Many moms have questions about homemade baby food, such as: "Can I give my baby homemade porridge or rice paste?" "Is bone broth porridge really beneficial?" "Should I offer juice or vegetable water before introducing solids?"
1. Bone broth porridge is actually low in nutrients
Many moms know bone broth is nutrient-rich, especially in calcium. So they assume porridge cooked with bone broth must be calcium-rich and good for baby's bone development.This assumption is incorrect!
Experts explain: Modern processing methods for animal bones are highly efficient, with some bone products even available in instant forms for convenience. Bones are indeed nutrient-dense, containing calcium, protein, and trace elements. However, they also contain high levels of lead that are difficult to remove, limiting their widespread consumption.
Experts also note: The nutrients in bone broth account for only 10% of those in the meat itself, making its nutritional value limited. It's recommended to consume the meat along with the broth. Additionally, prolonged boiling of bone broth is discouraged, as it increases purine levels, which can be detrimental to a baby's development. Bone broth contains minimal calcium and few nutrients. Parents should instead provide their babies with meat-based foods, including fish, shrimp, and other seafood.
Friendly reminder: If you wish to supplement your baby's calcium or other nutrients, adopt scientifically sound methods. Bones contain high levels of lead that are difficult to remove and offer low calcium content. Providing milk to your baby or supplementing with calcium tablets as advised by a doctor will yield better results than using bone broth in porridge.
II. Homemade Rice Cereal Doesn't Provide All Nutrients
Following food safety incidents involving melamine and Sudan Red, many mothers have become skeptical of commercially available baby foods. They believe homemade food is the healthiest and most nutritious option, but this mindset often leads to misconceptions.
Renowned experts state: Commercially available baby rice cereal should be purchased, as it contains essential nutrients for infant growth, particularly iron—a critical requirement for babies after 4-6 months. Homemade rice cereal lacks comprehensive nutrition. Is it acceptable to introduce homemade ground rice as a baby's first solid food?No! Homemade rice cereal cannot be fortified with iron or other nutrients, so I do not recommend feeding it to babies. However, if your child is already eating a variety of solid foods and has access to diverse nutrition, experts do not oppose giving them homemade rice cereal!
Friendly reminder: While many moms worry about the safety or quality of store-bought baby foods—often due to concerns about food safety issues in society—However, moms should also be mindful that they aren't nutritionists. They don't know the specific nutritional content of substances, and determining what nutrients a baby is lacking and how to supplement them requires professional medical guidance. Homemade rice porridge indeed lacks the nutrients essential for a baby's growth. Following expert advice is beneficial for your baby's growth and development.
III. Vegetable Juices and Fruit Juices Hinder Oral Hygiene
Many moms substitute plain water with vegetable or fruit juices in their babies' diets, believing these liquids offer richer vitamins than plain water. This is a misconception.
Experts advise against giving vegetable water or fruit juice to babies during weaning. Stick to plain water. Babies accustomed to juice may reject plain water, hindering proper oral hygiene. Maintaining oral cleanliness is the first step in preventing tooth decay. Vegetable water, especially from boiled vegetables, offers no nutritional advantage. Instead, introduce pureed vegetables and fruits once solids are introduced. This provides essential nutrients without interfering with your baby's interest in plain water.
Friendly reminder: Boiling vegetables actually destroys their vitamins, and fertilizers or pesticides on the surface may dissolve into the water.Vegetable water primarily contains pigments, and may also contain fertilizer and pesticides. Moms can choose to blanch greens in boiling water to remove surface fertilizers and pesticides while cooking the vegetables. Then, chop them into a puree to feed the baby. For root vegetables, steam them until tender, peel them, and mash them into a paste to feed the baby.
On the other hand, introducing flavored liquids like fruit juice, vegetable water, or calcium supplements too early can cause babies to develop a dislike for milk. Fruit juice and vegetable water are considered complementary foods and should only be introduced when the baby is at least 4 months old.Whether breastfed or formula-fed, babies do not require supplemental calcium. Exclusively breastfed infants should receive 200-400 IU of vitamin D daily. Proper feeding nurtures healthy growth—not excessive supplementation.