Nuts are a highly allergenic product, but you can try giving them to your baby from 8 months old.
What are the benefits of nuts for children:
- increase immunity, the child is less likely to have ARVI
- help to strengthen bones and muscles
- give the body iodine, which is necessary for the normal functioning of the thyroid gland
- contains magnesium, which supports the health of the nervous system, heart and blood vessels
- help to cope with increased stress, for example, at school
- normalize bowel function
- are an additional source of protein.
With all the great benefits, nuts have two drawbacks: possible allergies and the danger of choking. Therefore, you need to start giving nuts in minimal doses and in crushed form, and whole kernels - after 5 years. But even a 5-year-old kid should clearly understand that nuts cannot be eaten on the run.
The World Health Organization allows nuts to be given to children from 6-8 months. It is believed that the sooner a child is exposed to a potential allergen, the more likely they are to be free of allergies.
Also, a nursing mother can eat nuts, if there are no contraindications and there is no direct link between the use of nuts and a deterioration in the child's well-being.How to introduce nuts into a child's diet
Up to 5 years old, nuts for a child need to be crushed into powder. The first portions are no more than a third of a teaspoon.
At first, it is worth giving nuts no more than 3-4 times a week, but gradually you can bring the dose to 2-3 kernels of nuts per day.
Walnuts are not suitable for children who have gastrointestinal problems or skin rashes, these nuts are difficult to digest.
Cashews should be warmed up before use, they are suitable for babies from 3 years old.
The nuts should not be salty. In particular, this applies to pistachios and peanuts. The latter can be given to children after 3 years.
Almonds need to be heat treated, do not give the child raw, because it contains harmful substances.
The maximum daily dose of nuts for a child is how many kernels will fit in his cam.
You will also be interested to read:
- What to do if your child is allergic to complementary foods
- Avocado in a child's diet
- How to make meat puree for the first feeding
