When your child turns 1 year old, you can introduce him to healthy, nutrient-rich snacks. There are also various choices of healthy snacks for 1 year old children. However, give it in small portions so that his appetite is maintained until the main meal time arrives.
Healthy snacks for 1 year old children can be very diverse, because at this age, children have started to be able to eat the food consumed by adults. Healthy snacks can be given 2 times a day at the time of the main meal. Providing healthy snacks is intended so that children do not feel hungry, get additional nutrition, and get used to a healthy diet.
Healthy Snack Choices for 1 Year Old Anak
At the age of 1 year, children begin to have the ability to grip so they can learn to eat on their own. So, in addition to being able to provide additional nutrition, giving healthy snacks for 1 year old children is also beneficial in training their ability to grip, bite, and chew.
Various choices of healthy snacks for 1-year-old children that are also good for their growth are:
1. Soft fruits
Fruits with a soft, fresh texture, such as bananas, strawberries, grapes, or mangoes, are good choices for healthy snacks for 1-year-olds.
As a snack, you can cut the fruit into a size that is easy for your child to grip and let him eat the fruit on his own without assistance. However, make sure your little one finishes the fruit within 1-2 hours so that the freshness of the fruit is maintained.
2. Vegetables
Vegetables, such as broccoli, long beans, and carrots, are also very good as snacks because they are rich in nutrients, such as fiber and vitamin C. In addition, tubers, such as purple sweet potatoes and pumpkin, can also be given to your child. Small because it can be a source of energy.
To serve as a snack, you can cut vegetables or tubers into small pieces, so that they are easy for children to grip. After cutting, steam or boil until soft and easy to bite.
3. Milk and yogurt
At the age of 1 year, start introducing your child to formula milk. This is intended to make it easier for the child to be weaned from breast milk later. In addition, milk and yogurt are also sources of protein, calcium, and healthy fats, so they are beneficial for the development of your little one's bones, teeth and brain.
Also give your little one unsweetened yogurt, add pieces of fresh fruit or a mixture of honey. Remember, honey should only be given when the child is 1 year old. Giving honey to children under 1 year is at risk of causing digestive tract infections.
4. Oatmeal
Oatmeal is one of the healthy snack options for children aged 1 year. Oatmeal It has a soft texture, so your little one can easily chew and swallow it.
On the other hand, oatmeal It is also rich in nutrients, such as protein, fiber, carbohydrates, vitamins, minerals, and healthy fats, which are beneficial for children's growth and development. You can serve oatmeal with milk or with fruit, such as strawberries, raisins, bananas, or other fresh fruit.
5. Eggs
Eggs can be a good source of protein for children. The nutritional content of eggs can also support eye health and brain development. In addition, eggs can be processed in various ways, such as boiled, scrambled, or scrambled, so your little one doesn't get bored easily.
6. Tofu
Tofu is rich in vegetable protein, iron, and calcium. The soft texture also makes tofu a good snack choice for children. You can serve tofu by tossing it into soup, sautéing it, or mixing it into your little one's favorite vegetables like tomatoes or peppers.
7. Cheese cut
You can make sliced cheese as a healthy snack for children. Cheese is a good source of protein, fat, and calcium to support growth and development. But in giving, make sure that the texture of the cheese is soft enough to bite, because some types of cheese have a hard texture.
Tips for Providing Healthy Snacks for 1-year-old Children
There are several things that need to be considered in providing healthy snacks for 1 year old children, namely:
1. Give in small portions
Give in small portions. The goal is that the child's appetite remains when the main meal time arrives.
2. Pay attention to the time of giving snacks
Don't forget to pay attention to the timing of the treats. Snacks between breakfast and lunch should be given 1.5 hours before lunch time. Snacks between lunch and dinner should also be taken after 2-3 hours of lunch. Giving this feeding time must be considered so that the Little One remains hungry to eat the main food.
3. Pay attention to possible allergic reactions
Pay attention to whether or not there is an allergic reaction every time you give him a new type of food. If a new food causes symptoms that bother your little one, for example, makes him bloated, vomits, or bloated, stop giving it.
However, if your little one refuses to eat just because they don't like the taste, try giving it back another time. Generally, it takes about 6–15 tries before your child will accept a new food. Don't stress if your child's appetite or food choices are changing as this is part of the developmental process.
4. Give an example
You also need to be a good example for your children, by eating healthy foods and snacks too. However, you don't need to limit your little one so much that he can't eat food other than what you provide at home. This method can actually provide pressure and have a negative impact on children.
If you are confused or want to find out more healthy snacks for 1 year olds that can be given to your little one, don't hesitate to ask and ask the doctor for advice, especially if he has food allergies or has certain health conditions.