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Good fiber foods for babies


30 High Fiber Foods for Babies and Toddlers to Feed Your Baby the Right Way

Fiber is an important nutrient that keeps our digestive system running smoothly. Here are the top healthy High Fiber Foods for Babies and Toddlers.

What is Fiber?

Health Benefits of High Fiber Foods:

30 High Fiber Foods for Babies and Toddlers

1. Oatmeal

2. Whole Grain Cereal

3. Apples

4. Pears

6. Avocado

7. Mango

8. Pineapple

9. Prunes

10. Nuts Powder

11. Carrots

12. Beetroot

13. Sweet potatoes

14. Green Peas

15. Beans

16. Leafy Greens

17. Broccoli

18. Yogurt

20. Millet

21. Berries

22. Whole-grain Bread

23. Whole-grain Pasta

24. Brown Rice

25. Barley

26. Whole Grain Cereal

27. Dried Beans

28. Pomegranate seeds

29. Corn

30. Nuts and Seeds

Frequently Asked Questions

What baby foods have the most fiber?

How can I add more fiber to my baby’s diet?

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As parents, we try our best to plan our kids meals so they get all the nutrients they need. We focus a lot on protein, iron, calcium and healthy fats. However, one thing that often gets missed out is this – fiber. Experts across the board say that for all a healthy digestive system, you need three things – fiber, fluids and fitness. Remove any one of this and you’re in for some trouble – especially in the bathroom!

What is Fiber?

Fiber is the undigestible part of the plant-based food we eat, like fruits, vegetables, legumes and grains. There are two types of fiber – soluble and insoluble.

  • Soluble Fiber can dissolve in water. It slows down digestion, making us feel fuller for longer. Soluble fiber is found in oats, barley, fruits and legumes like beans or peas.
  • Insoluble fiber does not dissolve in water. It adds bulk to stool and pushes it through the digestive system, easing elimination from the body. Insoluble fiber is found in wheat bran and grains.

Both kinds of fiber are important for a healthy digestive system. Along with the right amount of water, it ensures easy and regular movements, while also promoting better absorption of nutrients.

Every person needs 14 grams of fiber for every 1000 calories they consume in a day. For babies, this translates to about 55 to 110 grams of soft cooked high fiber vegetables a day. For older children, this can be broken down as:

  • Toddlers (1-3 years old) – 19 grams of fiber a day
  • Young Children (4-8 years old) – 25 grams of fiber a day
  • Older girls and teens (9-18 years old) – 26 grams of fiber a day
  • Older boys (9-13 years old) – 31 grams of fiber a day
  • Teen boys (14-18 years old) – 38 grams of fiber a day

If this is hard to remember, a rule of thumb is to add 10 to the child’s age (for children 5 and above). For example a 9 year old would need 19 grams of fiber a day. Ensuring 5 servings of fruits and vegetables a day also helps.

Health Benefits of High Fiber Foods:

  • Keeps the digestive system working properly
  • Prevents and treats constipation
  • Is filling and doesn’t make the child hungry soon
  • Prevents overeating and obesity
  • Prevents diabetes
  • Lowers bad cholesterol
  • Prevents heart disease
  • Lowers the risk of cancer
  • Ensures absorption of nutrients

Besides these benefits, eating high fiber foods for babies and toddlers also prevents nutritional deficiencies, since most fiber-rich foods are rich in minerals vitamins and antioxidants. On the other hand, not having enough fiber can lead to several problems:

  • Firm, hard and dry stools
  • Infrequent bowel movements
  • Crying when trying to pass stools
  • Unwillingness to go to the toilet
  • Hard and swollen abdomen
  • Abdominal pain
  • Low appetite
  • Bleeding while pass

In severe cases, this can cause stool retention and impaction with stool leakage.

These problems can be fixed with a diet rich in high fiber foods, sufficient water intake and physical activity. A food is considered a high fiber food if it has at least 3-5 grams per serving. It can be heard to go around calculating the individual fiber content of each food, so we’ve rounded up the top high fiber foods for babies and toddler.

30 High Fiber Foods for Babies and Toddlers

List of high fiber foods for babies and toddlers

1.
Oatmeal

Oatmeal is one of the easiest ways to increase the fiber in your little one’s diet. Even babies over 6 months can have oatmeal, and it with 4 grams of fiber in a cup of cooked oatmeal, it’s an excellent choice for school going kids too! Go for organic oatmeal to get added health benefits. Try these recipes with oats for your baby:

  • Organic Oats Porridge
  • Banana Oats Cereal
  • Oats Khichdi
  • Curd Oats Khichdi

For older kids, try these:

  • Oats Egg Custard
  • Banana Coconut Oats Porridge
  • Carrot Oats Muffins

You can find many more healthy recipes in our list of oats recipes for babies and toddlers.

2. Whole Grain Cereal

Baby cereal is a big part of a baby’s diet for the first year, so make sure you choose a cereal that’s high in fiber. Brown rice cereal, barley cereal or oats cereal are all good options. You can also try these recipes:

  • Homemade Brown Rice Cereal
  • Homemade Barley Cereal
  • Banana Makhana Cereal

You can also make many other dishes with baby cereal, for both babies and older kids.

