Beef may not be top of mind when it comes to a first food, but it should – especially if your baby is being breastfed. Beginning around 6 months of age, exclusively breastfed babies are at risk of not getting enough of certain important nutrients like iron and zinc. Complementary foods need to fill in the gaps.
Beef is a perfect food to provide baby with iron and zinc. Why is this important? Deficiencies in these minerals are associated with negative effects on a child's development, learning, behaviour, and growth.
Providing your baby with pureed well-cooked beef is a protein and nutrient-packed option as a first food that helps baby meet her iron and zinc needs. You can add some broth or soft veggies to your puree to play with the flavour and consistency if you'd like. Baby-led weaning? Try homemade meatballs or meatloaf! Both area easy to grasp and the soft beef will be easy for baby to eat safely.