Previously, we covered which eggs, legumes, and soy are safe for your little ones. Now, we’ll be looking into nuts and seeds!
Nuts and seeds are great for your toddler’s health as they are rich in fibre, vitamins, minerals, and protein. These are all great for your toddler’s health. But, not all nuts and seeds are safe to consume by your toddlers. So which nuts and seeds are toddler-friendly and which should be avoided?
Let’s find out together, shall we?
Best Nuts and Seeds for Your Toddlers
Almond
Mummies can include almonds in their toddler’s diet from as early as 6 months old. This nut is rich in fibre, vitamin E, and other nutrients which helps to promote your toddler’s digestive health as well as hair and skin health. Almonds can also help to improve his nervous system and brain function. Just be careful of any allergies. You may try to give your toddler a form of smooth nut butter. Or chop them into thin slices and blend them into your toddler’s yoghurt or milk.
Cashew nut
Your toddlers can have some cashew nuts as soon as they are over 12 months of age. These nuts are good sources of copper and magnesium which can help to improve your toddler’s bone development. They are also great for your toddler’s energy production and blood vessel. Mummies may introduce these nuts in small pieces and cashew butter as they are choking hazards. These nuts are also known as allergens, so beware of any allergic symptoms.
Flaxseed
You can give your toddler some flax seeds. Flaxseed contains Omega-3 fatty acids which can improve your toddler’s intelligence and brain function. This seed is rich in fibre which is great for your toddler’s digestive health. To avoid any risk of choking, mummies may add and serve them in a pudding or flax oil rather than feeding them whole seeds. You may give your toddler three teaspoons or less to avoid the risk of diarrhoea.
Garbanzo
You can also include garbanzo in your toddler’s meal. It is rich in protein which can help promote your toddler’s growth and development. Plus, it also has fatty acid which is great for his cognitive function and brain development. Just be careful as it is a choking hazard. You may introduce it in a puree.
Hazelnut
Pine nut
It is fine to include pine nuts in your toddler’s meal. They are rich in many essential nutrients such as protein, antioxidants, vitamins, minerals, iron, and healthy fats. These nuts can improve your toddler’s growth and immunity. They can also support healthy tissues and bones. Plus, pine nuts are great for your toddler’s vision.
Pistachio
Your toddlers may consume pistachio. Pistachio is rich in fibre, zinc, vitamins, and healthy fats. These all help improve your toddler’s immune and digestive system. In addition, they are also great for his brain development and blood circulation. However, you should chop them into small pieces as they are common choking hazards. Mummies also need to check out for any allergies. You may try to feed your toddlers with the healthier option of unsalted and unsweetened pistachios.
Sunflower seed
Sunflower seeds are safe to eat by toddlers! You may introduce them as soon as they are about 6 months of age. These seeds contain many essential nutrients like folates which helps to improve your toddler’s brain development and immunity. Nevertheless, these seeds are choking hazards so be careful with them. Mamas might try to opt for some sunflower seed butter into your toddler’s yoghurt. Or add finely-ground seeds to any of his foods.
Walnut
Your toddler may consume some walnuts too! They are rich in fibre, folate, zinc, and healthy fats, which are great for your toddler’s digestion and growth. Walnuts may also improve your toddler’s heart health and neurological development. Plus, they also promote his immunity. But, you still need to be careful of them. This is because they are common allergens and choking hazards. You may serve walnut butter first and add it to your toddler’s cereal or yoghurt.
Pecan
You may also include pecans in your toddler’s meal as they are rich in zinc, iron, and fibre. These help improve your toddler’s metabolism and immunity. They can also help to promote his digestion and growth. But, they are choking hazards and common allergens. So, be careful.
Peanut
Peanuts are great for your toddler’s brain development. However, they are common allergens and choking hazards. You may give some peanut butter and butternut squash to your toddler. Avoid feeding them with whole peanuts.
Pili nut
You can feed pili nuts to your child as they can help to promote your toddler’s muscles, heart function, and nervous system. Just be careful of any risk of choking and allergies.
Consume in Moderation
Lotus seed
Your little ones can have some lotus seeds. These seeds are rich in essential nutrients like protein and magnesium which are great for your toddler. However, you need to control your toddler’s intake as it might cause diarrhoea.
Chia seed
Mums can feed their children with some chia seeds in moderation. These seeds are great sources of protein, omega-3 fatty acids, vitamins, and calcium. Chia seeds can help to improve your toddler’s immunity and growth. Plus, they are also great for his bones, brain development, and eyesight. Nevertheless, an excessive amount of chia seeds might lead to digestive problems. So, be careful with them.
Macadamia nut
Your toddler can have a moderate amount of macadamia nuts. They are great for your toddler’s eye health and nerve system. But, they are high in calories and might cause irritability. So, consume them in moderation.
Brazil nut
Your toddler can have some brazil nuts in small quantities. Brazil nuts contain high amounts of selenium which can be toxic to your toddler. They are also choking hazards. So be careful with them.
Avoid At All Cost
Chestnut
Your toddlers cannot consume chestnuts as they are hard to digest. You may consider introducing it to them when your toddler turns at least two years old.
Apricot kernel
Avoid feeding apricot kernels to your toddler as these kernels carry the risk of cyanide poisoning.
Eat safe nuts and seeds!
Mummies need to know which nuts and seeds are great for their toddlers as they might cause some health problems like allergies and digestive problems.
Sources:
- https://www.cdc.gov/nutrition/infantandtoddlernutrition/index.html
- https://www.hsph.harvard.edu/nutritionsource/kids-healthy-eating-plate/
- https://www.yummytoddlerfood.com/100-foods-for-toddlers/
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Disclaimer: The information provided in this article is for informational purposes only and should not be considered as medical advice from Motherhood. For any health-related concerns, it is advisable to consult with a qualified healthcare professional or medical practitioner.
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