We can’t wait for our babies to turn one year old and have the pediatrician tell us, “Your baby is now ready for table food and can eat what ever the rest of the family is eating”. Taking allergies into consideration, most of us feel from there on is a “free for all”.

Although your baby is ready to join the rest of the family at meals, we should always remember that the dietary needs we have as adults are not necessarily appropriate for our growing babies. For example, babies need more calories than adults to sustain the growth of muscle, tissue and bone that takes place throughout childhood.

During the first two years of life fat is needed due to the fact that it is the most concentrated source of energy and it is also important for healthy development of the brain and nervous system. Without enough fat in the diet a child would need to burn protein for energy*.  On the other hand, experts tells us that children over five should limit calorie from fat

At the early stages babies are a busy bundles of endless activity with bodies that are in a state of growth and development. They need a constant supply of highly nutritional building blocks not only free of chemicals but equally high in protein, essential fats, complex carbohydrates, and a full complement of vitamins, minerals and phytonutrients to fuel their active life style.

Thus the question, HOW BALANCED IS YOUR TABLE FOOD AND IS IT APPROPRIATE FOR YOUR GROWING BABY?

Some tips to help you make the right choices: