Well, its official with weaning occurring in full force over here and my recent ill-health based on low levels of vitamin D, vitamin B12 and several other vitamin deficiencies. It would be fair to say I am really paranoid over the last few weeks that what if I am not giving Jacob the right foods while weaning him to ensure he is getting enough goodness.
While the sun is our bodies’ main source of vitamin D, it’s especially hard for children to get enough from sunlight alone throughout the year, especially if like me you’re slapping factor 50 on at every given opportunity. However I know just how ill and painful vitamin D deficiency can be.
Since being diagnosed with both of these deficiencies and having to take tablets to put back what my body doesn’t have I have been looking for ways to ensure as a family we are eating the right things to try to help boost our vitamin levels.
For Jacob however, he is only 6 months and so finding foods he can eat is even more important since his milk intake has dropped and him now relaying more and more on the food that he eats.
Recently I was sent a press release on this very subject and I have to say although I am not naturally a sharer of press releases (I tend to get hundreds a week) this one hit a nerve based on where my head is at the moment.
This particular press release provides some top tips on how to boost your Childs vitamin D levels within their diet by Dietitian Dr Carrie Ruxton, who explains that by having a balanced diet all the nutrients children need should be provided for, however like I was already aware of recently vitamin D can be hard to find in food sources so here is Dr Ruxton’s advice:
“1. Eat oily fish once or twice a week, such as salmon, tuna, mackerel, herring or trout. If your children are fussy about fish, try offering a fish pie made with a combination of oily fish and white fish, or salmon fish cakes as these have a milder flavour. Starting young greatly improves children’s acceptance of fish so don’t be afraid to try boneless fish as a weaning food after your baby reaches 6 months of age.
2. Fortified dairy foods, such as Petits Filous fromage frais, are typically enjoyed by children and are a good source of vitamin D and calcium, both of which are vital for bone development.
3. Cereals are often fortified with vitamin D, particularly ones aimed at children, but it does vary so check the label. Choose cereals that are low in sugar and high in wholegrain for an extra win-win”
I think after reading this press release I became aware of 2 things, the first being I don’t really check Jacobs baby food as much as I do our own and secondly thank goodness for Petits Filous and cereals!
What key foods do you give while weaning and beyond to help keep your babies healthy?
Disclaimer: Although I was sent a press release I have not been compensated in any way for sharing.
We don’t eat dairy but my baby daughter adores a smoothie full of hidden vitamins and minerals every night before bed. She isn’t a great eater (eating is like a big hassle in her daytime schedule) unlike my older two so smoothies and sometimes a bowl of porridge at some random point in the day helps ease my concerns a bit.
My baby always enjoyed yoghurt and some smoothies, she was always a good eater so it was never really a problem getting her to eat all the things she needed to to be healthy, my son was a different story though.
Cheers,
Emily