Chia Seeds For Babies – When to Introduce, Benefits and Precautions

These seeds provide nutrients like fatty acids, omega-3, vitamins B12 and many others. However, to prevent choking risks, they must be given in moderation to maintain a healthy balance. Too many chia seeds can also cause digestive discomfort in young babies and moderation is vital.

When Can You Introduce Chia Seeds to Your Baby?

Chia seeds can be introduced to babies who are at least 8 months old and have learned to chew on finger foods. Seeds can be a choking hazard for babies and hence giving them as soon as your baby turns 6 months may be slightly risky. But having said that, if you wish to give chia seeds as soon as you start solids for your little one, you can blend soaked chia seeds and give them to your baby. You can also simply give them the liquid the chia seeds is soaked in and discard the seed part. This way, some of the nutrients will disperse into the liquid medium and provide additional nutrition to your baby.

Nutritional Value of Chia Seeds

Chia seeds are the storehouse of essential nutrients. They comprise a balanced proportion of almost every kind of vitamin and mineral. A detailed list of the nutritional value of 100 gm of chia seeds has been given below.

Amazing Top 5 Benefits of Chia Seeds For Babies

As already mentioned, chia seeds are the perfect source of a balanced meal for infants and toddlers. Due to the rich availability of essential minerals and vitamins, most parents prefer introducing chia seeds into the baby’s diet for a perfect balance.

The list of advantages a baby is likely to receive from the consumption of chia seeds are listed below.

1. Proper Growth And Development

One of the biggest reasons for giving seeds to babies is the help in achieving the target growth and development. It is important to mention in the first place that chia seeds contain the essential omega-3 fatty acids. These fatty acids are very helpful in the general brain growth and development of babies

2. Better Digestion

It is important to mention that these seeds are the richest source of fiber for babies. Fiber is essential because it helps regulate digestion and constipation and helps in the proper digestion of the food so that the body takes the minerals out of the food instead of converting them into fat. Having chia seeds helps in proper digestion and prevents the risk of acidity-related issues in infants.

3. Bone Health

Chia seeds are an excellent source for calcium and vitamin D. While calcium ensures proper bone health, vitamin D allows for the proper absorption and bioavailability of calcium into the body.

4. Strengthening of the Immune System

The immunity of young babies is very weak, due to which they are prone to different kinds of allergies and infections. That is why it is important to develop babies’ immune systems with the help of supplements like Chia seeds. These seeds contain an amount of zinc which helps build immunity and fight different types of diseases by increasing the number of white blood cells in the body.

[Read : How to Increase Immunity in Babies?]

5. Better Metabolism

If babies are given Chia seed, then the chances of them developing a better metabolism at a later stage increase greatly. Chia seeds contain magnesium and phosphorus, with the help of which the metabolism can be boosted. Boosting metabolism is essential for the healthy development of the body.

Precautions to Take While Introducing Chia Seeds For Babies

Giving chia seeds to young babies is essential to supply vital minerals and nutrients into the diet. It is necessary to mention that the chia seeds can be useful to deliver energy to babies so that they do not fall ill during the initial years. However, there are a lot of precautions which must be taken into accord while including the same into the diet. The list of these precautions has been given in the following way:

• Chia seeds must not be consumed directly. Parents must make sure to soak these chia seeds overnight to make them soft so that they don’t choke babies.
• Chia seeds must be given in only small quantities.
• These seeds are tasteless, and babies may not prefer having them as is. You can add them as a topping on sweet or savory dishes or their favorite juices and puddings.

[Read : Infant Choking]

Are There Any Side Effects of Chia Seeds For Babies?

Chia seeds usually don’t have any side effects for infants. But just as every coin has two heads, so do seeds for babies. The chia seeds, as already mentioned, should be only given to babies in moderation. If proper precautions are not followed babies may face certain difficulties

• Very young babies, around 6 months of age may face choking since they may not be adept at chewing the soaked seeds despite them being ready for solids.
• Every baby should be given soaked chia seeds only. Dry seeds can cause choking and can be dangerous for babies.
• High fiber content in chia seeds can cause digestive problems such as diarrhea among infants who take them in excessive quantities.
• Some babies may face loss of appetite too.
• While specific side effects to chia seeds among infants are rare, parents must be extra cautious when introducing these seeds to infants. Also, use the three-day tule to ensure that your babies are able to accept chia seeds well without any side effects.

The disadvantages and the side effects of seeds mostly happen in babies if they consume chia seeds in excess quantity. Give these seeds in moderate quantity to your baby and they will be safe and healthy.

[Read : The 3-Day Wait Rule For Babies To Introduce Solids]

Top 2 Tasty and Healthy Chia Seeds Recipes For Babies

If you are looking for some tasty and interesting recipes using chia seeds, then this section below will list some of them. Some of the best recipes which the babies will enjoy are given below.

1. Chia Seed Banana Pudding

Soak chia seeds in water or formula milk (You can use cow milk if your child is a year old). Add chopped banana pieces to the soaked chia mixture, blend well and serve the pudding to your baby. You can substitute banana with any fruit of your choice. Apple chia pudding is also a good alternative.

2. Chia Seed Gel

Take some milk or water in a bowl. Then add the chia seeds slowly to it. Keep stirring the mixture and make sure to avoid lumps. Allow the seeds to soften. Your chia seed gel is ready. You can give it to your baby as is or you can serve this as a topping on their favorite pudding.

Chia seeds for infants are an excellent source of nutrition. It is full of health and wellness benefits for babies. 8 months is an ideal age to start this food item for your munchkin, but you can start a little earlier if you feel confident. You can always consult your pediatrician of you have any more questions regarding the same.

FAQ’s

1. Can Babies Eat Chia Seeds Every Day?

No, chia seeds must be given to the babies every day. They must be given occasionally and that too in moderation.

2. Do Chia Seeds Constipate Babies?

Yes, excessive consumption of chia seeds can cause constipation in babies.

Read Also: Puffed Rice For Babies – When to Introduce, Benefits And Precautions