3. Apples

Apples are what most Moms opt for as the first fruit to feed their babies. They’re naturally sweet, easy to digest and have 3.6 grams of fiber in a small apple. With loads of benefits, apples are an excellent choice, especially when fed with the peel on for older kids. For babies, you can try these recipes:

  • Apple and Cottage Cheese Puree
  • Broken Wheat Apple Halwa
  • Apple Ragi Porridge

Older kids will enjoy these:

  • Quinoa Apple Porridge
  • Apple Protein Milkshake
  • Apple Whole Wheat Pancakes

You can also check out our list of healthy apple recipes for babies under one.

4.
Pears

Just like apples, pears are sweet juicy and rich in fiber. A medium pair provides 5.5 grams of fiber, provided it has its skin on. Pears are also easy to feed babies and are easy to digest. You can try these pear recipes for your baby:

  • Pear Puree
  • Apple Pear Cinnamon Puree

5. Bananas

Bananas – the most preferred way of sweetening baby food without sugar! A medium banana packs 3.1 grams of fiber, making it one of the easiest ways of increasing your child’s fiber intake. From babies to teens, a banana is the ideal travel snack too. Try out these banana recipes for your baby:

  • Banana Ghee Fry
  • Strawberry Banana Puree
  • Kiwi Banana Puree
  • Ragi Banana Halwa

For older kids, you can try these:

  • Banana Oats Pancakes
  • Banana Omelette Recipe
  • Barnyard Millet Banana Bread

All bananas have fiber, and raw Kerala bananas help babies gain weight too. Check out our list of healthy Kerala banana recipes.

6. Avocado

This creamy delicious fruit finds place in many recipes ranging from sweet to savory. It’s touted as a health food the world over and with good reason – half a cup of avocado has 5 full grams of fiber. Besides, they’re also rich in heart healthy fats. The creaminess of the fruit makes avocado ideal for babies, especially in recipes like avocado puree.

7. Mango

Mango, the king of fruits, is one of those things that kids readily eat, thanks to its juiciness and sweetness. But mango isn’t all about the taste, it’s got loads of fiber too, at nearly 3 grams a cup. While babies can munch on mango slices as finger food, you can also try these recipes:

  • Easy Mango Yogurt
  • Mango Puree
  • Mango Cucumber Soup

Old kids will enjoy mango in these recipes:

  • Mango Dates Smoothie
  • Homemade Mango Kulfi
  • Mango Frooti Concentrate

For more recipe ideas, check out our list of healthy mango recipes for babies and kids.

8. Pineapple

The spiky tropical fruit can be fed to babies too! On their own pineapple slices make great teething rings, especially when they’re frozen. What’s more, a cup of pineapple chunks have 2.3 grams of fiber. Besides raw pineapple, you can also try these for your baby:

  • Pineapple Carrot Puree
  • Pineapple Kesari

Older kids will enjoy an upside down pineapple cake as a healthy afternoon snack!

9. Prunes

Prunes are the number one natural remedy for constipation, and it’s understandable – with 3 grams of fiber in just quarter of a cup, this is a fiber super food! Even little babies can have prunes, both as prevention and treatment for constipation.

10. Nuts Powder

All kinds of nuts are rich sources of fiber and loads of other nutrients including healthy fats. However, nuts can prove to be a choking hazard for babies and young kids, so nuts powder is the best option. You can try either of these:

  • Dry Fruits Powder
  • Mixed Nuts Powder

This powder can be mixed into any recipe – it’ll only taste more delicious!

11.
Carrots

Carrots are the apples of vegetables; they’re most babies’ first veggie! Not surprising, since carrots are rich in Vitamins A and C, and also have 2.9 grams of fiber in every half cup. Carrot sticks can also be steamed and offered as finger foods. Babies will love these carrot recipes:

  • Carrot Puree
  • Carrot Oats Porridge
  • Carrot Poha Kheer

Older children will enjoy these carrot recipes:

  • Egg Carrot Chapathi Roll
  • Spiced Carrot Walnut Muffins
  • Carrot Cheese Paratha
12. Beetroot

Beetroots are something many children will eat if presented well, since the color itself is so attractive. Not only that, beets are packed with iron, potassium and manganese, as well as a royal 3.8 g in a cup. Try out these beetroot recipes for babies:

  • Carrot Beetroot Soup
  • Beetroot Chickpea Puree
  • Beetroot Pearl Millet Porridge
  • Beetroot Potato Pure
  • Beetroot Halwa

For older kids, you can try these beetroot recipes:

  • Beetroot Burger
  • Beetroot Paratha
  • Beetroot Rolls
  • Beet Applesauce Dip
13.
Sweet potatoes

Potatoes may be popular, but many of us don’t realize that sweet potatoes are just as good, maybe even better! Along with Vitamins A and C, sweet potatoes provide us with 3.8 grams of fiber per medium sweet potato. The simplest way to feed this to babies is with a sweet potato puree. Older kids will enjoy these recipes:

  • Sweet Potato Dosa
  • Sweet Potato Fries
  • Sweet Potato Bruschetta
14. Green Peas

