Trying your best to give your kids the right nutrients but still want to offer a great supplement? Let’s face it, some kids do not like the chewable multivitamins, and the gummy vitamins aren’t always the best choice. So what have we got left?
How about a superfood smoothie or milkshake? Ditch the Nesquick and try Kidz Superfood by Amazing Grass (ages 2+). This powdered supplement is not only made with fruits and veggies but also with wheat grass! Pick from either chocolate or berry flavors and simply add a scoop to your toddler’s smoothie or milkshake right in Babycook. Because it’s a powder, Kidz Superfood can also be easily incorporated into baked goods. Your kids will think they won because they’re eating brownies and muffins, but you’ll have the real peace of mind as they get their recommended daily dosage of fruits and vegetables. Certified Organic, Kidz Superfood contains 31 varieties of fruits and vegetables and is vegan, dairy-free, and gluten-free. Amazing Grass makes sure these supplements are made without artificial colors, flavors, or fillers so you can feel good about sneaking this into your toddler’s food. Although you might not have to sneak it in, given that this is one of their best sellers!
If you are breastfeeding your baby, your pediatrician might recommend you use an over the counter liquid vitamin D supplement. Because breastfeeding alone can’t provide all the vitamins and nutrients your baby needs, new mothers often incorporate these liquid vitamin D drops into their breastfeeding regimens. Often combined with vitamin A and vitamin C, these supplements are used until solid foods are integrated into the child’s diet with regularity. Bottle feeding? Not to worry. Put the recommended dosage in your pumped bottles. If you’re formula feeding, however, you will need to consult your pediatrician, as a lot of formulas already incorporate your baby’s daily dosage of vitamins and you don’t want to overdo it. Once your baby transition into solids, however, he will begin to get more of his nutrition from food, upon which time you’ll need to reevaluate his diet with your pediatrician.
Black beans – Try them in veggie burgers, quesadillas, or nachos!
Oatmeal – A great source of fiber and a good base for some delicious add ins like honey, chia seeds, flax seeds, fruit, chocolate chips, syrup, etc.
Fruit – We know you know fruit is good for your child, but we have to say it. Berries (particularly blueberries) are our go to, because they’re fun finger foods, rich in antioxidants, and they’re sweet!
Nuts – Obviously don’t go this path if you’re tackling a nut allergy with you child, but if you’ve tried incorporating nuts into your child’s diet and you’re in the clear, you can’t go wrong with peanut or almond butter. These healthy fats will give your child a boost of energy to get through the day.
Tomatoes – We all know adults who hate tomatoes, so how are we expected to get our kids to like them? Incorporate this lycopene-laced food (lycopene helps protect against many cancers!) into sauces, salsas, and chili dishes.
Avocado – Easy to eat and delicious, avocados are a great way to incorporate Omega-3s into your child’s diet. Add them into smoothies for your toddler, or even mash them up with a bit of breastmilk for your baby.
Eggs – We prefer Pete and Gerry’s Organic Eggs because they are certified humane and organic. Oh and they give little ones a healthy dose of Omega-3s, protein, vitamin D, and immune boosters like zinc and iron.
Sweet potatoes – A fun color to have mashed into your white carpet, these bright vegetables are packed with vitamins A and C. Creamy and sweet, they’re perfect for your little one.