The adaptation of the child to the external environment occurs during the first six months of life. It is necessary to take into account the individual characteristics of the child when introducing new food products. This is especially important when the baby is allergic. In general, vegetables contain a whole range of important micronutrients and vitamins to support the growth of a child. In our article, we will consider the rules for introducing tomatoes into the baby's diet.
Useful properties of tomato
- firstly, it is a high content of potassium and magnesium, which are involved in the work of the heart structures. Thanks to them, electrical excitability of the heart cells occurs.
Thanks to magnesium, tomatoes can be classified as a sedative vegetable. After all, magnesium has a calming effect on the nervous system;
- also tomatoes contain iron, calcium, iodine. Iron is an essential trace mineral that helps red blood cells perform their basic functions. Calcium is a building material for a baby's skeleton. Iodine improves thyroid function;
- vitamin A is the main participant in metabolic processes in the organs of vision;
- An important advantage of the tomato is its antitumor effect due to the substance lycopene.
Do not forget that tomato is one of the main allergens. For this reason, children with allergies are recommended to introduce tomatoes after three years.
When to introduce tomato into the menu?
Tomatoes are difficult enough for a baby's delicate digestive tract, so it is better not to experiment with tomato treats until 1 year old.
TESTIMONIAL FROM LOVING MOMS. Anastasia, 30 years old: “I started to introduce a tomato to my son at 8 months. I grew the tomatoes myself in the garden, so I started in the summer. Gave it for lunch after the main course. She peeled the skin and gave half a tomato. I also tried to make juice and puree. My baby really likes them. I did not notice any red cheeks and other allergic reactions. "
Tomato introduction rules
Before you start introducing a new product, you need to make sure that the baby is in good health and well-being.
- The age limit for introducing a tomato is over 12 months.
- For better assimilation, it is recommended to give tomatoes with fats - butter, sour cream.
- Start giving ½ teaspoon of puree or tomato juice.
- Further, if after the first spoonful of tomato puree there is no allergy, then we continue to give, increasing the portion size.
How to choose a tomato?
If you have actually grown tomatoes, then, of course, you should give them preference. First of all, remember that in winter tomatoes are not saturated with so many nutrients, since they were grown in unnatural conditions.
How to cook tomatoes for children?
Be sure to wash the selected tomato with a brush and pour over with boiling water.
Be sure to remove the skins, the baby may choke on it.
Further, if you decide to make mashed potatoes, then you should:
- remove the skin;
- Boil the tomato a little, about 5 - 10 minutes. So the tomato becomes healthier due to the increased activity of lycopene;
- grind with a blender or other device.
Juice can be made from fresh tomatoes using a juicer. Tomatoes can also be mixed with other vegetables or added to soups.
Tomatoes should not be given with milk, as this can cause fermentation in the intestines.
Is it ok for babies to have canned tomatoes?
Definitely not, because:
- firstly, these products contain vinegar, which has a negative irritating effect on the mucous membrane of the stomach and intestines;
- secondly, there is a lot of salt, which puts a lot of stress on the kidneys, which can also lead to edema.
If an allergic reaction occurs, you should immediately cancel the injected product, contact your pediatrician.
Contraindications to the introduction of tomatoes
- Diseases of the kidneys, liver.
- Frequent allergic reactions to other foods, atopic dermatitis.
- Frequent swelling of the tummy, intestinal colic.
- Loose stools.
Children can be given tomatoes and even need to, since these vegetables have a lot of useful substances for a growing body. Do it right and you and your baby will be happy.
Article rating:
