Hemp seeds are a nutrient-rich food for babies and toddlers as they are full of all the essential amino acids and essential fatty acids. According to solid starts, hemp seeds can be introduced at six months of age and score a 5/5 nutritional rating.
I have given hemp seeds to my baby, who is now a toddler, ever since she started on solids, as they are one of the top superfoods that I always have stocked in my kitchen for the family.
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Initially, I blended hemp seeds into smoothies and added them to her oatmeal or yogurt. Lately, I have been grinding hemp seeds with sunflower seeds and pumpkin seeds to make nut flour. I then add the blended nuts to her banana oatmeal, which she loves, especially when sweetened with this date syrup for babies.
Even though my toddler now has a few back teeth, I noticed undigested hemp seeds in her stool, so I blended hemp seeds into hemp flour so she could digest and absorb the nutrients from hemp seeds better.
You can give hemp seeds to babies in their whole form, but until my girl chews better and has all her teeth, I like blending it into hemp flour. You could also use a nut and seed grinder to blend small batches of hemp seeds at a time.
Ways to use hemp seeds for babies and toddlers
Here are some of my top hemp seeds recipes for babies and ways I use hemp seeds for my toddler!
Initially, you can blend hemp seeds into purees, soups, or smoothies to get them into your baby’s diet. When ready to give your baby different textures, add hulled hemp seeds into oatmeal, such as this banana oatmeal for babies.
I also add hemp seeds into these healthy carrot pancakes or mix them into some yogurt with fruit. My girl loves cooked quinoa with hemp seeds, banana, and yogurt as a healthy snack, for breakfast or lunch.
You can also roll avocado slices in hemp seeds, making them easier to grab and excellent for baby-led weaning.
I like to sprinkle hemp seeds on top of toast or baby crackers with peanut butter and banana.
Since my toddler doesn’t like meat and we are primarily plant-based, I love adding hemp seeds to her diet as they are an excellent source of protein for anyone on a plant-based diet.
I add 1-2 tsp of hemp seeds to one of her meals daily. Yup, I love hemp seeds for babies and myself.
Mixing hemp hearts with chia seeds and oatmeal is another nutritious breakfast that I give to my toddler almost daily.
Nutritional benefits of hemp seeds for babies
According to nutritiondata.self hemp seeds are 23% protein, 69% fats, and 8% carbohydrates. The fats found in hemp seeds are mainly polyunsaturated fats which are good fats, especially when found in whole hemp seeds.
They are exceptionally rich in healthy fats, including the essential omega 3 and omega 6 fats. These fats are easily oxidized; thus, it is best to consume them in freshly ground hemp seeds to make hemp powder, hulled hemp hearts, or cold pressed hemp oil.
Hemp seeds are a great source of vitamin E, magnesium, phosphorus, zinc, iron and manganese. Iron is a crucial nutrient for babies six months and older.
Hemp seeds are also a complete protein meaning they contain all the essential amino acids that babies need to thrive, grow and function optimally. They have almost as much protein as soybean; thus, they are a great source of plant protein.
They also have high levels of omega-3 fats that are required for optimal brain development and function.
Zinc and vitamin E support the immune system, and magnesium is required for over 300 functions in the body.
Hemp seeds are such nutritious food for both babies and toddlers. When hemp seeds are blended into hemp flour, they are super easy to digest and absorb and can be added to oatmeal, smoothies, purees, pancakes, and muffins.
There are so many health benefits of hemp seeds as they are packed full of vitamins and minerals. Adding hemp seeds to your bub’s diet is essential for anyone on a plant-based diet as they are a great source of critical essential nutrients, including essential amino acids and essential fatty acids.
Hemp seeds have a delicious nutty flavor and are a great addition to all sorts of foods. Most nuts are a high choking hazard for babies unless ground into a nut flour, but hemp seeds can be enjoyed whole, making them super easy to add to various recipes.
You can sneak some hemp seeds into your diet as you get your baby or toddler to eat hemp seeds on a daily basis. This post is all about the various ways you can use hemp seeds!
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