Green peas are one of the most versatile vegetables available – you can easily add them to stews, soups, purees and much more! Green peas are a great source of protein, and half a cup of cooked green peas provides 4.4 grams of fiber. Babies can have peas in these recipes:

  • Green Peas and Potato Puree
  • Buttered Green Pea Mash

Older kids can enjoy green peas as part of these recipes:

  • Quinoa Vegetable Upma
  • Tofu Bhurji
15. Beans

Green beans are easily available, packed with nutrients and also a huge amount of fiber. Half a cup of beans contains a whopping 6-9 grams of fiber, making this a must have in your child’s diet. Babies will enjoy green beans in these recipes:

  • Green Beans Puree
  • Green Beans as Finger Food
16. Leafy Greens

Leafy greens are always included as part of a healthy diet, and we know that they contain loads of vitamins and iron. But did you know that greens like spinach and turnip greens also contain lots of fiber? One cup of cooked spinach contains 4.3 grams of fiber, while a cup of cooked turnip greens contains a good 5 grams! You can give your baby spinach with these recipes:

  • Carrot Palak Puree
  • Spinach Oat Pancakes

Older kids will love seeing the beautiful green color in these recipes:

  • Creamy Spinach Soup
  • Spinach Phulka
  • Spinach Fritters
  • Palak Poha Pakoda

Don’t forget to check out our list of healthy spinach recipes for babies and kids.

17. Broccoli

Broccoli isn’t something most kids eat readily, but there are ways to get kids to like broccoli. And it’s worth the effort too, considering one cup of cooked broccoli contains 5.1 grams of fiber. Broccoli can be given to babies but may cause excess gas, so introduce slowly and in small quantities, with these recipes:

  • Broccoli Spinach Puree
  • Broccoli Butter Puree

Older kids can try a broccoli mushroom soup. You can also check out our list on healthy broccoli recipes for babies and kids.

18. Yogurt

Yogurt isn’t exactly a high fiber food, but it deserves a place in this list because it contains probiotics and is crucial for a healthy gut and healthy digestion overall. Try these yogurt recipes for babies:

  • Homemade Curd
  • Homemade Strawberry Yogurt
  • Homemade Mango Yogurt
  • Coriander Curd Khichdi
  • Turmeric Buttermilk

There are many ways to include yogurt in older kids’ food, like these recipes:

  • Gopalkala
  • Chocolate Yogurt Parfait
  • Frozen Yogurt Bark
  • Yogurt Fruit Parfait
  • Curd Fritters
  • Tricolor Fruit Parfait
  1. Flaxseed

Flax seeds are available in most supermarkets these days and are incredibly versatile since they can be added to anything. What’s more, a tablespoon of flax seeds contains 3 grams of fiber. For little ones, you can grind flax seed at home and sprinkle over their cooked food or into batter or dough before cooking. You can also add it to smoothies and soups.

20. Millet

Our grandmothers probably knew a thing or two about fiber, which is probably why millet featured so much among our traditional dishes! A 100 gram serving of millet contains a big 9 grams of fiber! And since millet can be given to babies, there are many recipes you can try:

  • Multi Millet Porridge
  • Beetroot Pearl Millet Porridge
  • Little Millet Porridge

Older kids will love these recipes made with millet:

  • Millet Kheer
  • Multi Millet Paneer Paratha
  • Barnyard Millet Vegetable Salad
  • Millet Sathumaavu Laddu
  • Pearl Millet and Green Gram Pesarattu
  • Whole Grain Multi Millet Pancakes

You can get 100% natural millet preparations like Sprouted Finger Millet Flour, Millet Sathumaavu Health Mix, Organic Millet Dosa Mix, Foxtail Millet Noodles and Barnyard Millet Noodles.

21. Berries

Berries are pretty, and that may be one reason kids love them! But berries are also high in fiber, with raspberries topping the list at 4 grams in every half cup. Blueberries have 1.8 grams per half cup and strawberries have 1.5 grams fiber for half a cup. Babies will love a strawberry banana puree, while kids will love these recipes:

  • Strawberry Cookies
  • Strawberry Lassi
  • Strawberry Banana Pancakes
  • Strawberry Yogurt Muffins

You can also check out our list of healthy strawberry recipes for babies and kids.

(The foods in the list below are suitable for Children over One Year)

22. Whole-grain Bread

White bread is made with grain that has the bran removed, which means no fiber. However, whole grain bread includes the bran and has about 2 grams of fiber a slice. So a sandwich with two slices gives you 4 grams! Here are a few recipes to try with whole grain bread:

  • Homemade Whole Wheat Bread
  • Hung Curd Sandwich
  • Tricolor Sandwich
  • Crispy Coconut Chutney Sandwich
  • Paneer Sandwich
  • Tricolor Bread Sushi Rolls
  • Easy Bread Rolls
  • Banana Coconut French Toast
23.
Whole-grain Pasta

Just like whole grain bread, now whole wheat pasta is also becoming increasingly available. Half a cup of cooked whole wheat pasta has 2 grams of fiber and what’s more, it is more filling than regular pasta. Combine with other high fiber veggies and you have a meal! Check out these pasta recipes for kids:

  • Minestrone Soup with Pasta
  • Creamy Vegetable Pasta
  • Vegetable Pasta Recipe
  • Indian Style Macaroni

Besides pasta, you can also check out our range of 100% natural noodles made of whole grains and millet.

