There are pasta in the kitchen of any Russian family. From them you can prepare a simple dinner in a matter of minutes or a delicious dish in the best traditions of European cuisine. Among young mothers, the question “When can I give pasta to children, and which products to choose for baby food?” Is very popular. We will try to find the only correct answer to it.
Pasta for baby food
On the shelves with baby food today you can find special pasta for kids. Most manufacturers give recommendations on the preparation and use of their products on the packaging. At what age can you give your child pasta from the children's department? Typically, food in this category is recommended for introduction into the diet from 8-10 months. Such pasta often differs from "adults" in a vitamin-rich composition. For the smallest, pasta is an independent dish, not a side dish. It is best to give them for lunch, in the middle of the day, or in the evening. Boil pasta according to the manufacturer's recommendations, season with butter or vegetable oil and serve.
Vermicelli Soups
Many pediatricians advise introducing a variety of soups into the child’s diet closer to the first year of life. For the preparation of first courses, it is quite possible to use pasta intended for babies aged 8-9 months. Cooking soup is better on meat, not bone broth. In addition to pasta, vegetables that have already been introduced into the diet of a child are added to it. If the pasta is large enough, it is better to turn the finished dish into a soup puree, chopped in a blender. How long can I give my baby noodles? Soup with pasta should be present in the diet of children older than a year. After the first birthday, the child can begin to give "adult" vermicelli. Closer to 2 years, the baby can be fed soup with pasta from a family-wide pan, provided that it does not have chemical additives and seasonings that have a sharp taste.
"Adult" pasta on the children's table
When can I give pasta to children prepared for the whole family? Each mother breathes a sigh of relief when the baby gradually switches to "adult" nutrition. Pediatricians advise introducing “ordinary” pasta, not adapted for the smallest, into the children's menu as soon as the baby is one year old. Do not forget, pasta is still an independent dish. Add mashed potatoes or vegetables to them is not required. The thing is that the baby’s body is very difficult to digest complex foods. Cooking pasta with a side dish is recommended for children no younger than 2.5-3 years old. If the child has digestive problems, the question “At what age can you give macaroni to the child and how to cook it properly?” Should be discussed individually with the pediatrician.
How to choose the right pasta?
Many adults find pasta useless sources of carbohydrates. In fact, pasta can boast of the presence of B vitamins, phosphorus, calcium, potassium and other useful minerals in its composition. Refuse this product in the diet of the child should not be. The most important thing is to understand and remember when you can give pasta to children. To successfully digest pasta, a special enzyme must be produced in the body. For this reason, there are age restrictions.
What pasta to choose for the baby? As for quality, it must be first-class products from durum wheat. You can find them by marking on the pack: “A”, durum or “1 class”. For the smallest, choose a smaller pasta or a traditional vermicelli, and for children older than 1.5-2 years it makes sense to buy "beautiful" pasta. These are traditional shells, stars, spirals or special children's products in the form of letters and animal figures.
One of the "chips" of modern manufacturers - painted children's products. Since how many months can a child give pasta of different colors? Take the time to read the composition: if it contains only natural dyes, such pasta is completely safe. Accordingly, "baby" pasta of all colors of the rainbow can be given from 8-9 months, and "adults" - from the first year of life.
Simple recipes for young mothers
The most important thing is to properly cook pasta. The standard of preparation of this product has long been invented by Italian chefs. Pasta should be cooked to the stage of "al dente" - when they are already quite soft, but at the same time elastic and not boiled. The smallest you can give cooked vermicelli with vegetable or butter. For children aged 2.5 years,
pasta with cheese or sweet dressing (natural fruit jam, honey) will be an excellent dish.
When can I give pasta to children as a side dish? It is advisable not earlier than 2.5-3 years. Start with simple dishes, such as pasta cooked with minced meat. After the child’s third birthday, pasta for adults with a patty or a piece of boiled meat can be introduced into his diet. Everything is good in moderation, and this rule applies to pasta. Children are not recommended to give them more often 2-3 times a week. Remember: a balanced and varied diet is the key to well-being and good mood for your baby.