Baby Spices Introduction: The beginning of solid food is a memorable and exciting time in your baby’s life. In this journey, parents learn something new every day, sometimes they find tomato puree smeared on their faces, and sometimes they make a small mistake while trying to catch water from the glass. But amidst these moments, a question comes to mind again and again, can we start giving spices now? This question arises especially in those families where spices play an important role in everyday food. You want your child to be able to recognize the same smells, the same homeliness and the same tastes that you have grown up with. You also don’t want any strong or unfamiliar tastes to upset his delicate stomach. Children’s ability to recognize taste is very sensitive. This is why the tastes given to them in the initial months can influence their future food choices. Giving the right spices in the right way, at the right time, makes their flavor journey safe and enjoyable. Many times, parents make some mistakes in haste or due to lack of knowledge, due to which the child may become nervous or feel uncomfortable while eating. In this article, we will understand in simple language when to introduce spices, which spices should be given first, how to give them and which mistakes should always be avoided, so that your child remains healthy while learning the taste.
When should spices be introduced?
Most experts agree that mild spices can be gradually introduced when the baby is around six months old and is taking solid food well. At this age, children start tasting things like fruits, vegetable purees, porridge or khichdi, so mild spices can help in enhancing their taste.
The period of six to nine months is considered to be the safest and most comfortable for introducing spices.
Mistakes related to baby food,
Which spices to add first?
Always start with mild, aromatic and gentle spices like
-Cumin
-Coriander
-cinnamon
-Cardamom
-Turmeric (in very small quantities)
-Celery
These spices give aroma but are not pungent, hence the baby is able to accept them comfortably.
Avoid these spices completely:
-chili powder
-spicy spices
-Heavy spice mix
-more black pepper
These things can cause stomach irritation, discomfort or loss of taste.
How to add spice? right way
1. Always give it cooked, do not add raw spices.
Raw spices may seem pungent and are difficult to digest.
2. Start with very small amounts.
Even a pinch is enough.
Mistakes related to baby food,
3. Add only in previously identified areas.
Like pulses, vegetable puree, porridge etc.
4. Introduce only one new spice at a time.
This makes it easier to understand which taste suits the baby and which does not.
5. Keep the rest of the food light.
So that the new taste does not seem too heavy.
What mistakes do parents often make?
Introducing spices to your baby isn’t difficult, but it’s important to avoid these common mistakes:
-add many spices at once
This can make the taste overwhelming and make it difficult to understand the cause of the reaction.
-add spicy spices quickly
Do not give spicy spices at all before one year.
-giving raw spices
There is a possibility of stomach upset or burning sensation due to this.
-Add spices in large quantities
If there are more mild spices then the taste will be stronger.
-Not paying attention to baby’s reaction
Some reactions may not appear immediately, but may appear after a few hours.
Does cultural food have an impact?
Yes, in many homes babies feel the aroma of spices from the first day after birth. This helps them identify the aroma, but it does not mean that spices should be given early. Aroma and eating experience are two different things.
The child should like basic food first, then gradually move towards spices.
How to know if your baby is taking spices properly?
-Showing interest in spicy food
-No discomfort visible on the face
-No stomach pain, gas or rashes
If the child seems upset, stop the spices for a few weeks and later start again with a lighter dose.