24. Brown Rice

White rice has the outer covering removed, which is why it is not as filling as brown rice. A cup of brown rice has a decent 3.5 grams of fiber, and goes great with all other ingredients from vegetables to chicken! Check out these brown rice recipes for kids:

  • Okra Rice
  • Paneer Vegetable Fried Rice
  • Coriander Vegetable Rice
  • Bell Pepper Fried Rice
  • Vegetable and Soya Chunks Rice
  • Brown Rice Flakes Kheer
  • Brown Rice Poha
  • Brown Rice Cutlets
  • Coconut Rice
25.
Barley

Barley has got to be the Superman of high fiber foods. With an incredible 32 grams of fiber in a cup of hulled barley, it’ll easily help taking care of your fiber needs for the day! Barley can be used in many ways, as you’ll find in our list of barley recipes for babies and kids.

26. Whole Grain Cereal

Cereal is one of the easiest things to feed kids for breakfast. After all, the only thing you need to do is serve with some milk! However, store bought cereals are notorious for being high in sugar and low on fiber. You can easily fix this with homemade cereal, which has about 9 grams of fiber in a ½ cup serving. Here are some options to try:

  • Chocolate Muesli
  • Fruit and Nut Granola
  • Maize Flakes with Milk and Honey
27. Dried Beans

Dried beans tackle two common nutritional deficiencies in Indian kids – protein and fiber. Legumes like rajma and chana have 12-16 grams of fiber per serving, and they’re incredibly filling too! Here are some recipes you can try out with dried beans:

  • Rajma Dosa
  • Sprouted Moth Beans Frankie
  • Rajma Veggie Quesadillas
  • Rajma Sandwich
  • Healthy Kidney Bean Soup
  • Kid-friendly Chicken Chilli
  • Chickpea Veggie Pancakes
  • Roasted Chickpeas

Remember, sprouting dried beans multiplies their benefits manifold, by making their nutrients more bio-available.

28. Pomegranate seeds

Pomegranate seeds look like little jewels, and they certainly are, in terms of nutrition! These little red seeds have 3 grams of fiber in just half a cup and kids love them because of that burst of sweetness they have. Babies can try a pomegranate juice, while kids can enjoy these recipes:

  • Eggless Apple Cake with Pomegranate
  • Sugar Free Fruit Custard
  • Sathumaavu Dahi Papdi Chaat
  • Maize Flakes with Milk and Honey
  • Homemade Constipation Juice
29. Corn

Corn is a popular dish with kids, probably because it is often associated with vacations and trips outside. It is one of those indulgences that are actually healthy! Half a cup of cooked corn has 1.8 grams of fiber. Here are some simple recipes to try with corn:

  • Sweet Corn Fritters
  • Baby Corn Fritters
  • Sweet Corn Vegetable Soup
  • Sweet Corn Fried Rice
  • Sweet Corn Salad
  • Cheese Corn Balls
30.
Nuts and Seeds

Almost all nuts and seeds are packed with fiber, and that’s great because you can switch things up with a different variety. Almonds have the most fiber, with over 3 grams in a single serving while peanuts have over 2 grams. If your child has nut allergies, you can try pumpkin seeds or sunflower seeds instead. Check out these recipes with nuts you can try:

  • Dates and Nuts Cooker Cake
  • Homemade Peanut Butter
  • Mixed Nuts and Poha Laddu
  • Pistachio and Raisin Coconut Cookies
  • Homemade Almond Milk
  • Almond Shortbread Cookies
  • Dates Almond Milkshake
  • No Bake Brownies with Dry Fruit
  • No Cook Dry Fruit Modak
  • Dry Fruit Jaggery Energy Bars
  • Dry Fruit Balls

Here are some recipes with seeds:

  • Baked Ragi Crackers with Sesame Seeds
  • Dates Chia Seeds and Apricot Laddu
  • Dates Sesame Seeds Laddu

Tips for feeding Kids High Fiber Foods:

  • Switch your regular grain with whole grain, like replacing maida with atta, or white rice with brown rice
  • Make sure there is a fruit and vegetable at every meal
  • Opt for whole fruits instead of fruit juice
  • Add dry fruits powder or nuts powder to cooked dishes or into batter, dough or smoothies
  • Add fruit, nuts and seeds to yogurt, cereal or oatmeal
  • Add vegetables like lettuce to sandwiches
  • Ensure kids drink enough water along with high fiber foods

Add these high fiber foods for babies and toddlers to the child’s diet gradually, increasing the quantity slowly. When introducing a new food for babies, always follow the 3-day rule. Too much fiber can cause bloating or gas as well as abdominal pain. When buying a food that claims to be high fiber, read the label carefully. Fiber is listed under ‘Total Carbohydrates’ as ‘Dietary Fiber’. A truly high fiber food should have at least 3 grams fiber per serving.

Please remember that the WHO recommends exclusive breastfeeding for the first six months, and there is no need of added fiber before that. If baby seems constipated during this time, it may help for the mother to eat some high fiber foods like prunes.

