Feeding your Baby Brocooli
Many parents shy away from serving broccoli to their babies because of warnings they have heard from grandparents about broccoli causing gas and stomach pain in babies. The truth is, once babies have tried several other types of fruits and vegetables and handled them well, broccoli is an excellent choice for babies. Broccoli is a member of the cabbage family and is extremely nutrient dense.
Lightly steamed broccoli with the stems cut off are easy for babies to chew. They are high in fiber and provide essential nutrients. Broccoli can be cut into small pieces and mixed with infant cereal or with rice or potatoes. Getting infants used to a variety of vegetables early on will help them to develop healthy eating habits that will last a lifetime.
Avoid microwaving broccoli. Microwaving causes all vegetables to loose some nutrients but broccoli is affected more than most. Microwaving broccoli causes it to loose more nutrients than any other vegetable. Steam or boil broccoli for the shortest amount of time needed to maintain the highest quality of nutrients. Broccoli may also be baked or roasted for a slightly different texture. This may be harder for younger babies and children to chew since it does not get as soft as steaming or boiling.
Broccoli can be served to babies raw as long as you are sure to cut the stems off. Raw stems can be difficult for babies to chew and can be a choking hazard. Cut broccoli into small pieces but keep it large enough that your baby can use their pincher grasp to pick up the pieces and practice their self feeding skills.
Teaching your baby healthy eating habits will only be successful if your baby sees you eating healthy food as well. Studies have shown that eating broccoli can help prevent cancer and heart disease. These benefits are great for mom and dad and will help to create a family with healthy eating habits.
Do not be afraid to give your baby broccoli. It should not be used as a first food, but once your baby is at least 9 months old and has tried several other vegetables, broccoli is a wonderful option. Start small when trying any new food. Serve your baby small amounts of broccoli and watch their reaction. If your baby does seem to have stomach pain associated with gas give them smaller amounts of broccoli or cut it out and try it again in a month.
Your baby may reject trying new food the first few times. Continue serving it with another more familiar food. You are teaching your baby how to enjoy a well rounded diet by exposing them to new healthy foods.
