Adding chia seeds to baby food
Chia Seeds for Babies and Toddlers
All Posts, by Date » Baby Friendly Recipes » Chia Seeds for Babies
Jump to Recipe Print Recipe
Chia seeds are becoming increasingly common because of their functional and nutritional properties. However, there are a few things to consider before adding these, nutrient-packed, seeds to your baby’s diet. Read on to find out the benefits of chia seeds, how to prepare them and serving suggestions.
Benefits of Chia Seeds
Chia seeds may be tiny but they are packed with nutrition. They are rich in
- omega 3 fatty acids – for growth and development
- fibre – keeps the digestive system healthy
- calcium – for healthy bones
- zinc – for immune function
- phosphorus – contributes to bone health and tissue maintenance.
- manganese – essential for metabolism, growth, and development
Chia seeds are a complete source of protein (contain all nine essential amino acids). They are naturally gluten-free.
How Much Chia Seeds Can my Baby / Toddler Have
There are no official recommendations on daily intake. However, chia seeds are packed full of fibre and because of this, you should introduce them slowly. Consuming too many in one sitting may cause abdominal discomfort.
In addition, too much fibre isn’t advised for children under 2. This is because they can become full quite quickly before they’ve had enough calories and other nutrients.
From what I have read, I’d recommend starting with 1/2 tsp a day and observing closely.
How to Prepare Chia Seeds for a baby/toddler.
Chia seeds should ONLY be served to babies / children once they have been soaked in liquid (e.
g water, milk) and left to fully expand.
Chia seeds absorb a large amount of liquid, if you feed your baby dry chia seeds, they will absorb water post-ingestion and could potentially cause a gastrointestinal blockage.
Always let chia seeds expand fully in some kind of liquid and ensure to break down any clumps of seeds that may have formed before serving.
If you want a smoother gel/pudding then you can grind before soaking or blend the soaked mixture.
Serving Suggestions
Chia seeds can be incorporated into many meals due to their bland taste and lack of smell.
Why not try adding some to
- oatmeal
- yogurt
- soups
- sauces
- smoothies
You can also use them to make delicious desserts such as banana chia pudding.
Due to their ability to absorb water, to form a gel, they can also be used to thicken sauces, used as an egg replacement, or to make sugar-free chia jam.
Just be prepared for the mess…. the seeds stick to everything!
Frequently Asked Questions
What age can you serve chia seeds?
Chia seeds may be introduced 6 months +. However, there are a few things to consider. Please read the notes above about how to prepare them and how much to offer.
Are chia seeds a choking hazard?
Chia seeds are not a common source of choking. However, if your child has dysphagia (feeding and swallowing problems) you should consult your feeding specialist before serving them.
Are chia seeds a common allergen?
Chia seed allergies are rare but have been documented. There is potential cross-reactivity between chia and other seeds such as sesame, meaning that some people allergic to certain seeds will also react to chia.
Is there a difference between white and black chia seeds?
Nutritionally, there is no difference between black or white chia seeds.
Where can I buy chia seeds?
Chia seeds used to be a niche ingredient, available only at healthy stores. However, they are a lot more mainstream now, and you should be able to find them in most well-stocked grocery stores.
How do you store chia seeds?
Chia seeds have a long shelf life and will keep for several years when stored in a cool, dry place.
You can refrigerate the hydrated seeds in an airtight container for up to 3 days (depending on liquid/milk used)
Summary
- Despite their tiny size, chia seeds are highly nutritious. They’re loaded with fiber, protein, omega-3 fatty acids, and various minerals.
- Always allow chia seeds to soak and fully expand in liquid before serving a baby. Never feed dry chia seeds.
- As with all new foods, start by serving a small quantity of the pre-soaked seeds and observe closely.
- Chia seeds are tasteless and can be added to a range of sweet and savoury foods.
- Prepare for the mess, soaked chia seeds cling to everything!
Looking for more healthy kid recipes?Sign up for my free recipe newsletter to get new family friendly recipes in your inbox each week! Find me sharing more kid-friendly inspiration on Pinterest and Instagram.