 

Frequently Asked Questions

What baby foods have the most fiber?

Oats, all fruits and vegetables have the most fiber in them.This article lists about 30 high fiber foods for babies.

How can I add more fiber to my baby’s diet?

Babies need about 55 to 110 grams of soft cooked high fiber vegetables a day. This article lists about 30 high fiber foods for babies.

Buy Healthy Nutritious Baby, Toddler food made by our own Doctor Mom !
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5 High Fiber Rich Foods For Babies

Fiber-rich foods and recipes for prevention and treatment of constipation.

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Fiber is an essential nutrient that adds bulk to the stools and facilitates their smooth passage. Besides, it acts as a natural prebiotic that promotes good bacteria (probiotics) growth and supports gut health. Therefore, selecting age-appropriate high-fiber foods for babies is essential. Perhaps it is the reason that the American Dietetic Association (ADA) recommends people across age groups consume sufficient amounts of dietary fiber from various plant foods (1) (2).

Scroll down to read more about dietary fiber and its possible benefits for babies, its side effects, and some high-fiber recipes you can feed to your baby. But before we dwell on details, let’s first understand the basics and learn some basic facts about fiber and its types.

Is Fiber Good For Babies?

Fiber is good for babies. The inclusion of dietary fiber in a baby’s diet can help enhance gut microflora and keep the digestive system healthy. Research suggests that the first years of life are crucial for establishing a healthy colonic microflora, as well as good eating habits (3). Thus, the intake of dietary fiber for babies is beneficial.

Point to consider

Fiber-rich foods can be incorporated into a baby’s diet in pureed or mashed forms around four to six months when they are ready for complementary feeding (20).

Related: Are There Any Benefits Of Prebiotics For Babies?

Dietary Fiber And Its Types

Dietary fiber or fiber is a type of complex carbohydrate found in plant foods (4). It cannot be easily digested in the small intestine, and this brings in the health benefits associated with it.

There are two forms of dietary fiber, soluble and insoluble. Most plant foods contain some amount of each type, which can provide specific health benefits.

How Much Fiber Do Babies Need?

There are no clear guidelines on the recommended amount of dietary fiber for babies younger than one year (5) (6). Nutrition experts recommend five grams of fiber a day for children below the age of two years (7).  It is best to consult a pediatric nutritionist to know about the ideal limit for your baby.

Uses Of Fiber For Babies

Fiber is an important part of an individual’s diet. It is helpful in the following ways for the baby:.

  1. Supports digestive health: Insoluble fiber, a type of dietary fiber present is whole grains, whole pulses, raw fruits, and vegetables is vital for maintaining digestive health. Upon ingestion, it swells up in the intestine by trapping water and adds bulk in the diet leading to smooth passage of stool. It helps prevent constipation, and supports the pH of the intestine, and prevents colonization of harmful microbes (8) (9).
  1. Good for gut microflora: The total dietary fiber, i.e., soluble and insoluble fiber, works as prebiotics or food for millions of probiotic bacteria living in the human gut. According to a research study published in the Journal of Cell Host and Microbe, the type, quality, and origin of food impacts the gut microbes (10).
  1. Strengthen immunity: Dietary fiber works as prebiotics and helps enhance immunity by increasing the population of beneficial microbes, such as lactic acid bacteria and bifidobacteria (11) (12). These bacteria could help fight harmful pathogens, and thus boost immunity.
  1. Supports absorption: A healthy gut harbors healthy microbiomes that assist in the proper digestion of food and absorption of nutrients (13) (14). Both these processes are vital for maintaining overall health and well-being.
  1. Improves appetite: Soluble fiber helps keep the tummy full. On consumption, it combines with water and forms a gel-like structure that delays gastric emptying. This mechanism increases the total amount of time the food stays in the gut and thus facilitates the sensation of satiety. It also helps in the secretion of appetite-regulating hormones within the gastrointestinal tract (15).

There are several sources of dietary fiber for babies. In the next section, we tell you about the fiber-rich foods you can feed your baby.

High Fiber Foods For Babies

A well-balanced, fiber-rich diet for a baby includes foods from the following food groups.

1. Grains (and cereals)

You can include cereals and grains in a baby’s diet as they begin eating solids. It will add variety in the meals and ensure the intake of fiber along with other vital nutrients. A few options that you can try are oatmeal, brown rice, barley, whole wheat, and maize. Besides, you can also try adding some pseudocereals such as quinoa, buckwheat, and amaranth (16).

Quick tip

You may substitute barley for rice for infants older than four months with constipation (21).

2. Vegetables

Babies can consume all vegetables pretty much at the onset of starting solids. Vegetables are a good source of micronutrients and dietary fiber. Besides, they are not high in simple carbohydrates. A few high-fiber vegetables that you could try for your baby are spinach, broccoli, beans, edamame, sweet potato, corn, and carrots. Give these vegetables in cooked and pureed form since babies might find it difficult to digest raw vegetables. Or if using the baby-led weaning approach to feeding, give the vegetables cooked until soft and cut into wedge-sized pieces for younger babies, or bite-sized pieces for older babies.

