When can babies eat meat?

This is an automatically translated article.

The article was professionally consulted with resident Doctor Ho Thi Hong Tho - Neonatologist - Department of Pediatrics - Neonatology - Vinmec Phu Quoc International General Hospital.
Meat is a great source of protein and is important not only for adults, but also for children. However, the choice of meat and the time for children to use needs to be carefully considered. This article will provide information on complementary feeding and meat will be one of the foods used for this process.

1. Time for children to eat meat

Meat is a food with high nutritional value and can be processed in many different ways. And most parents are concerned with the question: "When can children eat meat" and "Is it good for children to eat a lot of meat?".
Your baby can eat meat that has been pureed to a smooth, creamy consistency as soon as complementary foods are introduced, usually around 4 to 6 months. Traditionally, many parents have begun to supplement their children with cereals or pureed fruit and vegetables when introducing solid foods. But the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) says there's no reason you can't start with meat. And when it comes to eating meat we don't care about introducing beef or poultry first.
If your baby is exclusively breastfed and now you want to try giving him meat, the American Academy of Pediatrics AAP recommends starting with a very thin puree. Meat contains easily absorbed sources of iron and zinc that your baby needs at 4 to 6 months of age. You can check this with your pediatrician if you have questions.
Every baby's development is different, but according to the American Academy of Pediatrics AAP, general signs that a baby may be ready for solid foods is when he has doubled his birth weight. and weigh at least 5.8kg, hold his head steady when sitting in a high chair, and be able to accept a spoonful of food without pushing it out of his mouth. This happens as early as 4 months, but the AAP recommends that if you're breastfeeding, it's best to only use breast milk for the first 6 months.
If you add meat to your baby's diet of fruits and vegetables, you may find that it takes longer for your baby to accept meat. If that's the case, try mixing your baby's favorite vegetables into the puree, and keep the food warm to help him adjust to the new flavors.
To avoid choking, do not give your baby pieces of meat until he is used to other finger foods and when he has had a few teeth, then start with pieces. cooked, finely chopped.

2. What type of meat is best for children when starting complementary foods?

Chicken or turkey is often recommended as the first meat to introduce to your baby. As always, parents should consult their pediatrician about introducing solid foods because the general principles of complementary feeding may not apply to babies. In addition, the doctor will also help you answer the question of when to feed your baby meat.

3. What is the best way to cook meat for children?

Baking is truly the best cooking method. Grilling food including meat can help food retain maximum nutrients. Boiling / stewing meats for baby food You can boil / boil meats for baby food if you want. The only drawback of this type of cooking is that nutrients will leach into the cooking water. If you don't use the liquid in which the meat food was cooked, the nutrients, along with the liquid, will be removed. The amount of nutrients lost will be negligible, but many parents prefer to use a cooking method that allows the process to preserve as much nutrients as possible. Many parents have found that using the broth/juice from cooking meat sometimes results in a meat that has a "rich" taste. While this rich flavor may be suitable for children who are used to eating meat, many children who are new to meats may refuse the first dishes.
If you are going to boil/stew meats intended for children, add some favorite fruit and cook together for a meat that tastes good and is appealing to children.
To apply this cooking method, parents can use a slow cooker or a slow cooker to cook meat for baby food. Using a pot or slow cooker to cook baby meat is a great way to create a meal that incorporates many foods. You can put any food you want in the pot along with the meat.

One of the most favorite meat flavors you can try is getting 3 chicken breasts (diced), some carrots (diced and peeled), a diced onion, and a diced onion. some other vegetables and put them all in the pot. Add 4 or 5 cups of water and seasoning as you like. All you need to do is turn down the pot or slow cooker for 6-8 hours and your child has a delicious meal.
Also, try using vegetables and spices that your baby already has when preparing meat in a crock pot or slow cooker. Scoop one or 2 tablespoons of the finished dough and puree or puree according to your baby's preference.

4. The best way to puree meat

We've found that the best way to puree meat is to make sure it's cool and doesn't have chunks larger than 2.5 - 5cm when you puree.
Grind the meat first until it is almost like a lump of dough. Add water/natural juices as liquid if this is your baby's first experience with meat. If you use juice when giving your baby meat for the first time, the taste may be a little strong. To be more sure you should use water to start might be best.
You can also combine fruit/vegetables with water. You will have to experiment as all babies have different tolerances/preferences for tastes and textures.
Many parents have said that they have had great success with pureeing meat while it is hot or warm. Usually, this success is achieved when the meat has been boiled, boiled, or stewed in a crock pot or slow cooker.

5. Can I freeze pureed meat?

You can pour pureed ice into the ice tray the same way you do for fruits and vegetables. However, one caveat is that when defrosting the puree, the meat may separate or become slightly gritty. This is nothing to worry about, but it can cause "texture" problems for your baby.
Just put some cereal, fruit, vegetable or mashed potatoes in the blender and heat it up. Remember to stir well to get a smooth paste.

6. Can I offer cold or processed meats to my baby?

Parents should avoid cold meats or processed meats when introducing them to their baby during complementary feeding, such as sausages. These meats contain preservatives and chemicals; among them - sodium nitrite.
Meats to avoid for children: Processed meats such as ham, hot dogs and cold cuts are not suitable for your child. Not only are they high in salt, they can also contain unwanted additives and many are made from dairy products, which can cause allergic reactions in sensitive babies.
If you buy meat from a store or supermarket, ask the salesperson to show you the ingredients before buying. Many stores will also roast their own meats such as chicken, ham, and turkey, which should not contain any additives or preservatives.

7. Meat for children and allergies

Any food can cause an allergic reaction and meat is no exception. You should introduce only one new meat at a time, follow the four-day rule, and watch it carefully for any signs of an allergic reaction or digestive problem.
Individuals allergic to meat may react to all meats or just one. The most common reaction to meat is atopic dermatitis. Beef and chicken are thought to cause more allergic reactions than turkey or lamb.
Although cooking meat reduces its allergenic potential. However, there is still the possibility of a reaction. If your baby already has other allergies, or has a family history of food allergies, be sure to discuss with your doctor about introducing meat to your baby.
When a child shows abnormal signs of health, parents can take the child to Vinmec Health system for timely examination and treatment. As a key area of ​​Vinmec Health System, Pediatrics Department - Vinmec International General Hospital always brings satisfaction to customers and is highly appreciated by industry experts thanks to the following advantages:
Gathering a team of leading doctors and nurses in pediatrics: including leading experts, highly qualified (professors, associate professors, doctorates, masters), experienced, worked in hospitals as big as Bach Mai, 108.. The doctors are all well-trained, professional, have a mind - range, and understand young psychology. In addition to domestic pediatric specialists, the Department of Pediatrics also has the participation of foreign experts (Japan, Singapore, Australia, USA) who are always pioneers in applying the latest and most effective treatment regimens. . Comprehensive services: In the field of Pediatrics, Vinmec provides a series of continuous medical examination and treatment services from Newborn to Pediatric and Vaccine,... according to international standards to help parents take care of their baby's health from birth to childhood. from birth to adulthood Specialized techniques: Vinmec has successfully deployed many specialized techniques to make the treatment of difficult diseases in Pediatrics more effective: neurosurgery - skull surgery, stem cell transplantation. blood in cancer treatment. Professional care: In addition to understanding children's psychology, Vinmec also pays special attention to the children's play space, helping them to have fun and get used to the hospital's environment, cooperate in treatment, improve the efficiency of medical treatment.

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Reference source: babycenter.com; parents.com; unicef.org