Every baby grows up to eat more than milk, fruit, or veggie baby food. Eventually, they’ll have to learn that more flavors and food exist, such as meat. Feeding a baby a piece of meat is acceptable and safe as long as you know where it comes from and you’ve prepared it well.
As a new parent, you may doubt why, when, and how to introduce meat-based food to your baby. It’s sometimes scary to let them try something new. But meat is still essential for humans. Fortunately, it’s easy to include meat in your baby’s daily meals. Here’s a brief and comprehensive guide for all parents needing extra help.
Why Should Your Baby Eat Meat?
Breastmilk and baby formula already include many necessary vitamins and minerals for growth and development. However, as they age, their bodies will need more ways to receive nutrients from other food groups, such as meat and poultry. You can introduce meat into their diets with homemade meals. You can find more information from companies like Serenity Kids.
Meat is a prime source of protein, Vitamin A, taurine, and L-carnitine for growing children. Red meat, in particular, is also the only food product that contains heme iron, which maintains blood health. The body more readily absorbs heme iron, unlike non-heme iron found in vegetables, fortified cereals, and tofu. Your child will be less likely to have anemia when they have decent iron levels.
Meat is also undeniably delicious, and babies enjoy eating anything yummy. However, your child might learn only to eat red meat and avoid everything else. So, feed your child in moderation. They still need to get their other nutrients from the different sections in the food pyramid.
When Should You Add Meat In Their Diet?
All babies develop differently. But, typically, they’re ready for solid food at around six months old. You can start gradually introducing meat to your baby’s meals at this age. You can also begin adding meat to their diet when you observe the following developmental changes in your child:
- Opening the mouth when you offer food
- Better control of their neck and head
- Fading tongue thrust reflex or swallowing food instead of pushing it out
- Grasps objects and puts them in their mouth
These signs indicate your baby is ready to have meat and solids in their diet. However, even if you see them, consult your child’s pediatrician first for advice on weaning.
How Should You Feed Meat To Your Baby?
Meat comes in various forms. Beef, pork, and chicken are the most easily accessible. You can find them in almost any butcher shop or supermarket meat section. Lamb, turkey, and salmon are also viable options for a first introduction to meat. However, you must avoid processed and deli meat because these products may have additives and spices your baby can’t tolerate yet.
Fortunately, you don’t need to overcomplicate your child’s meaty meals. You can turn savory pork or beef into something a six-month-old baby and older can safely eat in various ways. You could make the following:
- Pureed ground meat
- Soup
- Mini meatballs
You can substitute mushy food with small, shredded pieces when babies get a little older. Whichever method you choose, it’s vital to cook the meat thoroughly. That means no rare or medium steak chunks on their plates. You can roast, bake, or put it in a slow cooker to soften the meat for your baby’s incoming teeth. The best way to know if your baby’s food is soft enough is when you can mash it with a fork easily.
Apart from including meat in their diet, you should also continue feeding your child milk, fruits, veggies, and cereals. Consider fortified food or baby formula with organic whey for additional nutrients for fast and healthy growth. You could also use regular milk to thin out hard-to-chew pieces.
Possible Risks Of Feeding Meat To Your Baby
Meat allergies are rare among very young children. But sadly, there are cases. Poultry, in particular, is one of the most common allergens. If your child is allergic to milk, there’s a possibility they’re also allergic to beef. A visit to the pediatrician will let you know whether feeding your baby meat will result in more cons than pros.
If your baby has no known food allergies, it still pays to observe their body’s reactions after eating something new. Some of the allergy manifestations parents must be aware of include:
- Skin rashes or hives
- Swelling of the mouth
- Breathing difficulties
- Sneezing or wheezing
- Nausea, stomach pain, and related issues
When you see these symptoms, call a medical professional immediately. Allergic reactions could worsen when left untreated.
Choking is another hazard to expect when feeding children under four years old large pieces of food. Hence, you must prepare soft and mashed solids for months-old infants, and cut bite-sized chunks for older babies.
Always supervise your child during meals, even when they can self-feed. Babies can eat continuously without pause, causing them to choke on food. If this happens, you must immediately perform first aid for choking children. Even when you manage to expel the food, call medical professionals to ensure nothing else is stuck in their throat.
Conclusion
Meat can quickly become a favorite food when you introduce it to your baby’s diet. It’s safe and healthy when eaten in moderation. But you must prepare it in a form suitable for their young age. Otherwise, they could harm themselves just by eating.
Even if meat is acceptable baby food, always consult your baby’s pediatrician for more guidance. They know what’s best for a growing baby.
