
If you managed to keep down most foods throughout the majority of your pregnancy, your baby no doubt would have enjoyed all of the yummy tastes of herbs and spices you ate like cinnamon, pepper, basil, paprika, and curry.
Then, that flavour exposure continues if you’re breastfeeding your bub. Breastmilk changes its flavour depending on what you eat. If you like spicy and flavoursome meals, don’t be surprised if your little one doesn’t go for the boring foods.
When babies start solids, they’re usually open to exploring and enjoying a variety of different flavours, fragrances, colours, and textures. Exposing them early on to food that isn’t just bland or sweet will help to develop your baby’s palate.
As salt and sugar should be avoided in baby food, herbs and spices are a great way to add some interest and flavour to a meal.
But, adding them does more than enhance the taste and look of their food; they also have medicinal properties. For example:
Babies in many cultures around the world are introduced to strong herbs and spices early on, so don’t be afraid to add flavour to your homemade meals. You might want to hold back on the chilli for now, though. It can cause irritation to the gut, leading to cramping and diarrhoea.
Here are some tips to get started:
Which ones go with what?
Enjoy getting creative, and helping to encourage your bub to be an adventurous eater! You might also like to check out these posts:
How to encourage your baby to eat more vegetables
Getting started with spoon feeding – an expert guide
How omega 3s can aid sleep for the whole family
Is my baby ready to start eating finger food?