Have you ever come across the idea that babies’ taste buds aren’t fully awake until they’re around 6 months old? I’ve encountered this myth as well, but let me assure you, it’s not entirely accurate. In fact, the journey of tasting starts even before birth!
Evidence, though somewhat limited, suggests that flavors like alcohol, anise, carrot, and garlic from the food mom eats during pregnancy can sneak their way into the amniotic fluid. This magical mixture can influence babies’ taste preferences both in infancy and potentially throughout childhood.
If you’ve ever struggled to feed your little one, thinking they’re just being picky, I’ve got news for you – it might not be that simple. By around 6 or 7 months, your adorable munchkin is beginning to sense the allure of saltiness (but remember, no added salt till they’re a year old). Even earlier, around 4 to 5 months, their taste buds can differentiate between sweetness and sourness. And a quick reminder: start complementary feeding at 6 months, while maintaining breastfeeding from birth to 6 months, and continuing it until the glorious age of 2, in line with the WHO recommendations.
But wait, let’s rewind a bit. Did you know that the art of taste training can actually begin during pregnancy? Yes, you read that right!
Flavors that moms munch on or even just breathe in don’t just stay with them – they make their way into milk and amniotic fluid. This sneak peek into flavors beyond milk or formula helps pave the way for a smoother transition to solid foods. Here’s the secret sauce: exposing babies to a variety of flavors between and during meals seems to make them more open to trying new foods. When babies scrunch their faces at certain tastes, focus less on their expressions and more on their willingness to eat. Keep giving them chances to taste! And here’s a tip: introducing kids repeatedly to different fruits and vegetables during meals could make them more open to enjoying these treats beyond the toddler years.
The wonder of taste training brings forth a multitude of perks:
1. Discovering Delights:
Imagine having the ability to figure out which flavors make your child’s taste buds dance with joy. Some kids just have favorites that trace back to the mom’s top picks during pregnancy.
2. First 1000 Days:
Those early days are like gold! During the first 1000 days of life, you’re sowing the seeds of loving diverse tastes. From the comfort of cinnamon to the thrill of fishy flavors, we’re here to introduce you to a medley of African-inspired culinary gems. Friska Instant Cereal is your ticket to an array of authentic delights for your little one, all produced with utmost care.
3. Flavor Freedom:
Have you ever thought about embarking on a flavor-filled journey with your mini explorer? With taste training, you’re opening doors to a world of tastes. From the tangy to the sweet, their taste buds get to go on an adventure of flavors.
Now, let’s talk about the flavors themselves – the Fantastic Five: sour, sweet, bitter, salty, and umami. These are like the notes of a melody that play on their tiny tongues.
1. Savoring the Tangy foods: Tamarind and Lemon
Sourness is like a little zing in the mouth. Tamarind and lemon bring that tangy twist that even the tiniest taste buds can enjoy. Let’s try a new melody; Lemon Fish and Veggie Fusion. It’s suitable from 7-8 months and a combo of fish, Ugwu leaves (Nigerian pumpkin), a touch of lemon, and our wonderful Friska Sweet Rice.
2. A Dash of Saltiness: Shrimp, Eggs, etc.
Ah, the taste of salt is special, but hold on till they’re a year old. Babies’ kidneys need time to grow strong. But guess what? Natural sodium hangs out in foods like seafood, eggs, and meats. We’re about to take a culinary journey with Banana Egg Yolk Baby Puree and Seafood (Shrimp & Fish) Okra Soup for Babies. These dishes have just the right hint of saltiness that’s both safe and tasty.
3. The Sweet foods: Nuts, Potatoes, Bananas, and Cinnamon
Sweetness is like a melody that makes us smile. But let’s not go overboard on sweetness right away. Friska Instant Cereal offers a variety of sweet adventures – think Banana and Dates Cereal, Grains and Nuts Cereal, and the charm of Sweet Rice Instant Cereal. But you can also try a homemade treat like Pureed Pear and Dates. It’s not only sweet but also helps with tummy comfort.
4. Nature’s Bitter Touch:
Bitterness might not be everyone’s favorite, but it’s worth exploring. Once your little one is around 1 year old, you can introduce a perfect nigerian dish like bitterleaf soup popularly known by the igbos as Ofe-Onugbu. It’s a simple yet delightful dish.
So, there you have it; a tale of taste, discovery, and nourishment. Each bite is a chapter in your baby’s flavor story. As parents, you’re the guides on this flavor quest, while your baby gets to be the star of their own food adventure. So go ahead, embrace the joy of taste training even as your little one enjoys Friska Instant Cereal and unlock a world of delightful flavors for your baby.