How we can make
interesting kids diet(Toddler) with Indian spices.
We all know that herbs and spices not only add
flavour to food but also help build our baby’s immunity and keep them away from infections .
With all these Herbs our
baby's food has other benefits too. If
you want our child to be open to different kind of flavors, it is important to introduce the
little one to a variety of preparations. (I know its tedious but let’s try)Which way to do this to add a small amount of
different spices to baby's food every day? everyone don’t want a fussy eater at home,
providing a variety in taste as early as possible is a good idea.
However, table salt should be avoided until the child
turns one. This is because the sodium needs in infants are very less and breast
milk provides them the adequate amount. That does not mean baby food should be
bland and boring. We have so many natural flavoring agents in our traditional
herbs and spices, which can take baby’s
food to a different level.
Add only small amounts to make sure your baby takes it
well. Too much spice could be harmful. Each child may react in a
different way to different ingredients. Some of these could be strong for some
babies than for others. Be prepared, many chances are that baby may reject the flavored foods, the first
few times. Don’t get disappointed and try out different preparations and
combinations of ingredients. It will help you understand what suits baby and help the little one accept the new
taste faster.
We can start with some mild, aromatic herbs and spices for the baby.
we can start with commonly used in indian home. we can introduce these once our
baby starts solid food — at around 8–9 months and some herbs good to apply in their massage oil too. first check their allergy test please to get good and effective results.. Here is a list of herbs and
spices we recommend to add to our baby's different foods:
1. Turmeric
2. Carom seed
3.
Cumin
seed
4.
Coriander
seed
5.
Asafetida(hing)
6.
Garlic
7.
Ginger
8.
Black
pepper
9.
Sesame
seed
10. Fenugreek
11. Cinnamon
12. Mint leaves
13. Fennel seeds and others.
1. Turmeric : It is most effective in Indian
kitchen ,we can use turmeric from starting for cold and cough, any infections.
it works as a anti-inflammatory and antiseptic to his body and release toxins..give
some warmness to his body. we can use it in a oils massage, a tiny pinch in a milk ,honey. We use it for
the color and flavor, as well as for its medicinal value. the good old ritual to give turmeric milk as a bedtime drink for the child.
2. Carom seeds /Ajwain : it is the most
powerful medicine for gastric trouble for the baby, like as in seed water, Khichdi,
Daliya,Besan Chilla, Paranthas and etc ..we should use it
in pinch with Jaggery ,boil it with water and use a pinch of it. Roasted and
powdered carom seeds can be added to baby food. It helps in the treatment of
cold and cough, eases digestion and colic pain. One more thing we can use it as
a vapor rub with its aroma for specially newborns ..(roast it make it a small
packet and place it near baby’s nose..it soothes his nose.)
3. Cumin seed/Jeera: Cumin is
commonly used in most Indian recipes, either as whole seeds in the tempering or
in powdered form. This spice promotes digestion and reduces the risk of
food-borne illnesses. Cumin has anti-microbial and antibiotic properties. Add a
pinch of cumin powder to your baby’s porridge, dal or khichdi.
It helps to promote appetite..use it in tadka with ghee in any vegetable
curry or with curd, buttermilk, soup etc. It has good
aromatic flavours to our food.
4.
Coriander
seed or leaves/Dhaniya : we can use coriander as
the first leafy greens your baby tastes. Start by adding a teaspoonful of
freshly chopped coriander into baby food; it works good and aromatic taste in
almost each dish. Fresh coriander is an
appetite stimulant and prevents food poisoning. Its good blood purification as
in powder form too.
5. Asafetida(hing): Hing or asafetida helps relieve
stomach issues like colic in babies. A pinch of this wonderful spice can do magical effects to baby’s tummy .
It will give a unique flavor to the food and also help your child digest it
better. Hing reduces flatulence and helps in the treatment of
respiratory problems. We can also apply to baby’s navel to release colic pain
mixing with water.
6. Garlic: We can use finely chopped
or grated garlic for tempering baby foods like khichdi and dal
or curry. Garlic keeps the common cold away from our baby ,
boosts immunity and helps in getting rid of harmful intestinal worms. Garlic
gives an aroma to the dish, Most of the babies enjoy after they get used to it.
We can also use it as in massage oil to the chest and back to prevent cold in babies.
7.
Ginger:
Ginger has strong in aroma and taste so try to use it in a very
little quantity for the babies. It
taste good in chila, dhokla, khichdi or pulses, grated ginger in it. Please try to
use fresh ginger paste. It helps reduce flatulence or gas and associated
stomach pain — a common issue in babies. Ginger also
reduces nausea and motion sickness. It is also recommended to
alleviate dry cough.
8.
Black
pepper: A tiny pinch of black pepper
powder in every snacks like roasted potatoes can improve the bland taste, without the need
for salt. It helps improve overall digestion by producing more digestive juices
in the body. Ensure that pepper is added
in a very little amount , it should not be hot
(spicy) for your child.
9.
Sesame
seed / Til : It is a rich source of calcium for their bones and overall
health..we can grind it and use it in any preparations to make it more
nutritious..however grinding makes it dull in taste but use it little as it has hot potency..Good
for urination, digestion and overall Growth.
10. Fenugreek( methi) seeds or leaves : We can use it
in seasoning baby’s food with the strong
bitter fenugreek .Try to use it as a fresh or dry leaves in parantha etc ..any preparations without making it
bitter or do one thing . Take a strainer, put fenugreek seeds in it and pour
hot oil through it to flavor your child’s bowl of veggies. Fenugreek is good
for your baby’s digestion and helps prevent infections. It also promotes hair
growth and keeps stomach healthy.
11. Cinnamon: Every sweet preparation becomes complete with a
pinch of cinnamon. It is high in antioxidants, thus improving the immune
system of your child. We can add the aromatic spice in powdered form to baked
goodies(finger food) like cupcakes , pancakes
and cookies etc .
12. Mint leaves/Pudina: Every curd or
buttermilk has it compulsorily…to give good aroma and taste. we can use it fresh,
or dry powder form in chutney for every snacks,paranthas,and curries. It boost
immunity,digestion,appetite and interest(that’s important for mothers)in baby
food.
13. Fennel Seed/Saunf: fennel seed is
used for colic babies to give them relax from colic pain, we can use it sweet preparations
and milk. It good for digestion, nutrition absorbtion and gives a good aromatic
taste. Specially we are using it in a milk for toddlers to make it interesting.
14. Nutmeg, dry dates,tulsi,clove etc
..these are so strong and effective in digestion, making good taste ,helps to
avoid common cough, cold and fever . Basically these have very hot potency but by
using them wisely we can make good immunity guard from the Indian kitchen.
With all these , these are beautiful Indian herbs recepies are coomon inheritance for every Indian mother which can
be used in baby’s food to make it more
flavourful, healthy. Try to use it one at a time to introduce..them in baby
food .they have innumerable health benefits. This also helps raise a happy, healthy,
nourished child, who is open to trying out different foods…
Happy parenting, Keep experimenting.
www.yogahealthcarecentre.com
