Parents, especially new ones, often appear to struggle with determining what to feed their infants. Bread for babies can be considered as the first food as it contains a variety of nutrients such as carbohydrates, dietary fiber, and micronutrients. It is made from wheat flour and is a common food for many people worldwide. However, because wheat is a common allergen, take measures while feeding wheat bread to babies for the first time (1). This post discusses the nutritional content of bread, when you should start feeding your baby wheat bread, and what precautions you should take when feeding it to babies.
Is It Safe To Give Bread To Babies?
Yes, bread is safe for babies. Experts recommend feeding 100% whole-wheat bread as it can provide considerable amounts of carbohydrates, protein, dietary fiber, and essential micronutrients, like iron, zinc, and thiamin (2). However, while adding it to your baby’s weaning diet, check for possible sensitivity or allergic reactions, especially if you or anyone in your family has a history of allergies. Babies with a confirmed wheat allergy should avoid all wheat products, including baby cereals, bread, pasta, and crackers. Most infants outgrow wheat allergy within early childhood (3) (4). Look for breads that do not contain any additives and preservatives such as BHA, BHT, wheat gluten. Choose the breads that have ingredients such as whole sprouted grains and seeds with minimal or no added oil.
When Can You Give Bread To Babies?
According to the UK National Health Service, you can introduce bread to babies from the age of six months (5). Bread can be among the first foods when a six-month-old begins eating solids. Pick fresh, 100% whole-wheat bread without any seeds or nuts (6). Serve lightly-toasted bread, cut in small pieces that are easy to swallow for a baby without the risk of choking.
Nutritive Value Of Bread
Below is the proximate composition comparison of one medium-sized slice of refined bread, whole wheat bread, and enriched bread (7) (8) (9). Whole-wheat bread is made from whole-wheat flour that contains all the nutritious parts of the wheat grain, namely bran, germ, and endosperm, while refined wheat flour only contains the endosperm. Enriched bread is made from enriched flour, which is refined flour fortified with nutrients that were lost during the milling process. Source: U.S. Department of Agriculture
How Much Bread Should You Give To Your Infant?
Whole-wheat bread in moderation can be an important part of a well-balanced diet. Below is the daily suggested intake for grains, including bread, for babies (10) (11). Source: NCBI and South Dakota WIC Program
Precautions To Take While Giving Bread To Babies
Here are some simple precautions to ensure the safe intake of bread for babies and toddlers.
Tasty Bread Recipes For Babies
You can feed bread to your baby as a simple toast or by soaking it in a small quantity of warm milk. Alternatively, you may use the following recipes.
1. Jammy bread fingers
Image: Shutterstock The easy-to-prepare finger food recipe can be a part of your baby’s breakfast meal.
1 whole-wheat bread slice 1tsp blueberry jam (or any jam of choice)
2. Buttery banana bread slices
A perfect finger food recipe made with nutritious ingredients, like fresh fruits and peanut butter. This is suitable for toddlers.
1 banana bread slice 1tsp plain peanut butter (without peanut chunks) 1tbsp tiny mixed fruit pieces (mango and strawberry)
3. Multi-grain French toast
French toast is a delicious traditional treat for babies above 12 months of age.
Multi-grain bread slice ¼tsp cinnamon powder 1tsp brown sugar 2tbsp butter 1 egg ⅛ cup whole milk 1tsp maple syrup
4. Cheesy mini sandwiches
Mini sandwiches are a healthy snack option for babies and toddlers.
2 whole-wheat bread slices 1tsp mint sauce 1tsp tomato sauce ¼ cup cucumber (grated) 1tbsp cream cheese
5. Bread upma
A healthy and delicious recipe suitable for babies above ten months of age.
1 cup crumbled whole-wheat bread 2tbsp peanuts 1tsp lemon juice 1 small onion (chopped) 1 small tomato (diced) 1tsp mustard seeds 1/4tsp turmeric powder 1/4tsp salt 1tbsp oil 4-5 curry leaves
Alternatives Of Bread For Babies
Some food items that can be alternatives to bread for babies are:
Whole-wheat pancakes Oats pancakes Millet pancakes Whole-wheat chapatis Corn tortillas
