Superfoods for Building Baby’s Immunity

Becoming a mother is one of the most amazing feelings in life. Motherhood is also a time of dramatic changes in life. You have to take care of so many things, as you now have a tiny human being entirely dependent on you. Fortunately, I have been blessed with some caring and knowledgeable family and friends.

Once I became a mom I learned a lot from my best friend Paridhi. Paridhi was already raising a cute little two-year-old at the time of my pregnancy. One of the things she told me is how important the first two years are for a baby. Two of the most important developments which occur in these 24 months, other than physical and mental development, are:

• The bond between the mother and child

• Baby's immunity against allergies, infections and diseases

Breastfeeding is the common thread between both of them and both are lifelong benefits for the baby.

Why is breast feeding a must 

The World Health Organization (WHO) certifies the mother's milk as the "gold standard" nutrition for the baby. As per WHO, a baby's diet should solely include the mother's milk for the first six months. After six months you can include other foods, continue breast milk until the age of two.

The babies are born with a nascent immune system in their bodies. That is why they often suffer from infections and sickness. Breast milk contains components like prebiotics, essential fatty acids, nucleotides, antibodies, vitamins which offer immunity to the baby.

Research suggests that babies who had breast milk in their diet up to the age of 2 enjoyed better immunity than the kids who weaned earlier. Prebiotics present in breast milk support the developing immune system of the baby.70-80% immune cells are present in the gut. Prebiotics help in maintaining the good health of the gut by promoting the growth of good bacteria. Prebiotics are food for these good bacteria present in the gut. A healthy gut leads to stronger immunity helping the baby’s immune system to fight better against infections

Why are Prebiotic Important for Babies?

Prebiotics are highly beneficial for babies and offering numerous benefits to the baby: 

• Promotes softer stools and 

• Decreases usage of antibiotics

• Reduces incidences of diarrhoea

• Decreases incidence of cold,cough and fever

• Reduces allergic illnesses

• Improves gut health

Nothing can substitute breast milk. It has the perfect combination of nutrients required for optimal growth and development.  I hope you find this personal experience of mine helpful in building your baby’s immunity. 

Disclaimer: This content is for knowledge only and is not meant as a medical diagnosis or treatment. Please consult a health care professional before acting upon any information that you may have received from this website/video/blog. The content is supported by Danone.