Although winter is a good time for nourishment, not every baby needs it. If your baby is healthy, there is no need for extra supplements. However, if the baby is in a state of deficiency, especially with recurring respiratory infections, persistent coughs, loss of appetite, anemia, and other symptoms, they can consume some nourishing foods under the guidance of a TCM doctor during the winter to boost immunity and strengthen their constitution. But please note the following points:
1. Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) believes that babies are in a state of "fragile yin and fragile yang," and taking any kind of medicine is a burden on their system. Unless a doctor determines that the baby's body requires a specific supplement, it is best to opt for dietary nourishment. For babies with low immunity, a weak constitution, and recurring illnesses, conditioning and supplementation should be guided by a physician to target the specific condition, achieving twice the result with half the effort. Mothers should never choose supplements on their own, as this can easily lead to improper nourishment, resulting in the opposite of the desired effect.
2. When nourishing, try to use foods that are both medicinal and edible (food-medicine homology), such as hawthorn, red dates, goji berries, and Huang Jing. For babies who are extremely weak, be cautious of the "deficiency unable to accept nourishment" phenomenon. When consuming high-protein foods like chicken soup, be sure to observe the baby's reactions, such as their appetite and bowel movements. Absolutely do not give your baby ginseng soup or cordyceps soup. Do not give your baby supplements containing ginseng or deer antler without the approval of a TCM doctor.
3. In autumn and winter, you can give your baby more fresh fruits, such as fresh dates and hawthorn. Fresh dates contain up to 540 mg of vitamin C per 100 grams, which is 30 to 100 times that of common vegetables and fresh fruits. How to consume: Wash 5-7 fresh dates, remove the pits, and make a date puree for the baby to eat (babies over 7 months can consume this).
3. When making soups, poultry is rich in protein, has a soft texture, and evenly distributed fat. During stewing, a small amount of nutrients like amino acids and creatinine dissolve into the soup, making it exceptionally delicious. In winter, you can stew some chicken soup or pigeon soup for babies who are afraid of the cold or have a weak constitution, as it is both warming and nutritious. Babies with a "heat" constitution can eat old duck soup, and those with "qi deficiency" can consume Astragalus and red date soup. You can add ingredients like mushrooms, black fungus, and goji berries to the soup. After the soup is cooked and cooled, skim off the layer of fat on top. Use this soup to cook noodles or congee for your baby.
Little Reminder
Drink more milk in winter
Babies' outdoor activities are relatively limited in winter, and their time exposed to sunlight outdoors is also short, making them prone to vitamin D deficiency. This requires regular supplementation of vitamin D for the baby, 2-3 times a week, 400 units each time. Milk is the best source of calcium. Mothers should cultivate the habit of drinking milk for their baby before breastfeeding ends. Ensuring a daily intake of a certain amount of fresh milk is very beneficial for a baby's health.