A lot of people are a little on the fence when it comes to feeding their babies bone broth. However, feeding your baby this nutrient-dense liquid actually results in a lot of surprising benefits that you probably didn’t know about.
Bone broth or stock is essentially broth that is simmered at low heat for a very long time until the nutrients and minerals leach out from the bones. Bone broth can be made from just about any animal bones, but popular choices include chicken, turkey, pork, beef and fish. There are even vegan options made with seaweed, mushrooms and vegetables. Whatever your choice, this slow simmering process results in a delicious, nourishing and flavourful soup.
While some parents may introduce bone broth earlier during the weaning stage, we prefer to hold off for a bit, at least until babies are about 8 months. Here are some of the benefits when it comes to feeding your baby bone broth.
It introduces something different that is equally nutritious
Mixing cereal or porridge with breastmilk or formula might be a thing of the norm by now, but how about introducing something just as nutritious but savoury? Not only is bone broth super nourishing for your little one, but offering something different also helps to expand their taste buds.
It is great for strong bones and teeth
Remember we mentioned earlier that the broth is simmered at low heat for a very long time until the nutrients and minerals leach out from the bones? Now all the fat, protein and varying amounts of calcium, iron, potassium as well as other minerals are in the broth itself. The broth also contains glucosamine and chondroitin needed for joint development whereas calcium supports building your bub’s strong healthy bones and teeth.
It reduces the risk of allergies and builds immunity
Bone broth also contains collagen which has the ability to strengthen the intestinal lining. Another plus point when it comes to consuming collagen is that it can greatly reduce the risk of allergies and food sensitivities in babies. There are even specific amino acids in bone broth that improves immunity and digestion as well.
Let’s not forget that this nutrient-rich broth is easy for your little one to digest because all that goodness has been extracted out into the soup. To reap its benefits, just offer some to your baby in small amounts in addition to breastmilk or formula and solid food. The goal here is not to have your baby fill up on broth but to gain other important nutrients as well from a variety of different food.
When your little one progresses to eating more solids, the amount of breast milk or formula they consume will naturally decrease. Parents can choose to offer more broth then, however bone broth should still be treated as supplementary to their main meals.
Check out our options at Baby Grocer
Mums and dads can purchase ready-made bone broth from us! Made with only the highest quality goods and care, parents can rest assured that the options we provide are all-natural and without preservatives. We believe in only the best for your loved ones. Try our chicken and fishbone broths. We also have mushroom and seaweed options for those who are vegans.Â
