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Most babies are only breastfed for the first six months after their birth as the mother’s milk provides them all the nutrition required for growth at this stage. Once they cross the six-month mark, they will need external food sources to stack up on the nutrients and the vitamins required for their bodies and brain to develop.
It is important that you slowly wean your baby towards baby foods along with occasional breastfeeds once they are six months of age. When you do, it is important to include fibre rich foods in your baby’s daily meals.
How Does Fibre Help Babies?
Dietary fibre is mainly of two types – soluble and insoluble fibre. Soluble fibre dissolves in water, helps regulate your baby’s digestion and keeps your baby full for longer. It is also linked to lowering the risk of obesity in kids. Insoluble fibre doesn’t dissolve in water and adds up to your baby’s stool. It is known to regulate the bowel movement in babies and makes an ideal remedy for constipation. There are many high fibre foods for baby’s constipation that can be safely added to your baby’s diet like prunes, pears, plums, etc.
How Much Fibre is Too Much for Babies?
Although there is no particular recommendation of the amount of fibre for babies, according to the report by the US Department of Agriculture, babies need about 14 grams of dietary fibre for every 1000 calories consumed. For babies between the ages of 1 to 3, 19 grams of fibre is necessary on a daily basis.
Ensure that you do not give your baby too much fibre as it may also lead to diarrhoea.
High Fibre Foods For Babies
Before you introduce fibre in your baby’s diet, always consult a paediatrician to seek approval and know of any foods that you need to avoid. Once the doctor approves you can choose a range of high fibre fruits and vegetables for babies and start adding it to their diet gradually.
1. Vegetables
Vegetable fibre can be started on immediately after you wean your baby off breast milk or formula, around six to seven months of age. The best way to introduce vegetables to a baby is to serve them in a mashed or pureed form. As your baby begins teething, you can give him sautéed vegetables or salads. Some of the vegetables that are rich in fibre are:
- Spinach
- Broccoli
- Beans
- Peas
- Turnip greens
- Brussels sprouts
- Sweet potatoes
- Parsnips
- Raw carrots
2. Fruits
Fruits are a rich source of fibre and can be safely introduced to your baby. Ensure to let your baby try only one fruit at a time and notice how his body reacts to it. If he feels any discomfort, discontinue it and try a different fruit. Some fruits that are rich in fibre include:
- Apples
- Bananas
- Prunes
- Plums
- Apricots
- Pears
- Peaches
3. Grains
It is best to offer single-grain cereals to your baby in the beginning. However, your baby may not be a fan of the taste and may take some time to get used to it. The best way to figure out which grains are high in fibre is by checking the texture of the food. The grainer the texture is, the higher the fibre content. Some grains that are good for the baby are:
- Rice
- Oats
- Barley
- Wheat
- Lentils
- Chickpeas
Once your baby begins to have teeth, you can also give him whole grain pasta, bread, and Graham crackers.
Fibre Food Recipes for Infants
You can try out these quick recipes that can add a good amount of fibre in your baby’s diet.
1. Hummus Dip With Toast Recipe
Hummus is both delicious and rich in fibre. Here is an easy recipe for a hummus dip that goes well with toast.
What You Need:
- Chickpeas, 400 g, drained and rinsed
- One lemon
- One clove of garlic
- Tahini (sesame paste), 2 tablespoons
- 2 tablespoons of olive oil
- 2 tablespoons of water
How to Prepare:
- Blend all the ingredients together until they form a smooth paste.
- Add water as needed for the required consistency.
2. Frozen Pineapple Recipe
This is the simplest way to increase your baby’s fibre intake and requires little to no time. They are also great for your baby when he begins to teeth.
What You Need:
- Pineapples
How to Prepare:
- Cut the pineapples into thin round slices and refrigerate them for your baby to chew on.
3. Baked Vegetable Sticks Recipe
Vegetables add a great amount of fibre to your baby’s diet. Soft cooked or baked vegetables make for an easy recipe and a perfect source of dietary fibre for the baby.
What You Need:
- Carrot
- Sweet potato
- Pumpkin
- Zucchini
- Oil
How to Prepare:
- Peel and slice the vegetables into long thin slices.
- Sprinkle some oil on the vegetables on a baking tray and bake until they become tender.
- Serve them with some plain cheese or yoghurt dip.
Fibre-rich foods are important for proper bowel function and when given in the right quantity can complement your baby’s diet. However, always check with a paediatrician before you introduce any new foods to your baby.
