Adding Flavor to Baby Food by Cindy Weinberger MS, RD

Health & F tness

Adding Flavor to Baby Food

By Cindy Weinberger MS, RD, CDN

One time, while in the park with my kids, I overheard another mother tell her daughter, “We’re going home to have supper. I have rice with seaweed for you.” I remember thinking to myself, “Ugh. Even I won’t eat that as an adult. Why would she give that to her 5-year-old daughter?”

Clancy Cash Harrison, MS, RDN, FAND, a TEDx speaker, author of Feeding Baby, and food justice advocate, feels that it is important to add spice and flavor to baby’s food. Adding flavor to your own food is beneficial, and here’s why adding spices and herbs to your baby’s food is beneficial as well. We are encouraged by our pediatricians to start with bland foods when introducing solids to a baby. However, per the latest research, starting at 6 months, a healthy baby should be exposed to a wide variety of flavors and textures. Avoid foods that could be a choking hazard, especially if your baby does not have any teeth yet. In addition, check with your pediatrician regarding foods that might elicit an allergic reaction. Most pediatricians recommend not introducing eggs, milk, nuts, and soy before a year old. Experts also say to hold off on honey until the baby is a year old.

What’s the advantage of introducing a wide variety of flavors early on? Clancy Cash Harrison feels that this might prevent picky eating. When babies and children are used to eating a certain food the same way every time, they are hesitant to try something new. That’s why most picky eaters es when feeding your little one. In fact I wouldn’t recommend anything spicy until your child gets a little older, but there are plenty of herbs and spices that you can give your baby that are not spicy. You can add cinnamon to oatmeal, yogurt, carrots, or a smashed banana, like we said. Try adding garlic to pureed chicken or meat, green beans, peas, squash or smashed avocado. You can also add lemon to fish. Use any combination you find tasty and introduce it

Adding flavor and texture at an early age teaches the baby to expect change with food.

won’t even eat school lunch because the pasta is “different” than Mommy’s pasta. However, adding flavor and texture at an early age teaches the baby to expect change with food. Offering a plain smashed banana one day and a smashed banana with a dash of cinnamon the next day will help influence your child’s palate. This will make a big difference down the road and encourage your child to try new foods as opposed to fearing new foods. Additionally, herbs and spices are packed with vitamins and minerals which offer many health benefits. Can’t hurt to start young!

This doesn’t mean that you need to add a ton of spice or use hot spicto your baby. This is a great way to expose your child early and often to a variety of fresh, flavorful enticing foods.

Cindy Weinberger MS, RD, CDN, is a Master’s level Registered Dietitian and Certified Dietitian-Nutritionist. She graduated CUNY Brooklyn College receiving a Bachelor’s in Science and Master’s degree in Nutrition and Food Sciences. She is currently a dietitian at Boro Park Center and a private nutrition consultant. She can be reached at CindyWeinberger1@gmail.com. Follow us on Instagram @EatBetterandFeelBetter.