5 from 2 votes
Chia Seed Gel
A gel that can be added to a range of dishes for an extra nutritional boost.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
- ▢ ¼ cup (60ml) Milk / Water Can use breast milk, formula, cows milk, unsweetened plant based milk (such as soy, oat, almond, coconut)
- ▢ 1 tbsp (9g) Chia Seeds Black or white
Add the milk and seeds to a small mixing bowl and mix well.
After a couple of minutes, give the mixture another good mix to ensure any clumps of chia seeds, that may have formed, are properly broken down.
Refrigerate and allow the seeds to sit in the liquid until the seeds have absorbed the liquid and a gel is formed, around 30 mins.
Add a spoonful or two of this chia gel into foods like oatmeal, yogurt, soups, sauces or mashed vegetables.
Nutritional information is a ROUGH guide only, calculated using an online nutrition calculator. Facts are based using cows milk.
Nutrition Facts
Chia Seed Gel
Amount Per Serving
Calories 24 Calories from Fat 9
% Daily Value*
Fat 1g2%
Saturated Fat 1g5%
Trans Fat 1g
Cholesterol 2mg1%
Sodium 7mg0%
Potassium 32mg1%
Carbohydrates 2g1%
Fiber 1g4%
Sugar 1g1%
Protein 1g2%
Vitamin A 26IU1%
Vitamin C 1mg1%
Calcium 36mg4%
Iron 1mg6%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.
Course:Nutritional Addition
Cuisine:Baby
Keyword:Chia Gel
Did you make this recipe?Mention @WPRecipeMaker or tag #wprecipemaker!
Disclaimer: This guide is for informational purposes only. It is not intended to replace the personalised care and advice given to you by a health professional. You should never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read or seen here. Please refer to our full disclaimer for more info.
References / Further Reading
- Harvard T.F. Chan School of Public Health. The Nutrition Source: Chia Seeds. (website). Accessed April 10, 2021
- Healthline, Chia Seeds 101: Nutrition Facts and Health Benefits. (website) Accessed April 10, 2021
- Anaphylaxis Campaign, Emerging Allergens. (website) Accessed April 10, 2021
- Albunni, BA., Wessels, H., Paschke-Kratzin, A., Fischer, M. (2019). Antibody Cross-Reactivity between Proteins of Chia Seed ( Salvia hispanica L.
) and Other Food Allergens. Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry, 67(26), 7475-7484.
Meet Amy
Amy Whiteford runs the blog Healthy Little Foodies. She is a mum to two, has a BSc (Hons) Food Science, PGDE Primary Education and a Certificate in Childhood Nutrition. She uses her experience and knowledge to create healthy and delicious recipes for kids. Explore the site for creative ideas, tips, and inspiration! Read more
How to raise a Healthy Little Foodie
Receive family friendly recipes, delivered weekly to your inbox, for FREE! And receive this FREE ebook - "How to Raise a Healthy Little Foodie"
Reader Interactions
Chia Seeds for Babies | New Ways Nutrition
Have you ever given chia seeds to your baby? Chia seeds are nutritional powerhouses, and pack a lot of nutrition in relatively small amounts. I get a lot of questions around chia seeds for babies, though, and whether chia seeds are safe for babies and how to prepare chia seeds for babies.
Chia seeds for babies
Chia seeds are full of important nutrients that our kids need, like iron, zinc, omega 3s, fiber, and calcium to name a few. They have a relatively large amount of these nutrients in small portions. For example, 1 teaspoon of chia seeds has almost the same amount of iron that 1 tablespoon of beef does! And when it comes to babies who aren’t eating a ton of food, packing in the nutrition can really help to meet their needs.
Are chia seeds safe for babies?
There are rumors that go around from time to time online about chia seeds not being safe for babies. Well, that’s all they are. Rumors! Chia seeds are absolutely safe for babies. Chia seeds have been used for thousands of years as a food by many different cultures. I also scoured the research looking for any incidents with chia seeds and children, or even adults, to back up the rumors of them being dangerous.
All that I could find was one instance of a man who already had trouble swallowing (in other words, dysphagia).
He ate a large amount of dry chia seeds at once and then drank water right after and got them stuck in his throat. This is one instance though, and chia seeds are quite a popular food!
How to serve chia seeds to babies
Chia seeds can be served by sprinkling them on top of things, soaking them first, or grinding them. If you are concerned about their safety, you can always stick to sprinkling chia on top of things that are already moist, like yogurt or oatmeal, or simply soak them first.
