of nutrients such as beta-carotene, potassium, and various vitamins A, C, E, zinc, calcium, fiber, iron, protein, omega-3, and more. Pumpkin is a rich source of omega-3, which is beneficial for the cognitive development of children, making them smarter. Pumpkin is a popular choice for mothers as a weaning food for babies. Mashed pumpkin, pumpkin stew with meat, and pumpkin porridge are nutritious options for mothers wondering what to feed their intelligent babies.

Although eating sunflower seeds might seem like a bad habit, they are actually a healthy snack that all children love – as long as your child doesn't throw the seed shells on the floor and is old enough to eat the seeds without choking, posing a life-threatening risk. Sunflower seeds are rich in fiber and provide an abundant source of iron. They also contain plenty of vitamin E, magnesium, phosphorus, zinc, and folate. While sunflower seeds have a high content of unsaturated and monounsaturated fats, these are beneficial fats. Sunflower seeds contain very little harmful saturated fats for your child's body.

In 100 g of avocado, you'll find high energy content (167 kcal), a substantial amount of fats (15.4 g), and protein (2 g). Within the 15.4 g of fats, two-thirds are monounsaturated fats - a type of fat beneficial for a child's development. Professor Michaelsen K also includes avocados in the list of good support in the diet for underweight and slow-growing children. Opt for ripe avocados, pair them with ripe bananas in your child's meal plan. This is an effective energy boost for underweight children. Maintain this menu for 4 days each week consistently for 4 months.

Estimates suggest that in 100g of tofu, there could be up to 400mg of omega-3 fatty acids, aiding superior intelligence development in the child's brain. Moreover, this 'vegetarian dish' can provide the child with many essential nutrients such as protein, vitamins, iron, and zinc, helping the development of brain cells. Therefore, mothers should incorporate tofu into their child's diet – easy to eat yet supplying many crucial nutrients, fostering intelligence and agility in the child.