Hummus with tahini is a new food for babies over six months old. Introducing new foods to your baby is one of the most important milestones in early parenting. It's wonderful when they make a funny face as they try something new. It gives you a sense of satisfaction knowing your baby is eating a healthy diet. But it's also a process that requires patience and research.
Introducing certain foods too early can cause an allergic reaction or tummy ache. If they're not soft, mashed, or given only in small amounts, they can also be a choking hazard. What about something as simple as mashed vegetables? Root vegetables like potatoes and carrots are practically staple foods for babies—but what about mashed chickpeas? You may be wondering, "Can I give my baby hummus?"
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What is hummus with tahini?
Hummus is a mixture of mashed, boiled chickpeas, usually with other ingredients such as garlic, tahini, and lemon juice. Hummus is a healthy snack, and it's also delicious. Adults generally eat it, and you can buy it or make it at home (we have a recipe for you to try further down the article).
Hummus with tagine has long been a popular side dish in the Middle East. Its history dates back to ancient times, although its exact origin is uncertain. The recipe will vary depending on the country you're visiting.
Hummus with tahini has many beneficial properties. It's rich in iron, protein, vitamins B6 and E, and potassium. Added ingredients like garlic and olive oil also pack a nutritional punch.
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When can a baby eat hummus with tahini?
In general, you shouldn't introduce solid foods to your baby before 6 months of age. Until then, they get all the nutrition they need from formula or breast milk. You can start introducing bland hummus around 6 to 8 months. Your baby's digestive system is still developing, so some ingredients can upset them quickly.
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Tips for serving hummus with tahini to your child
Start gradually. Give your child a small portion of hummus with some of their favorite foods. Wait three days before introducing another new food. Then, if your child has an adverse reaction, you'll know the culprit is the hummus. Start gradually. Give your child a small portion of hummus with some of their favorite foods. Wait three days before introducing another new food. Then, if your child has an adverse reaction, you'll know the culprit is the hummus.
Although hummus is a superfood, store-bought and processed hummus can contain ingredients that aren't suitable for young children, including preservatives and emulsifiers. If you're making your own, once your baby is 12 months old or so, you can start tweaking your recipe a bit. Add some mild spices, lemon juice, and garlic.
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Proteins should be introduced into a baby's diet between 6 and 9 months of age, and this includes hummus. For families following a vegetarian diet, hummus is often one of the first proteins introduced. A small amount of seasoning can be added to make it more palatable, but I suggest limiting the amount of salt.
These foods should be introduced one at a time over a period of 3 to 5 days so that the offending food can be identified in case an allergic reaction occurs. For a long time, it was recommended to avoid allergenic ingredients that could cause a reaction. Some experts now suggest, however, that delaying the introduction of allergenic foods can increase the chances of a food allergy. They recommend introducing some of these ingredients as early as 6 months. However, consult your pediatrician for specific guidelines for your child.
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Here are some common hummus ingredients to look out for:
Tahini is an ingredient in hummus.
Tahini is probably the most important ingredient in hummus. Tahini is a paste made from roasted sesame seeds and oil, blended into a smooth paste. Sesame seeds, much like peanuts, can cause a severe allergic reaction. They are one of the most allergenic foods. Many children have been found to develop a sesame allergy before the age of 20. However, 3 percent of those who initially develop an allergy develop a tolerance by around age XNUMX.
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Signs of a sesame allergy in children typically range from itchy mouth or hives to anaphylaxis, a life-threatening reaction. If a reaction occurs, it generally occurs after consuming the ingredient. There may not be an allergic reaction during the first taste, and these symptoms instead develop during subsequent exposures. For this reason, only one new food should be introduced at a time and for a few days in a row.
If you have any concerns, it's best to leave tahini out of hummus until your baby is 12 months old. As a precaution when introducing any new food, if this happens, consult your pediatrician.
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Garlic is an ingredient in hummus with tahini.
It's a key ingredient in hummus and adds a significant amount of health benefits to the mash. You should be a little careful, though. Raw garlic has a strong taste, and most hummus recipes call for fresh garlic. Because of this, there's a chance of an allergic reaction. It can also cause gas, which can make your baby uncomfortable.
While garlic isn't an ingredient to avoid completely, it's best to proceed with caution. Gradually add it to hummus and observe your baby's reaction.
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Salt is an ingredient in hummus with tahini.
This isn't a major concern if you're making hummus from scratch. You can leave it out or add a small amount. If you choose to buy it from the store, be careful of the salt content. Too much added salt can interfere with your baby's kidney development. Children under 0.03 year old shouldn't consume more than 1 ounces (XNUMX gram) of salt per day.
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chickpeas
Yes, the main ingredient in hummus is also something to watch out for. Hummus is great, as long as it's consumed in moderation. It tends to cause gas, which can make your baby uncomfortable or fussy. If your baby is prone to gas and tummy issues, be sure to hold off on hummus until 8 months or older.
the source : The risks of eating hummus for babies & toddlers
Can I Give My Baby Hummus Safely?