Related: 16 Best Vegetables For Babies From Infancy To One Year

3. Fruits

Fruits contain dietary fiber and also several micronutrients. It is good to include at least one fruit a day in your baby’s diet. Some high-fiber fruits that you can consider are watermelon, muskmelon, apple, banana, strawberries, and blackberries.

4. Dried fruits

Dried fruits are potential choking hazards for babies around 6-12 months of age (17). But you can serve them in cooked and pureed form. Once your baby has started finger foods, you can cook dried fruits or chop them into small pieces to feed the baby.   Some of the high-fiber options are prunes, apricots, dates, and figs.

5. Pulses and legumes

Pulses and legumes are considered a good source of protein and micronutrients like iron, potassium, and folate. However, they are also good sources of dietary fiber. Some options from this food group that you could include in your baby’s diet are horse gram, Bengal gram (whole), kidney beans, split peas, lentils, and chickpeas.

Possible Side-Effects Of Excessive Fiber Intake

People who consume fiber are less susceptible to chronic diseases (1). But you shouldn’t go overboard because it could have some adverse outcomes (18).

  1. High fiber and low water intake may lead to constipation or diarrhea.
  1. It might lead to a decrease in mineral absorption, which could be detrimental to the baby’s health.
  1. Consuming excessive fiber may cause flatulence, bloating, abdominal cramps, and nausea.
  1. It may cause a decrease in appetite in some cases and might lead to growth failure.

Precautions To Take While Introducing Fiber Foods To Babies

  1. Observe variety and moderation in the foods you give your baby.
  1. Start with a single grain (or cereal) for young babies. As the baby grows older, you can start multigrain meals.
  1. Minimize fiber loss by not peeling fruits and vegetables. Scrape them instead.
  1. Consult a pediatrician before starting a new fiber food for your baby.
  1. Water intake, along with fiber intake, is important. Fiber needs water to function (19). Offer small amounts of water (1-2oz) in an open cup with meals. Breast milk or formula are still the primary sources of nutrition for the entire first year, so make sure to give a milk feed an hour or so before offering solids to maintain hydration levels.
  1. Babies must have fiber from natural foods only. Avoid using isolated or commercial fiber.

Related: Rice Cereal For Babies: Health Benefits And Nutritional Value

Ways To Include High Fiber Foods In Baby’s Diet

The following are a few interesting recipes to include fiber in your baby’s diet.

For babies five to six months old

Babies at this age do not develop eating skills and digestive systems. So, the best way to introduce food to them is in the puree or mashed form. It ensures easy swallowing and digestibility.

For optimum fiber intake, vegetables like sweet potato, carrot, and green peas can be included in the diet. You can also include fruits like apple, banana, and raspberries.

1. Sweet Potato Puree

Image: Shutterstock

You will need:

  • 1 sweet potato
  • 1tsp extra virgin olive oil
  • ¼tsp cumin (optional)

How to:

  1. Wash sweet potato in cold water and with a thin, bristled brush scrape its skin to remove dust and dirt from the surface.
  2. Once it is clean, dice the sweet potato into pieces of approximately two inches in size.
  3. Put these pieces into a pan and place the pan on a medium flame. Add enough water to cover the pieces and cover the lid of the pan.
  4. Let the pieces cook for 15-20 minutes. Check with a fork if the pieces are soft.
  5. Once done, put the pieces with water in a blender and blend until you get a smooth paste.
  6. Take another pan, pour oil in it, and place the pan on low flame.
  7. As the oil gets heated, add cumin. Once cumin starts to flutter, add the puree in the pan.
  8. Keep stirring the puree and cook for three to four minutes, and then your puree is ready to serve.
2. Banana Puree

Image: Shutterstock

You will need:

  • 1 ripe banana
  • 2-4tbsp water

How to:

1. Peel the banana and cut it into small pieces. Put these pieces into a blender to ensure no lumps are there.
2. Add water in the blender as per requirement and blend until you get a smooth puree.
3. Pour the puree in a cup, and it is ready to serve.

Note: You can add breast milk or formula milk instead of water to make these purees smoother.

For babies 6-12 months old

Babies in this age bracket usually progress from purees to finger foods. Since the baby’s digestive system is more mature now, you can include foods from different food groups.

3. Veggie Lentil Soup

Image: Shutterstock

You will need:

  • 1 cup mixed lentils
  • 1 cup diced vegetables (carrots, peas, corn, broccoli, onions, tomatoes, and zucchini)
  • Parsley (chopped) – for garnishing
  • Lemon juice (optional)
  • 2tsp virgin olive oil
  • ¼tsp black pepper powder
  • Salt to taste

How to:

