Babies’ eating habits are no longer limited to traditional meals, babies snacks have become a staple for modern parents. This might seem unusual to some, but it is essential for today’s mums and dads. Gone are the days when snacks were synonymous with unhealthy food; nowadays, they offer a healthy and balanced alternative, such as fruit snacks suitable for growing infants. These products come in various forms and flavors, providing an array of nutrients and vitamins necessary for optimal growth and development. By the way, fruits snacks also save time and energy for parents, especially when preparing school lunches or eating on-the-go.
When Can Babies Have Fruit Snacks?
Parents often wonder when it is safe to introduce fruit snacks to their babies. While fruit snacks can be a healthy addition to a baby’s diet, certain precautions need to be taken. Babies can start having small amounts of fruit snacks as early as 6 months of age. However, it is important to introduce new foods slowly and one at a time, so that parents can watch for any signs of allergies or digestive issues.
What Type of Fruit Snacks to Give
Fruit snacks that are appropriate for babies include mashed or pureed fruits such as apples, bananas, pears, and peaches. It is important to avoid fruit snacks that have added sugars or artificial flavours and colours.
How to Serve Fruit Snacks
Fruit snacks can be served as a puree or mashed and mixed into other baby foods. As babies get older and can handle more texture, soft pieces of fruit can be given as snacks. It is important to remember that babies should always be supervised while eating and should not be given whole fruits until they have developed the ability to chew and swallow them safely.
As soon as your child is confident in eating small pieces of fruit and vegetables you can try giving them such snacks as bars. These usually contain organic oats, carrots, apples, oranges etc. Some manufacturers add strawberries or coconut.
Are Snacks Necessary?
Snacks can be a controversial topic, with some people insisting they are necessary while others believe they are just extra calories. The truth is that snacks can only be beneficial for children as an addition to a balanced diet.
There are several pros and cons to having snacks in the meal plan. On the positive side, we have the fact that they can provide additional nutrition for babies who may not be getting enough from their main meals. They also help kids learn to self-feed and develop their motor skills. Moreover, it is a fun way to introduce new foods and flavours. Lastly, snacks are a convenient and portable option for on-the-go parents. On the other hand, having too many snacks can lead to overeating and interfere with a baby’s appetite for main meals. Low-quality snacks are typically high in sugar or salt contributing to unhealthy eating habits and increase the risk of childhood obesity. In addition, if unsupervised at younger ages they pose a choking hazard, especially if given to younger children.
Snacks On-the-Go
For busy individuals who don’t have time to prepare houmous or homemade oatmeal bars, ready-made baby snacks can be a lifesaver. Whether you’re walking with your little one in the park or out to visit your parents, having a healthy snack in your bag can keep your little one full till the next meal. It’s always a good idea to provide a specific list of flavours and brands that your baby is familiar with to other members of the family, for example grandparents, so they know what to pick.
Healthy Snacks for babies: rules and ideas
Babies can be notoriously picky eaters, making it tricky to get them to eat balanced, nutritious meals. This is where snacks can come in handy, providing an opportunity to sneak in some healthy ingredients without a fuss. Some great options for healthy baby snacks include fresh fruit, veggie sticks with hummus, and wholegrain crackers with cheese.
It’s important to remember to offer a variety of foods and flavours to your baby, as well as making sure their snacks are balanced and nutritious. With these snack ideas, you can keep your little one happy, healthy, and energised!