Do you have to grind chia seeds
The short answer is no, you don’t have to. Some research studies say that grinding them will allow for the absorption of more nutrients. Other studies say it makes no difference. So really, it’s up to you. I never grind my chia seeds, but I know lots of people who do. Chia is a small seed, and not a choking hazard for babies, even when not ground.
How to prepare chia seeds for babies
If you decide to soak chia seeds before serving them, simply soak them in a liquid of your choice.
You can soak them in water, milk, breast milk, yogurt, or even oatmeal. They are incredibly versatile, and can be used in so many different ways.
If you grind your chia seeds, simply use them afterwards as you would if you hadn’t ground them.
Try sprinkling chia seeds on top of toast spread with nut butter, using them in overnight oats to help soak up some of the liquid, stirring them in at the end of cooking oatmeal, or sprinkled on top of yogurt.
How many chia seeds can babies have
Chia seeds are full of fiber. Because of this, I recommend starting slowly with them. Start by sprinkling a few on top of things, and gradually work your way up to more. I usually recommend keeping chia seed intake to 1-2 teaspoons per day to avoid overloading on them. Although this is just a guideline to keep in mind, and not a firm one at that.
Chia seeds for constipation
Many babies suffer from constipation.
Chia seeds are a food that have been shown to help with constipation in some cases. While no food is a magic pill that will cure constipation, starting to add chia seeds to your child’s foods throughout the week is a good way to try to combat constipation.
Baby's First Foods - Free Printable Version!
Download this handout for your fridge to help you and your family remember quick and healthy ways to feed your baby! Full of tips on how much to serve and how to cook the food, you don't want to miss it.
Sign up to download this FREE printable!
PIN IT FOR LATER
what is the use and how to take?
-
Main page
- ...
-
Chia seeds: what are the benefits and how to take?
-
Main page
-
Phytomarket Blog
-
Articles
- Chia seeds: what are the benefits and how to take?
Covid-19
l-carnitine nine0005
spf
amino acids
anti-aging cosmetics
anti-aging
antioxidants nine0005
bad
bars
vegan
vegetarian
vitamin d nine0005
vitamins
vitamins for children
vitamins for women
vitamins for men
hyaluronic acid nine0005
depression
children
diabetes
for pregnant and lactating
for home nine0005
Pets
women Health
fat burners
gastrointestinal tract
breakfast nine0005
health
female breast health
vision
immunity
collagen nine0005
Korean cosmetics
bones and joints
the beauty
linseed oil
masks nine0005
menopause
brain
men's cosmetics
natural cosmetic
novelties nine0005
novelties Evalar
omega
facial cleansing
cleansing the body
liver nine0005
gifts for men
weight loss
proper nutrition
protein
dream nine0005
sport
sports nutrition
sports supplements
stress
superfood nine0005
House cleaning
care
hair care
skin care
eyelid skin care nine0005
feet care
oral care
hand care
thyroid
energy nine0005
Japanese cosmetics
about us
Useful articles
This plant was considered a source of health and beauty among the ancient Aztecs, but after the colonization of America by the Spanish conquistadors, it was forgotten for a long 500 years.
Again, they started talking about it only at the beginning of the 19th century - about the miracle chia cereal, the seeds of which can be of great benefit. What is it? Let's find out. nine0005
This plant was considered a source of health and beauty by the ancient Aztecs, but after the colonization of America by the Spanish conquistadors, it was forgotten for a long 500 years. Again, they started talking about it only at the beginning of the 19th century - about the miracle chia cereal, the seeds of which can be of great benefit. What is it? Let's find out.
- weight loss
- superfood
Other related articles:
Learning to lose weight correctly
Proper nutrition is the basis for effective weight loss
How dietary supplements work for weight loss
Fiber - an indispensable assistant in weight loss
Why is Spirulina useful?
nine0192 Publication date: 09/26/2021, views: 23659, minutes to read: 2Contents:
- How these grains affect the body and what they contain
- Health benefits of chia - who needs this product
- How to Consume Chia Seeds Properly
- Chia seed recipes
- Phytomarket Evalar offer
How these grains affect the body and what they contain
- Protein in the amount of 20 g per 100 g of product .