  1. Take a bowl, put lentils in it, and wash thoroughly for at least two to three times and keep it aside.
  2. Wash all the vegetables thoroughly in cold water. Clean them with a thin bristled brush to remove all the dust and dirt.
  3. Take another bowl, cut all the vegetables, and keep the bowl aside.
  4. Now, take an iron pot, and place it on medium flame. Pour oil in it, and as the oil gets hot, put onions in it.
  5. Fry the onions till golden brown, add all the vegetables in the pot, and then cook for five minutes.
  6. Add lentil mix in the pot and mix everything well.
  7. Pour water into the pot until the veggie and lentil mix gets covered. Place a lid and cover the pot
  8. Keep the pot on simmer and let the mix cook for 15 minutes. Check with a fork in between. If vegetables and lentils are soft, then switch off the flame.
  9. Once the mixture is cooked, you can transfer it into a bowl and mash it. If you want a thinner consistency, then you can also blend it.
  10. Add pepper powder, and lemon juice to taste and garnish with parsley. Your soup is ready to serve.
4. Yummy Roasted Vegetables

Image: iStock

You will need:

  • 1 bowl of vegetable pieces (carrots, capsicum, corn, broccoli, onions, tomatoes, and zucchini)
  • Lemon juice (optional)
  • 2tsp virgin olive oil
  • ¼tsp black pepper powder

How to:

  1.  Wash all the vegetables thoroughly. Clean their skin with a thin, bristled brush to remove dust and dirt from the surface.
  2. Cut the vegetables into thin slices and place them on a roasting plate lined with baking sheet. Place the vegetables with gaps, avoid overlapping so that vegetables can get cooked evenly.
  3. Drizzle olive oil and sprinkle pepper.
  4. Preheat oven to 400°F (205°C). Place the vegetables in the oven and set the timer to 15 minutes.
  5. After 15 minutes, toss the vegetables and again set the oven for another ten minutes.
  6. Once done, place the vegetables on a serving plate and sprinkle lemon juice. Your yummy roasted vegetables are ready.

1. Can babies have fiber supplements?

Babies should not have fiber supplements unless recommended by a pediatrician. Natural fiber from food is preferred to isolated or commercial fiber supplements, especially for babies. The natural sources of fiber, such as fruits, vegetables, and grains, contain several other vital nutrients that are not likely to be there in fiber supplements.

2. Is oatmeal for babies high in fiber?

Oatmeal is a rich source of fiber. It is made by processing oats grain, which is particularly rich in soluble fiber called beta-glucan. Beta-glucan has some potential health benefits for babies as well as adults. In terms of nutritional value, 100g of cooked oatmeal (cooked without fat) contains approximately 2.2g fiber.

Including fiber foods for babies could benefit them in many ways. Fiber is vital for promoting gut health, immunity, and the smooth elimination of stools. Moreover, several foods are rich in fiber and easy to incorporate into a baby’s meal. Cereals, fruits, and vegetables, including apple, banana, spinach, broccoli, and carrot, are some foods that may help meet your baby’s daily dietary fiber requirements when included in a properly cooked, age-appropriate manner. However, make sure you include fiber in your baby’s diet in moderation and through various foods.

References:

MomJunction's articles are written after analyzing the research works of expert authors and institutions. Our references consist of resources established by authorities in their respective fields. You can learn more about the authenticity of the information we present in our editorial policy.

1. Position of the American Dietetic Association: Health Implications of Dietary Fiber; Science Direct
2. Devinder Dhingra et al.; Dietary fibre in foods: a review; National Center For Biotechnology Information
3. Edwards CA and Parrett AM; Dietary fiber in infancy and childhood; National Centre for Biotechnology Information (2003)
4. Types of Carbohydrates; Lane Community College
5. Eating, Diet, & Nutrition for Constipation in Children; Constipation in Children; National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases; National Institute of Health
6. Dietary Reference Intakes: Macronutrients; National Academics
7. Alexandra Barrera; Baby Your Baby – Preventing Pediatric Constipation; Intermountain Moms; Intermountain Healthcare (2013)
8. Soluble vs. insoluble fiber; Medical Encyclopedia; Medline Plus (2018)
9. Dietary Fiber; Colorado State University (2018)
10. Makki K et al.; The Impact of Dietary Fiber on Gut Microbiota in Host Health and Disease;  National Centre for Biotechnology Information (2003)
11. Schley PD and Field CJ; The immune-enhancing effects of dietary fibers and prebiotics.; National Centre for Biotechnology Information (2002)
12. Shokryazdan P et al.; Effects of prebiotics on the immune system and cytokine expression.; National Centre for Biotechnology Information (2017)
13. Quigley EMM; Prebiotics and Probiotics in Digestive Health.; National Centre for Biotechnology Information (2019)
14. Paul O Sheridan et al.; Can prebiotics and probiotics improve therapeutic outcomes for undernourished individuals?; National Centre for Biotechnology Information (2014)
15. Candida J. Rebello et al. ; Dietary fiber and satiety: the effects of oats on satiety; National Centre for Biotechnology Information (2016)
16. Choking Hazards; Centers For Disease Control And Prevention
17. Treatment for Constipation in Children; Constipation in Children; National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases; National Institute of Health (2018)
18. How to Increase Volume in Your Meals; Post-Core: More Volume, Fewer Calories; Centre For Diseases Control and Prevention
19. Fiber How Much Is Too Much; Student Affairs; Duke Student Health Nutrition Services
20. Feeding Your Baby; Healthy Child Manitoba
21. Patient education: Constipation in infants and children (Beyond the Basics); Uptodate

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6 healthy foods with fiber / How to feed your child so that he is healthy - an article from the "Healthy Habits" section on Food.

