5 Reasons to Feed Spices and Herbs to Your Baby
Feeding babies spices and herbs used to be a taboo, especially in Western countries. However, in recent years there has been a revolution in the way babies are introduced to new foods, baby led weaning being at the forefront. Foods that were traditionally considered prohibited, such as shellfish, are now fed to babies.
In many Asian and South American countries, feeding babies spices and herbs is considered normal. With globalization, and given the health benefits of spices, many Western parents are starting to ask: why can´t babies have spices? Pediatrician are also becoming increasingly open to feeding babies spices and herbs. Still, parents have questions regarding when can babies eat spices and herbs or which spices babies should avoid. In this Onehowto article we will answer those questions while listing 5 reasons to feed spices and herbs to your baby.
If you like spicy food, your baby does too
The argument according to which children hate spices is unfounded. Babies taste the food we eat while they are still in our belly, and during breastfeeding. If you eat spicy food while pregnant and breastfeeding, your baby is already used to it. Going from tasty breast milk to bland pureed food only makes eating more boring. If you decide for feeding babies spices and herbs you might be surprised by the positive reaction they have. So, the answer to when can babies eat spices and herbs is: from the belly, then spice up their food from their first meal.
Spices and herbs have countless benefits
Why can´t babies have spices and benefit from the many properties they have? In the same way as parents want their children to eat healthy vegetables and fruit, they should also be feeding babies spices and herbs. Some of the best spices and herbs are ginger, helps digest; rosemary, boosts memory; turmeric, antioxidant; paprika, rich in vitamin D; cloves, used in medicine as well; coriander, a digestive herb. There aren´t any spices babies should avoid, everything depends on their taste and tolerance. As to when can babies eat spices and herbs, just make them try one at the time to see if there´s any reaction, and start with the mild ones. Hot spices are usually considered spices babies should avoid because babies are very receptive, and they need some time to get used to them. Moreover, they can make diaper rashes worse. However, if your baby has no problem with eating hot spices, there is no reason not to give them to her.
Not based on research
The belief that babies cannot be fed spices and herbs is not based on scientific research. It is cultural. Feeding babies spices and herbs is considered normal in most countries. In India, babies are normally introduced to spices and herbs during annaprashan, the celebration for the baby´s first solid food intake. In South America as well, feeding babies spices and herbs is perfectly acceptable.
Joining family meals
Joining family meals is an important part of babies development. The sooner you start feeding babies spices and herbs, the earlier they will be able to join family meals, eat in restaurants, and travel without worrying about what to eat. If you can all eat the same thing, it will be quicker for you to prepare meals. Eating all together is also an important aspect of baby led weaning. So, if you still ask yourself when can babies have spices and herbs, the answer might be: as soon as you want them to join family meals.
Babies having fun with food
Spices and herbs make food more flavorful, why should babies miss on that? Feeding babies spices and herbs, and normal adult food in general, makes them less fussy because they are able to appreciate food more. As for the spices babies should avoid, they will let you know their preferences!
Don´t wait any longer asking yourself when can babies eat spices and herbs, just try it. Spice up baby food!
If you want to read similar articles to 5 Reasons to Feed Spices and Herbs to Your Baby, we recommend you visit our Being a Mom & Dad category.