Thanks to him, chia seeds strengthen the immune system and increase endurance, give vitality. - Omega-3 and Omega-6 fatty acids . They support the work of the heart and blood vessels, participate in the processes of rejuvenation, and contribute to weight loss.
- Fiber - 34 g per 100 g of product . Moreover, it is able to absorb water 12 times its own weight. This allows you to quickly satisfy your hunger and not get extra calories. nine0006
- Vitamin A . Promotes cell renewal.
- Vitamin E . Helps fight the aging process.
- Vitamin C . Helps to strengthen the immune system and takes part in the production of collagen3 - a substance on which the elasticity of the skin depends.
- Zinc, potassium, phosphorus, calcium and other minerals necessary for the human body to function properly.
Health benefits of chia - who needs this product
Chia seeds are of great benefit in strengthening immunity - this is especially important for the elderly and children, by the way, this superfood can be given to babies from the age of one.
They also improve efficiency, which is valuable for people who experience great physical and mental stress. Therefore, such grains are a desirable supplement for rescuers, athletes, scientists, students during the session. nine0005
Chia seeds are of undoubted benefit to women during menopause - they reduce the frequency and intensity of "hot flashes", help to calm down.
Grains contribute to the normalization of pressure and thin the blood, preventing the appearance of blood clots. So, hypertensive patients, heart patients and those suffering from varicose veins should pay attention to this superfood.
Vitamins and trace elements in chia seeds have a positive effect on the condition of the skin - they help to cope with both teenage acne and age-related problems. So this product is useful to beauties of any age. nine0005
And, of course, chia seeds play a huge role in weight loss. Their fiber, firstly, perfectly cleanses the intestines, making it work normally, and secondly, it prevents overeating, as it swells in the stomach and gives a feeling of satiety.
For those who are overweight, this product is a must.
The benefits of chia seeds are undeniable, but is there any harm from them? They can irritate the intestines and cause increased gas production if a person drinks less than 1.5 liters of water per day. It is also possible manifestations of diarrhea, if you significantly exceed the daily allowance - 3 tablespoons. nine0005
How to eat chia seeds
This product is used in two ways:
- crushing in a grinder (coffee grinder) immediately before use; this is done if it is needed for health and cosmetic purposes, because grinding allows you to “pull out” the maximum amount of useful substances from chia seeds;
- by flooding for 8-12 hours with liquid; this is used in weight loss programs so that the grains swell and can take up as much volume as possible in the stomach. nine0006
IN CATALOG buy change chia
Chia seed recipes
- Vitamin cocktail .
Cut banana, apple, kiwi into pieces and beat in a blender. Grind 2 tablespoons of chia seeds, add to fruit, pour a glass of orange juice. Beat again, add honey if desired. - Colon Cleansing . In the evening, pour 2-3 tablespoons of grains with a glass of milk - almond, coconut, cow (you can take kefir, yogurt, fermented baked milk). Put in refrigerator. In the morning, beat 1 sliced banana and 50 g of berries in a blender, add milk tincture and beat again. nine0006
Phytomarket Evalar offer
Where to buy chia seeds? Of course, in our online store. We have this superfood both on its own and in mixtures with other useful plants. We offer pure chia seeds from the producers " Orgtium ", "Radograd", Green Food . As well as mixes with plantain bran, goji berries and flax from Orgtium. Each of the items can be consumed in the ways indicated above. You will also find chia oil and other healthy products containing chia seeds .
TO CATALOG ALL PRODUCTS WITH CHIA SEEDS
Was the article helpful to you?
Yes
(
)
Recommended
-
Organic Chia Seeds, 100 g, Orgtium
315 ₽ −63 ₽252₽
-
Organic Chia Seeds, 200 g, Orgtium
525 ₽ −157 ₽368₽
- nine0004 Health mix (chia seeds and goji berries, dark and light flax, dark and light sesame), 200 gr, Orgtium
455 ₽ −91 ₽364₽
Expert opinion
Subscribe to our newsletter
and receive the latest reviews and great deals
PHYTOBLOG
Magnesium - a mineral against anxiety and stress
Gainer: what is it for, how to choose and take
Gainer or protein - what to choose for a set of muscle mass?
nine0004 Coenzyme Q10 anti-aging and cardiovascular.
