As the sniffle season approaches, every parent's concern heightens about keeping their little ones healthy and resilient against the onslaught of germs. While we often hear about the importance of vitamin C in boosting immunity, there's a whole array of nutrients that play crucial roles in strenghtening your baby's immune system. Let's look into the essentials of building a robust immune system for your bub beyond just loading up on oranges.
Nutritional Foundation:
A well rounded diet lays the groundwork for a strong immune system. Ensure your baby receives a diverse range of nutrients from vegetables, fruits, proteins, whole grains, and healthy fats. Variety is key to providing all the essential vitamins and minerals necessary for optimal immune function.
Vitamin C:
Let’s start with the obvious one. While commonly associated with immune health, vitamin C does more than just ward off colds. It actively contributes to the production of healthy immune cells that combat infections. Additionally, it aids in the absorption of iron, a mineral critical for a robust immune system. Incorporate vitamin C rich foods such as broccoli, tomatoes, blueberries, spinach, citrus fruits, and capsicums into your baby's diet to give their immune system a boost.
Omega-3 Fatty Acids:
Omega-3s play a vital role in balancing inflammation, ensuring an effective immune response to infections. These fatty acids also help maintain the proper functioning of immune cells. Introduce omega-3-rich foods like fatty fish (salmon, mackerel, sardines), flax seeds, chia seeds, and walnuts to support your baby's immune system.
Protein:
Proteins are the building blocks of immune cells and they also provide antibodies that assist in fighting off invading bugs. Include sources of protein such as red meat, chicken, fish, eggs, milk, yoghurt, cheese, chickpeas, beans, lentils, nuts, and seeds in your baby's meals to support their immune health.
Iron:
Iron acts as fuel for immune cells, enabling them to function optimally. It also plays a crucial role in carrying oxygen throughout the body, supporting overall growth and development. Incorporate iron rich foods like red meat, chicken liver, lentils, beans, spinach, leafy greens, eggs, and tofu into your baby's diet to ensure they have the necessary resources for a strong immune system.
Immunity Strengthening Puree
To make boosting your baby's immune system easier, consider incorporating Nourishing Bubs super convenient pre-packed baby purees into their diet. Here's how you can ensure your little one gets the essential nutrients they need:
Vitamin C: We have a great selection of fruit and vegetable purees to provide a spectrum of vitamins and minerals, including vitamin C.
Omega-3: Our salmon puree is rich in omega-3 fatty acids, to support your baby's immune health and cognitive development.
Protein and Iron: Our beef and chicken purees are packed with protein and iron to fuel your baby's immune cells and promote healthy growth.
By incorporating these essential nutrients into your baby's diet, you can help strengthen their immune system and prepare them to face the sniffle season with resilience. Remember, a well-nourished body is better equipped to fend off illnesses, so prioritise providing your little one with a balanced and nutritious diet year-round.
Everything you Need for Starting Solids
Is your bub about to start solids? We have everything you need, to make life so much more convenient:
✅Veggie Puree Starter Pack (10 individual veggies)
✅Fruit Puree Packs
✅Salmon Puree
✅Beef Puree
✅Chicken Puree
✅Allergen Intro Packs (14 individual allergens)
✅Tree Nut Maintenance Meal Packs (all 9 tree nuts)
Please note, our advice is general in nature and should not replace any advice provided to you by your health professional. Ensure your bub is over 4 months old and is showing signs of readiness before starting solids. If you have any concerns about your bubs development or starting solids consult your GP or other health professional.
