Meat Eggs & Beans

First Foods

Around 6 months of age, cooked pureed lean meat, pork, chicken , fish, lentils and legumes can be introduced to infants. Cooked egg is appropriate from around 7 months, while different types of seafood can be introduced to babies from 8 months.

Iron

The lean meats, poultry and seafood are foods that contain the most readily absorbed form of iron. Iron is an essential mineral for physical and mental development. It is found in two different form:

• haem iron is found in meat, fish and poultry;
• non-haem iron is found in plant food such as dried peas, beans and lentils.
• Iron absorption from plant foods can be increased by consuming a vitamin C rich food at the same meal such as tomatoes, capsicum, broccoli, cauliflower, kiwifruit, berries, melon, and oranges.

Low Cost Options

Dried peas, beans and lentils are very economical ingredients for a main meal, especially if you soak and cook them yourself; these meals just need a little planning in advance.  These can also be added to meat meals to make it stretch further.

Chewing

Meat is a food that some toddlers decide to take a dislike to. It often seems to be related to the chewy texture of some meats. The key is to ensure that while meats are cooked completely, especially chicken, that they are not overcooked. Overcooking can cause drying out and toughening of the food. Lean minced meat is often well accepted, for example dishes like homemade hamburgers or mini-meat balls.