.. Learning to lose weight correctly
How to deal with anxiety after covid?
Post covid syndrome
What to do with a panic attack? nine0005
Magnesium - a mineral against anxiety and stress
Gainer: what is it for, how to choose and take
Gainer or protein - what to choose for a set of muscle mass?
nine0004 Coenzyme Q10 anti-aging and cardiovascular.
.. Learning to lose weight correctly
How to deal with anxiety after covid?
Post covid syndrome
nine0004 What to do with a panic attack?Read all articles
Phyblog is not intended to provide diagnosis, treatment or medical advice. The information on this blog is provided for informational purposes only. Please consult your physician for any medical and health-related diagnoses and treatments. The information in Phytoblog should not be considered as a substitute for consultation with a doctor.
Claims made about specific products on this blog are not endorsed for the treatment, diagnosis, or prevention of disease. nine0005
what is the use and how to take?
-
Main page
- ...
-
Chia seeds: what are the benefits and how to take?
-
Main page
- nine0004 Phytomarket Blog
-
Articles
- Chia seeds: what are the benefits and how to take?
Covid-19
l-carnitine nine0005
spf
amino acids
anti-aging cosmetics
anti-aging
antioxidants nine0005
bad
bars
vegan
vegetarian
vitamin d nine0005
vitamins
vitamins for children
vitamins for women
vitamins for men
hyaluronic acid nine0005
depression
children
diabetes
for pregnant and lactating
for home nine0005
Pets
women Health
fat burners
gastrointestinal tract
breakfast nine0005
health
female breast health
vision
immunity
collagen nine0005
Korean cosmetics
bones and joints
the beauty
linseed oil
masks nine0005
menopause
brain
men's cosmetics
natural cosmetic
novelties nine0005
novelties Evalar
omega
facial cleansing
cleansing the body
liver nine0005
gifts for men
weight loss
proper nutrition
protein
dream nine0005
sport
sports nutrition
sports supplements
stress
superfood nine0005
House cleaning
care
hair care
skin care
eyelid skin care nine0005
feet care
oral care
hand care
thyroid
energy nine0005
Japanese cosmetics
about us
Useful articles
This plant was considered a source of health and beauty among the ancient Aztecs, but after the colonization of America by the Spanish conquistadors, it was forgotten for a long 500 years.
Again, they started talking about it only at the beginning of the 19th century - about the miracle chia cereal, the seeds of which can be of great benefit. What is it? Let's find out. nine0005
This plant was considered a source of health and beauty by the ancient Aztecs, but after the colonization of America by the Spanish conquistadors, it was forgotten for a long 500 years. Again, they started talking about it only at the beginning of the 19th century - about the miracle chia cereal, the seeds of which can be of great benefit. What is it? Let's find out.
- weight loss
- superfood
Other related articles:
Learning to lose weight correctly
Proper nutrition is the basis for effective weight loss
How dietary supplements work for weight loss
Fiber - an indispensable assistant in weight loss
Why is Spirulina useful?
nine0192 Publication date: 09/26/2021, views: 23660, minutes to read: 2Contents:
- How these grains affect the body and what they contain
- Health benefits of chia - who needs this product
- How to Consume Chia Seeds Properly
- Chia seed recipes
- Phytomarket Evalar offer
How these grains affect the body and what they contain
- Protein in the amount of 20 g per 100 g of product .
Thanks to him, chia seeds strengthen the immune system and increase endurance, give vitality. - Omega-3 and Omega-6 fatty acids . They support the work of the heart and blood vessels, participate in the processes of rejuvenation, and contribute to weight loss.
- Fiber - 34 g per 100 g of product . Moreover, it is able to absorb water 12 times its own weight. This allows you to quickly satisfy your hunger and not get extra calories. nine0006
- Vitamin A . Promotes cell renewal.
- Vitamin E . Helps fight the aging process.
- Vitamin C . Helps to strengthen the immune system and takes part in the production of collagen3 - a substance on which the elasticity of the skin depends.
- Zinc, potassium, phosphorus, calcium and other minerals necessary for the human body to function properly.
