Hemp Seeds For Babies – When to Introduce, Benefits & Precautions

The FDA (Food and Drug Administration in the U.S.) has put hemp seeds under the category, Generally Recognized as Safe (GRAS). Moreover, hemp seeds are not a choking hazard. The seeds are slightly larger than chia or sesame seeds but small enough for your baby to eat them with ease.

Are Hemp Seeds Healthy For Babies?

Yes, hemp seeds for babies are healthy thanks to their impressive nutritional profile. They are a great source of complete protein. Meaning, all the nine essential amino acids supporting your baby’s growth, tissue repair, and all-around development are found in hemp seeds.

Especially at this young age of your little one, their muscles are continually exposed to wear and tear. Some babies are at a stage where they’re learning to stand, while some have already walked their first step. No matter the stage, adequate protein intake will strengthen their muscles. It’ll be a good support as they reach one milestone after another.

Hemp seeds contain a healthy amount of fiber as well. The stool gets more volume and exits the system smoothly. It’s a good food to prevent constipation in babies.

You can refer to this table, which is an accurate representation of the nutritional value of Hemp Seeds.

In about 30 g or 3 tablespoons of hemp seeds, we get the following nutrients in the mentioned quantities;

When to Introduce Hemp Seeds to Babies?

A 6-month-old infant can start eating solids. It’s a perfect time to add hemp seeds to their meals. Starting earlier could prove to be harmful as their digestive systems are immature. Introduce hemp seeds to your little one in small quantities. Keep an eye on any potential adverse reaction. If all goes well, gradually, increase the amount till you reach 2 tsp a day.

How to Introduce Hemp Seeds to Babies?

Every baby is unique in their pace of development. Here are different ways to introduce hemp seeds to babies.

1. For 6 to 12 Month Old Babies

You can start your baby with hemp seed oil and hemp seeds. Use hemp seed oil to blend a nutty flavor with its added goodness to warm cereals, porridges, and mashed vegetables. Take some hemp seeds and sprinkle them as toppings over soft foods such as soups yogurt. Once your baby is ready for finger foods, you can roll slippery foods like mango, avocado, and pineapple with hulled hemp seeds for a better grip. 

2. For 12 to 18 Months Old Babies

Let the delicious meals coming out of your kitchen have a touch of hulled hemp seeds as per your creative inclinations. Feed your little one fruits, vegetables, cereals, and so on by showering hemp seeds, and using hemp oil with them. Bring a change to your oatmeal, muffins, bread, and overnight oats recipes by adding hemp seeds instead of chia seeds or flaxseeds.

Always store hulled hemp seeds and hemp oil in a refrigerator to avoid spoilage and improve their shelf life.

Top 5 Benefits of Hemp Seeds For Babies

From a high-performing brain to a robust immune system, your baby can get numerous benefits through regular consumption of hemp seeds.

1.  Enhanced Cognitive Abilities

The omega-3 fatty acids content of hemp seeds is one of the favorite foods for the brain. Children learn the most between 0-5 years of age. This learning is so crucial that it sets the very trajectory of their lives. Therefore, it’s important to keep their brain very healthy with the right nutrition.

2. Better Sleep

Magnesium present in hemp seeds sends a breeze of relaxation throughout the nervous system. It colors your little one’s mood with calmness and even helps them doze off in a peaceful state. A sufficient intake of magnesium is especially helpful for hyperactive babies.

3. Strengthened Immune System

Zinc is among the prestigious members of minerals that keep immunity robust. It gives extra help to the immune system to fight invading bacteria, viruses, and common colds, and makes wounds heal quicker. Your little explorer is yet to experience many minor cuts and bruises as they satisfy their innate curiosity with their newfound motor skills. A strong immune system will be a good friend of theirs.

4. Prevention of Long-Term Chronic Diseases

Regular hemp consumption lowers the chances of developing cardiovascular disease in the future. For a lifetime, antioxidants and Omega-3s shield against arthritis, neurodegenerative diseases, cancer, and several other health problems.

4. Source of High-Quality Protein

The body doesn’t waste the intake of protein when it is of good quality. A baby’s body is like a building whose construction is happening at a rapid pace. The quality of building blocks fed to them at this tender age will decide their muscle, brain, and bone health for a lifetime. The right ingredients should be added to a recipe at the right time, the same goes with developmental years.

Side Effects of Hemp Seeds For Babies

Any side effects of hemp seeds in babies are unheard of. However, you should still be cautious while introducing this food. Feed them a small quantity of it. And if no adverse reactions or side effects emerge, slowly increase the quantity. Also follow the three-day rule to make sure that your baby is not allergic to hemp seeds before continuing to feed them.

For its wide range of benefits, hemp seeds should be a part of your baby’s diet. Hemp seeds for babies are completely safe. They are one of the foods which will keep your baby’s immune system intact as well as support their growth.

FAQ’s

1. Is Hemp Seeds Easy to Digest For Babies?

Yes, hemp seeds are an excellent source of fiber and are easily digestible for babies. Moreover, they add bulk to stools which helps in smooth bowel movements. Intake of hemp seeds can reduce constipation in babies.

2. How Much Hemp Seeds a Day For Babies?

For babies, 2 tsp (5 g) is recommended, and for toddlers, the adequate serving is 1 tbsp (8 g).

3. Is it OK to Eat Hemp Seeds Everyday?

Yes, it is ok to give your baby hemp seeds every day. But you must exercise moderation. Do no give more than 2 tsp of hemp seeds a day.