The first years of your baby’s life are a period of very intensive development. Ingredients necessary for growth include calcium, iron, and vitamin D, to name a few. You should provide your little one with a diet rich in these and other important ingredients to ensure the baby’s proper development.
Iron
Iron significantly affects the functioning of the baby’s nervous system, which also translates into its cognitive development. By providing your little one with the right amount of iron, you will help protect your child from iron deficiency, which can result in anemia. Most iron is found in meat products, but plant products are also rich sources of iron, such as parsley, spinach, kale, and legumes. In addition, eggs and dark bread are rich sources of this critical nutrient.
Calcium
Calcium is responsible for the proper growth and construction of bones and teeth. It is therefore critical to include this ingredient in the daily diet, especially when the infant is developing so intensively. Calcium, in the form that is most easily absorbed by the body, is found in dairy products. A baby’s diet in the first six months should be based on the mother’s breast milk. Many mothers who do not breastfeed prefer buying European baby formula, which provides the infant with enough calcium.
Vitamin D
For the proper absorption of calcium, vitamin D is required. Vitamin D is produced in the skin under the influence of sunlight. It is therefore important to spend the right amount of time outdoors with your child from May to the end of September when there is more sun. A well-planned diet can also be an important source of vitamin D. It is advisable to give the child fish (Atlantic mackerel and salmon) and egg yolk. All the baby formulas found in the Organics Best online store are enriched with vitamin D. However, depending on how much vitamin D your little one receives from the diet, the pediatrician may prescribe the appropriate level of its supplementation.
Iodine
Iodine is an essential component needed for the production of thyroid hormones. It also takes part in metabolic processes. Besides, the human body needs it to maintain the normal temperature. It is mainly found in products of marine origin, i.e., in marine fish (cod, halibut) and seaweed, milk and dairy products, and eggs.
Vitamins C and A
These two vitamins perform many functions in the human body. Vitamin A is essential in the process of vision, and vitamin C is an antioxidant and supports immunity. It also increases the absorption of iron and calcium. The sources of vitamin A are both animal products, for example, eggs, butter, cheese, and products of plant origin, for example, carrots, peppers, broccoli, kale, spinach, and parsley, as well as fruits (apricots, peaches, mangoes, and oranges). Vitamin C can be found in fresh vegetables such as red peppers, brassicas, parsley, cruciferous vegetables (broccoli, Brussels sprouts, cabbage, cauliflower), and fruits such as kiwi, berries, and citrus.