Health benefits of chia - who needs this product
Chia seeds are of great benefit in strengthening immunity - this is especially important for the elderly and children, by the way, this superfood can be given to babies from the age of one.
They also improve efficiency, which is valuable for people who experience great physical and mental stress. Therefore, such grains are a desirable supplement for rescuers, athletes, scientists, students during the session. nine0005
Chia seeds are of undoubted benefit to women during menopause - they reduce the frequency and intensity of "hot flashes", help to calm down.
Grains contribute to the normalization of pressure and thin the blood, preventing the appearance of blood clots. So, hypertensive patients, heart patients and those suffering from varicose veins should pay attention to this superfood.
Vitamins and trace elements in chia seeds have a positive effect on the condition of the skin - they help to cope with both teenage acne and age-related problems. So this product is useful to beauties of any age. nine0005
And, of course, chia seeds play a huge role in weight loss. Their fiber, firstly, perfectly cleanses the intestines, making it work normally, and secondly, it prevents overeating, as it swells in the stomach and gives a feeling of satiety.
For those who are overweight, this product is a must.
The benefits of chia seeds are undeniable, but is there any harm from them? They can irritate the intestines and cause increased gas production if a person drinks less than 1.5 liters of water per day. It is also possible manifestations of diarrhea, if you significantly exceed the daily allowance - 3 tablespoons. nine0005
How to eat chia seeds
This product is used in two ways:
- crushing in a grinder (coffee grinder) immediately before use; this is done if it is needed for health and cosmetic purposes, because grinding allows you to “pull out” the maximum amount of useful substances from chia seeds;
- by flooding for 8-12 hours with liquid; this is used in weight loss programs so that the grains swell and can take up as much volume as possible in the stomach. nine0006
IN CATALOG buy change chia
Chia seed recipes
- Vitamin cocktail .
Cut banana, apple, kiwi into pieces and beat in a blender. Grind 2 tablespoons of chia seeds, add to fruit, pour a glass of orange juice. Beat again, add honey if desired. - Colon Cleansing . In the evening, pour 2-3 tablespoons of grains with a glass of milk - almond, coconut, cow (you can take kefir, yogurt, fermented baked milk). Put in refrigerator. In the morning, beat 1 sliced banana and 50 g of berries in a blender, add milk tincture and beat again. nine0006
Phytomarket Evalar offer
Where to buy chia seeds? Of course, in our online store. We have this superfood both on its own and in mixtures with other useful plants. We offer pure chia seeds from the producers " Orgtium ", "Radograd", Green Food . As well as mixes with plantain bran, goji berries and flax from Orgtium. Each of the items can be consumed in the ways indicated above. You will also find chia oil and other healthy products containing chia seeds .
TO CATALOG ALL PRODUCTS WITH CHIA SEEDS
Was the article helpful to you?
Yes
(
)
Recommended
-
Organic Chia Seeds, 100 g, Orgtium
315 ₽ −63 ₽252₽
-
Organic Chia Seeds, 200 g, Orgtium
525 ₽ −157 ₽368₽
- nine0004 Health mix (chia seeds and goji berries, dark and light flax, dark and light sesame), 200 gr, Orgtium
455 ₽ −91 ₽364₽
Expert opinion
Subscribe to our newsletter
and receive the latest reviews and great deals
PHYTOBLOG
Magnesium - a mineral against anxiety and stress
Gainer: what is it for, how to choose and take
Gainer or protein - what to choose for a set of muscle mass?
nine0004 Coenzyme Q10 anti-aging and cardiovascular.
.. Learning to lose weight correctly
How to deal with anxiety after covid?
Post covid syndrome
What to do with a panic attack? nine0005
Magnesium - a mineral against anxiety and stress
Gainer: what is it for, how to choose and take
Gainer or protein - what to choose for a set of muscle mass?
nine0004 Coenzyme Q10 anti-aging and cardiovascular.
.. Learning to lose weight correctly
How to deal with anxiety after covid?
Post covid syndrome
nine0004 What to do with a panic attack?Read all articles
Phyblog is not intended to provide diagnosis, treatment or medical advice. The information on this blog is provided for informational purposes only. Please consult your physician for any medical and health-related diagnoses and treatments. The information in Phytoblog should not be considered as a substitute for consultation with a doctor.
