Most people know that kefir is good for the human body due to the presence of lactic acid bacteria, proteins, vitamins and microelements in it. It is also popular because it helps to normalize the intestinal microflora, improves digestion. However, are there any benefits of kefir for infants?
Baby age
Pediatricians say that when breastfeeding, kefir, as complementary foods, is recommended to be introduced into the baby's diet at 8 months of age. And with artificial feeding with this healing product, you can feed your baby a little earlier: at 6-7 months. Moreover, kefir is well absorbed even by those children who are allergic to milk. Because the protein in kefir is partially hydrolyzed.
The benefits of kefir
Entering kefir into the diet is very useful when the baby is already trying new food for him: cereals, vegetable and fruit purees. Lactic acid food helps the baby to adapt the gastrointestinal tract to the changed diet, and also prevents dysbiosis. Overweight babies can normalize it with the help of kefir. And for infants with insufficient weight, it is advisable to give kefir along with cottage cheese.
How to introduce kefir into food
It happens that it is not so easy to include kefir in a baby's diet. Often, parents are faced with the problem that not every crumb does not like the savory taste. But still, you should not completely abandon kefir. Some parents add sugar to the product.
However, according to experts, it is not recommended to add sugar to kefir. Sugar reduces the usefulness of the product. Other, healthier sweetening methods are known. For example, you can mix kefir with a little banana or applesauce. This will give kefir a delicate, pleasant taste. Nor will it diminish its nutritional properties.
What kefir can be given to a baby
It is also worth considering that it is harmful for "babies" to use kefir from the store. It contains preservatives and sometimes dyes. If you have to buy store-bought kefir, you need to buy children's. At the same time, parents should examine the packaging of baby food to make sure that there are no additives with the letter E in the product. Also, the recommended age should be taken into account. Particular attention should be paid to the expiration date. It shouldn't be overdue. It is desirable that it has a minimum period. This will indicate that kefir is natural.
Making kefir at home is the right decision. Such a product is the most useful for babies. Instructions and starter culture for it can be purchased at the pharmacy. The result is a real lactic acid product based on live bifidobacteria. There is also kefir fungus or milk mushroom. It is also recommended to insist on kefir on it.
It is necessary to introduce kefir into the baby's complementary foods gradually. Start with one teaspoon. And then daily increase the amount of food by one teaspoon until it reaches the norm set at this age.
