Sweet potatoes are also known as yams, even though they’re not related to yams. They’re so much more than just a side dish. These orange veggies are loaded with vitamins and minerals that your baby needs for optimal growth and development.
Creamy, sweet-tasting, and filling — these are some of the reasons why you should start feeding your baby sweet potatoes. Let’s take a look at some of their benefits below…
Rich In Vitamins And Minerals
Sweet potatoes are one of the best foods you can feed your baby because they’re rich in vitamins and minerals that promote growth and development. For example, sweet potatoes are rich in Vitamin A, which is essential for vision, skin, and the immune system.
They’re also a good source of Vitamin C, B6, and B3, and minerals such as zinc, magnesium, and iron. These vitamins and minerals help your baby’s organs and tissues grow and develop properly. They also support your baby’s immune system, which wards off infections. Vitamin A is also crucial in the development of your baby’s eyesight.
Protect Your Baby’s Vision, Ears, And Nervous System
Sweet potato is rich in Vitamin A, which is essential for vision, skin, and the immune system. Vitamin A also helps protect your baby’s ears and nervous system. It promotes the development of your baby’s bones, teeth, and muscles.
Your baby needs Vitamin A through breastfeeding or baby formula until she turns 6 months old. After that, her body can make Vitamin A on its own. But if your baby is formula-fed, she may require additional Vitamin A supplements or fortified foods such as sweet potatoes.
Promotes Healthy Growth
Sweet potatoes are a great source of beta-carotene, which your baby can convert to Vitamin A. Beta-carotene supports growth and a healthy immune system. It also helps develop and repair tissues. Sweet potatoes are also rich in Vitamin C, which is necessary for tissue growth and repair.
Your baby’s nervous system, muscles, and bones grow and develop quickly during the first year of life. That’s why she needs a diet that promotes healthy growth. One way to do this is by feeding your baby sweet potato baby food and spinach baby food, which are high in beta-carotene and Vitamin C.
Helps With Digestion
Sweet potatoes are an excellent source of dietary fiber, which helps with digestion. Soluble fiber found in sweet potatoes can help lower your baby’s cholesterol. It also helps prevent certain digestive diseases, such as irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and constipation.
The recommended amount of daily fiber for infants is about 7 grams. You can increase your baby’s fiber intake by feeding her sweet potatoes, along with other fiber-rich foods such as barley, brown rice, broccoli, and oats.
Takeaway
Sweet potatoes are an excellent choice for babies because they are packed with vitamins and minerals that promote growth and development. They are rich in Vitamin A, which protects your baby’s vision, ears, and nervous system. Sweet potatoes also promote healthy growth and help with digestion.
If you want to give your baby healthy and nutritious food, sweet potatoes are the best choice. They are rich in vitamins, minerals, and fiber. Sweet potatoes are also delicious, creamy, and filling. And they can be easily mixed with other baby foods to create a nutritious meal for your baby.