You might be familiar with hemp seeds as the health foods for the adults. You might have seen it in your Instagram feeds or fitness blogs. But can babies eat hemp seeds? While you can find many sources of information on its benefits and nutrition, it is still debatable whether hemp seeds are safe for infants under 1 year old. Here’s what you need to know.
Yes, Babies Can Eat Hemp Seeds.
- Hemp seeds are a good source of protein and contain all nine essential amino acids, making them an excellent choice for babies who are weaning off breast milk or formula. They also contain high amounts of iron and zinc, which help boost immunity during early childhood development.
The body also uses hemp seeds to produce omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids — two essential nutrients that are often lacking in children’s diets.
Hemp seeds are also a good source of fiber, which helps keep your baby regular, as well as magnesium and potassium, which support heart health.
However, it’s important to note that hemp seeds aren’t suitable for infants less than 1 year old because they’re prone to choking on hard foods like nuts and seeds. If you’re worried about your baby choking on food, talk with your pediatrician about introducing new foods at 1 year old.
Babies Need to Be At Least 6 Months When They Eat Solid Foods.
- Babies need to be at least 6 months when they eat solid foods. In the first few weeks of life, the baby’s digestive system is still immature and cannot break down solid foods properly.
The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends that babies be breastfed exclusively for the first 6 months of their lives. After this time, if you choose to introduce solid foods, it should be done slowly and in small amounts.
The AAP recommends that babies start with iron-fortified cereals at about 4 months old. However, you should always consult your pediatrician before introducing any new food into your baby’s diet.
Hemp seeds are a great source for young children because they contain essential fatty acids that support brain development, along with high levels of protein and fiber. Hemp seeds are also rich in magnesium and selenium, both of which have been linked to improved immune function in kids1.
Nutritional Benefits of Hemp Seeds For Babies.
The nutritional benefits of hemp seeds for babies are immense. One of the main reasons why hemp seed is a great food choice for babies is because it provides a range of essential nutrients that help your baby grow and develop. The high amounts of protein found in hemp seeds are particularly beneficial to babies, as they help to provide them with the energy, they need to stay active throughout the day.
You can easily add them to your baby’s diet by sprinkling them on cereal, adding them to yogurt or making homemade granola bars.
- Nutritional Benefits of Hemp Seeds for Babies
Hemp seeds provide valuable nutrition for babies because they contain many essential vitamins and minerals. These include vitamin E, which helps protect cells from damage caused by free radicals, vitamin A, which helps keep eyes and skin healthy, and vitamin D3, which aids calcium absorption in bones. They also contain minerals like zinc, iron and phosphorus — all of which play an important role in keeping your baby healthy.
The protein found in hemp seeds is particularly important for growing children because it helps their bodies develop properly. Protein provides energy for cells, supports bone growth and builds muscle tissue — all things that are crucial during infancy and childhood years.
How to Use Hemp Seeds In Baby Food Recipes.
Hemp seeds are a tasty and nutritious addition to your baby’s diet. They’re also an excellent source of protein, fiber and other nutrients that help support your baby’s growth and development.
- If you’re thinking about adding hemp seeds to your baby’s diet, here are some tips on how to use them in baby food recipes:
Start slow. Because hemp seeds have such a strong flavor, it’s best to introduce them slowly. Start by adding just a few tablespoons of hemp seed powder to your baby’s food each day and see how he reacts before increasing the amount. You can also try mixing the powder with water or juice before giving it to him — this way, he’ll be less likely to notice the taste of hemp seed oil at first.
Add other flavors. The best way to mask the slightly bitter taste of hemp seed oil is by adding other flavors like sweet fruits or herbs (like cinnamon) when cooking with it. You could also try incorporating hemp into savory dishes like curries if you want something more flavorful than bland purees or soups.
Hemp Seed Recipes for Babies.
- Hemp Seed, Apple, and Cinnamon Smoothie
- Hemp Seed Pesto with Zucchini Pasta
- Hemp Seed Hummus with Dijon Mustard
- Hemp Seed and Avocado Toast
- Hemp Seed Avocado Spread with Carrot Sticks
- Homemade Granola Bars
Conclusion
Hemp Seed powder is loaded with vitamins, amino acids and minerals. Hemp seeds are just as nutritious as they are tasty and can be an excellent choice to add to your baby’s diet. Varying amounts of protein and Omega 3 fatty acids are an added benefit.