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Fiber is an important element in the diet, which is necessary for strong immunity and good bowel function. In addition, dietary fiber is highly satiating. What fiber foods should be included in a child's diet and what are their benefits?

The amount of fiber in the diet depends on age. For convenience, nutritionists recommend adding the number 10 to age: for example, a six-year-old child should receive 16 grams of fiber per day. nine0003

Another easy way is to make sure your child eats five servings of fruits and vegetables a day. This is not as much as it seems: to make up for the daily allowance, you need to eat one apple and a bell pepper or two tomatoes, a banana and a serving of salad during the day.

Some fiber foods are especially appealing to children.

1. Raspberry

A cup of berries contains eight grams of fiber - the product is considered the leader in the amount of dietary fiber compared to other fruits and berries. In addition, raspberries are a source of antioxidants and vitamin C. 100 grams contain 28% of the useful substance from the daily requirement. Vitamin C is necessary to maintain the body's defenses and strengthen the immune system. nine0003

In summer, many people grow raspberries in their summer cottages; berries are also easy to buy in the market or in the supermarket. In the off-season, you can add frozen to porridge, cottage cheese or pastries.

2. Green peas

Sweet and tasty green peas also contain many vitamins, including B9, which promotes the growth and development of the child's body, and fiber. A cup of green peas contains nine grams of dietary fiber.

Peas can be added to salads, omelettes and soups and used as a side dish. In winter, buy a frozen product - it retains all the vitamins and nutrients. nine0003

3. Almonds

Almonds contain more dietary fiber than any other nut: 30 grams contains almost four grams of fiber. In addition, almonds are rich in healthy fats, magnesium and phosphorus. Nevertheless, nuts are considered a strong allergen, so you should not give them to babies and children with individual intolerance.

Add almonds to your baked goods and also give your child a healthy snack: two or three nuts are enough.

4. Legumes

Lentils, beans, chickpeas are sources of many useful substances that are indispensable for the child's body. Half a glass of legumes contains eight grams of fiber and easily digestible protein. In addition, the product contains many vitamins A, E, phosphorus, magnesium and iron. nine0003

Children are not supposed to like beans, but there are a few foods that the pickiest of kids might be interested in: cook your child lentil croquettes, bean tacos, or homemade burritos.

5. Prunes

Nutritionists believe that dried fruits can replace fresh fruits in the off-season: the product contains vitamins, antioxidants and fiber. For example, a quarter cup of prunes contains as many as three grams of fiber.

Prunes are great for a quick snack and can be added to baked goods, salads and meat dishes. nine0003

6. Popcorn

Popcorn is a healthy substitute for potato chips. A serving of popcorn without salt and dyes contains approximately three grams of fiber, as well as B vitamins, iron, and antioxidants.

It is dangerous for young children to eat popcorn because it is easy for them to choke. But for schoolchildren, this snack is a great option for a snack.

Earlier, we talked about the healthiest snacks and what delicacies should not be fed to children.

What can be done? nine0011

Find out which breakfasts are bad for schoolchildren.

Read more about children's nutrition:

  • 7 recipes for children's cereals: how to feed the fussy

  • 5 ideas for school lunch: a selection of recipes from Perekrestok

  • What can replace sugar in baking for children? Six useful ideas

Fiber for children: nutritionists named the daily amount of dietary fiber

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What foods contain fiber

Alexander Loskutov

Dietary fiber plays an important role in the functioning of our body.

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Especially, it concerns the functioning of the intestines. Thanks to fiber, the absorption of the stomach increases, and useful vitamins and minerals enter the body in full, according to Medical Xpress. nine0003

The US Institute of Medicine states that fibers play an equally important role in the development of toddlers and adolescents. Therefore, nutritionists have compiled a daily norm of fiber, which should be present in the diet of children:

- 1-3 years old - 19 g;

- 4-8 years - 25 g;

- 9-13 years - 26 g for girls, 31 g for boys;

- 14-18 years - 26 g for girls, 38 g for boys.

The American Academy of Pediatrics reminds parents that children should eat at least 5 servings of fruits and vegetables every day, as well as whole grains. nine0003

The information on the product packaging will help you make the right choice with a high fiber content. "Great" sources contain 5 or more grams of fiber per serving. "Good" sources contain at least 3 grams.

For example, whole grain wheat contains more fiber than whole grain brown rice or oats. Also, the amount of fiber in a single grain can vary by brand, so always read labels carefully. For variety, try bulgur, buckwheat, cornmeal, and wild rice. nine0003

When serving vegetables and fruits, do not remove the edible peel as it contains fiber. When you cook, avoid overcooking, which breaks down the fibers.

Dried fruit, pumpkin and sunflower seeds, and freshly made popcorn are excellent high-fiber snacks.

Try replacing some proteins and starchy vegetables with legumes, peas, and lentils. They are rich in fiber, vitamins, minerals and supply vegetable proteins.

Keep in mind that the sooner you start feeding your children high-fiber foods, the easier it will be for them to carry this healthy habit into adulthood.

Recall that fatty acid propionate, which is found in fiber, protects against atherosclerosis.

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