Child Development: A Complete Guide to the Essential Stages
Introduction
When it comes to baby food, parents are always looking for the best options to ensure optimal development of their children. One of the best choices you can make is introducing homemade yogurt to your little one's diet. This guide will focus on the importance of yogurt for babies and how to make a simple and healthy recipe suitable for 7 month olds.
Benefits of Yogurt for Babies
Yogurt is an extremely nutritious food for babies, being an excellent source of calcium, protein and probiotics. As your baby grows, he needs these nutrients to develop healthy bones and support his immune system. Probiotics also help improve digestion and maintain a healthy balance in the gut flora.
Choosing Milk: Farm or Commercial?
To prepare homemade yogurt, the first step is choosing the right milk. You have the option of using milk straight from the farm, unhomogenized and unpasteurized, or commercial milk, which has gone through these processes. Each option has its advantages and disadvantages, and the decision depends on affordability and personal preference.
Recipe: Homemade Yogurt for Babies from 7 Months
This simple homemade yogurt recipe is perfect for parents who want to introduce this food into their baby's diet starting at 7 months.
Ingredients and Utensils Needed
- Raw or pasteurized milk - 1 liter
- Yogurt culture or yogurt with probiotics – 2-3 tablespoons
- The pot for heating the milk
- Thermometer to measure the temperature of milk
- Clean container to make the yogurt
- Blanket or towel for thermal insulation
Exact Steps for Preparation
- Heating the Milk : Start by heating the milk to a temperature of 82°C to kill unwanted bacteria.
- Cooling the Milk : Let the milk cool until it reaches 43°C.
- Adding the Yogurt Culture : In the cooled milk, add the 2-3 tablespoons of probiotic yogurt, stirring gently to distribute the culture evenly.
- Fermentation : Transfer the mixture to the clean container, then cover it and wrap it in a blanket or towel to maintain constant heat during fermentation.
- Fermentation Time : Let the yogurt ferment for 4 to 8 hours, depending on how thick and tangy you want it to be.
- Cooling : After fermentation, put the yogurt in the refrigerator for a few hours to harden.
Tips for Serving and Storing
Once the yogurt is ready, it can be served to the child with different fruits or cereals to enrich its taste and nutritional value. The yogurt can be stored in the refrigerator for about a week.
Potential Problems and Their Solutions
Sometimes homemade yogurt doesn't harden as it should. This may be due to improper fermentation temperature or the use of a non-viable yogurt culture. Be sure to use an accurate thermometer and a fresh culture to avoid these problems.
Frequent questions
The answers to these questions will help you address any concerns parents may have about introducing yogurt to their baby's diet.
Conclusion
Homemade yogurt is an excellent choice for babies, providing a variety of nutrients necessary for their development. By following this simple recipe, you ensure that your little one is getting the best ingredients, with no additives or preservatives. Experiment with different combinations and see how your baby reacts to new tastes and textures.
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