Once you are beyond the first weeks of preventing, the meat becomes a significant part of a baby’s diet. As with other solid foods, meat or pork can also be introduced to babies as early as 6 months of age. However, doctors also will recommend meat to babies at around 8 months of age. All types of meat are a good source of protein needed for your little one’s growth and development.
The texture of the meat can be very challenging for babies, most especially to babies who don’t have any teeth yet. And you will need to choose tender meat cuts, steam it until it is soft enough and also try to puree it for easier digestion. That’s why as a parent, you should know what are the guidelines and tips on introducing a variety of dishes, especially meats to your baby. This article aims to help parents on how to introduce meat to their babies and what are other options to prepare.
Introducing pork meat to your baby
Meats may be introduced to babies between 6 to 8 months of age and it should be with the advice of your pediatrician. Many doctors suggest meat as one of baby’s first solid food but NOT as a first food.
Many parents are confused about feeding their babies with pork. Actually it varies. They can introduce first the fruits or the vegetables first and the meat will follow. Just remember one important rule in introducing meat to your child, it is all about following a 5-day rule when introducing new food to them. This is one way of knowing if your baby is good with what the food is feeding them and most importantly, to know if there are any allergic reactions after feeding them.
What if your baby doesn’t like it?
It is a known fact that babies are very picky when it comes to the food they eat. While some babies accept meat quickly, there are also some who are having a hard time accepting it. As parents, you can’t just force them to eat. The best thing you can do is try to be patient and just keep on trying. A useful tip is to keep the recipe as liquid as possible. And slowly over time, try to omit the liquids if you think your baby is starting to accept meat.
Meats are rich in protein and iron but do not just limit your baby’s diet with meat. There are also a lot of foods for babies that are rich in protein and iron too. Just like eggs, dairy products and grains and more. You can have these alternatives the moment your baby is very choosy with their food.
If you are concerned about your baby’s diet because of disapproval of meat, just simply increase his intake of other foods just like fruits and vegetables. Over time, once they reach a year older, they will realize that eating meats could be very delightful.
Cooking and preparation tips
A common concern about introducing pork meats to your baby is the risk of choking and difficulty in digestion than feeding them with fruits and vegetables. However, if you know how to make it tenderer, cook and pureeing meat, then worry no more. With these directions, it lets the meat scatter down its fibers and connective tissues and surely improves the baby’s digestion. Do you have any plans for introducing homemade meats for your baby? Here are some common tips that could be very useful.
Good pounding is important
You can actually tenderize pork meat before cooking it. By just simply removing all the visible fats, it is good to go. You may need a meat grinder, a rolling pin or just a frying pan to pound.
Marinate meat for your baby
Pork meat is actually marinated in milk or yogurt to tenderize it. The acid in dairy products helps for this effect. But make sure first that your baby is not sensitive to dairy products.
Marinating into apple juice might be good as well. To prepare for cooking, you can boil the meat in the apple juice to give both a delicious and tender result.
Never dry out meat when cooking
Do not let the meat to get dry during the cooking process unless you will be pureeing meat. Letting it dry will be tough and unlikable to your baby.
Food safety tips
These are important tips to follow in serving pork for your baby:
- Do not ever serve undercooked pork to your baby. It needs to be carefully cooked.
- Do not cook pork meat in just a microwave. Possibilities are, it is most likely to cook around the edges only than in the middle.
- You may microwave the pork meat, and make sure it is thoroughly cooked, then freeze it afterward.
Recipe options for your baby
Having a hard time thinking about deciding what kind of pork recipes for your baby? You might want to try these easy and quick recipes for your little ones.
Pork Puree (Basic)-Â This might be the best recipe for introducing pork to your baby. Since it is made like liquid, then your baby might not have any difficulty in digesting.
Fruity vegetables and pork– If you plan on serving meat to your baby, you might want to try mixing it with fruits or vegetables
Pork and Apple Stew– This recipe fits with pork for babies that are ready to branch out.
Pork Green Beans-Â With this healthy meat recipe and beans, you can also add up potatoes for extra flavor.
·Pork in soup with vegetables- With merely the soup of this recipe, babies can get a lot of nutrients in it.
Wrapping up
Deciding on what to feed your baby when they reach the right age to eat solid foods is really a challenging situation. But worry no less because there are already a lot of ways to do it. If it happens that the baby will not accept meat or pork, just try to be very patient. Sooner or later, they will like it. It’s just a matter of time. Besides, there are a lot of nutritious food alternatives out there to feed them.
Just remember to serve it safely because babies have a very sensitive immune system. Proper recommendations from the doctor should also be followed to make sure you serve the best and the healthy food for your baby.
Read also:
- Different Pumpkin Recipes for Your Baby
- Safe and Healthy Foods and Drinks for Babies
- Best Fruit Recipes that Your Baby Will Surely Love
