The phrase “baby food” typically conjures up s of pureed pears and bits of banana. What food doesn’t often come to mind? Bacon. But with an impressive profile of macro- and micronutrients, I’m here to tell you why it should.
Babies grow at a rapid rate and have important nutrient needs in order to support their development. According to research, a baby’s brain grows from being 25% of its adult size to being 80% of its adult size by age three. The brain is making important connections that let its cells talk to each other during this time of growth. To do this, it needs foods rich in nutrients like iron, zinc, and protein. Other parts of the body are also developing at the same time and need a lot of these nutrients, as well as vitamins A, B12, C, and D, calcium, iodine, and omega-3 fats.
Kids’ stomachs aren’t very big, so making sure they get foods that are high in these nutrients is a smart way to make sure they get what they need to grow and develop. It may not be the first thing that comes to mind when you think of “baby food,” but animal proteins are a great way to give a growing baby the nutrients and calories they need. Which brings us back to the topic at hand: bacon.
It’s important to remember that when we talk about the benefits of bacon, we’re talking about good uncured bacon made from pork that was raised in a responsible way. Like all food, quality matters. And there is evidence that higher-quality meats, like pasture-raised pork, have better nutrition than meats that are raised in a conventional way. Conventional production systems typically involve permanent indoor housing that restricts the movement and behavioral expression of animals. In free-range and organic systems, animals like pigs can go outside and do things like exercise, search for food, dig holes, and explore. This helps them grow and be healthy.
Just like humans, when pigs have access to good quality food and exercise, they are healthier animals. “You are what you eat” is an old saying, but there is a new one that goes along with it: “you are what you eat eats.”
This idea was looked into in one study, which found that higher-quality meat does have better nutrition than conventionally raised meat. It was discovered that pig meat from free-range systems has more omega-3 fatty acids and a better (lower) ratio of omega-6 to omega-3 fatty acids than pig meat from intensive systems. Omega-3 fats are good for babies’ brain and heart health, but most diets don’t have enough of them and have too many omega-6 fats. This imbalanced ratio can feed inflammation and contribute to other health concerns. The study also found that pastured pork has more iron and vitamin E than conventionally raised pork. Iron and vitamin E are both very important for baby growth and development.
Because of these things, Serenity Kids made its Uncured Bacon with Organic Butternut Squash and Kale pouch. They get high-quality pasture-raised pork from trustworthy ranches and process the meat in a way that doesn’t harm the nutrients. When pork is cured, the smoke and salt draw out water, which makes the nutrients more concentrated and gives the meat more fat and protein per ounce. One pouch delivers a tremendous bang for your (nutritional) buck.
You can bring home the bacon even if you’re worried about the sodium and nitrates. Serenity Kids Uncured Bacon baby food is made with only a small amount of sea salt, which has trace minerals that are good for all bodies, big and small. In addition, as it is uncured, it contains no added nitrates or nitrites.
You can be sure that Serenity Kids pouches contain only the finest foods. Whether you make your own food or use Serenity Kids, make sure to fill your child’s small stomach with whole, nutritious foods that will help them grow and develop during their very important first few years.
https://thousandday hs.org/why-1000-days/building-brains/ Serenity Kids Baby Nutrition Quickstart Guide Nutritional Benefits of Higher Welfare Animal Products, June 2012 report
Hillary Bennetts is the founder and owner of Purposeful Plate Nutrition. A member of the National Association of Nutrition Professionals, she provides nutrition consulting services to individuals and businesses. Hillary went to Washington and Jefferson College and got her BA in economics. She also has an MBA from Emory University and an NC from Bauman College. A marathoner, mountain climber, and mama, she lives in Colorado with her husband, son, and golden retriever.
Crispy, salty bacon is a breakfast staple for many families. As toddlers grow and expand their diets, parents naturally wonder if bacon can be part of a healthy balanced diet or if it should be avoided. Are there benefits of bacon for toddlers? What are the potential risks and how much is okay? Let’s dive into the evidence around toddlers and bacon.
Potential Benefits of Bacon for Toddlers
When consumed in moderation as part of a balanced diet, bacon can provide some nutritional benefits:
-
Protein to support growth and development – Bacon contains high-quality protein that provides amino acids toddlers need.
-
Iron to prevent deficiency – Toddlers have growing iron needs and bacon contains iron to help meet them
-
B vitamins for energy – Bacon is a source of B vitamins like B12 and niacin which aid toddler metabolism.
-
Zinc for immunity – Zinc in bacon helps strengthen young immune systems
-
Healthy fats – Bacon contains monounsaturated fats that support toddler health.
Possible Risks of Bacon for Toddlers
While bacon provides useful nutrients, there are some potential risks with regular high intake:
-
High sodium content – Bacon is very high in sodium, which can negatively impact kidneys. Toddlers need limited sodium.
-
Nitrates/nitrites – These preservatives used to cure bacon may have detrimental health effects long-term.
-
Saturated fats – Too much saturated fat from bacon can lead to obesity and heart issues later on.
-
Choking hazard – Whole strips of bacon can pose a choking risk for younger toddlers.
-
Digestive issues – Greasy, salty bacon can be hard to digest and cause stomach issues.
-
Allergies – Some toddlers may have pork allergies and react to bacon.
-
Carcinogens – Compounds formed when cooking bacon are considered carcinogenic.
How Much Bacon Is Okay for Toddlers?
There are no official recommendations for bacon intake for toddlers. But based on bacon’s nutritional profile and risks, experts suggest:
-
12-24 months: Up to 1 ounce bacon per week, chopped and mixed into other foods.
-
2-3 years: Up to 2 ounces bacon per week, still chopped but can try bigger pieces.
-
Limit portion to 1-2 strips maximum, 2-3 times per week.
Bacon should complement a varied diet with fruits, vegetables, whole grains and lean proteins. It should not be a dietary staple.
Tips for Serving Bacon to Toddlers
Follow these tips for making bacon safer and more digestible:
-
Choose uncured bacon without added nitrites/nitrates.
-
Cook thoroughly until crispy to destroy carcinogens.
-
Chop or crumble into small pieces to reduce choking hazard.
-
Mix into scramble eggs, beans or potatoes rather than eating alone.
-
Avoid serving with greasy side dishes like hash browns.
-
Offer plenty of water to counter salty dehydration.
-
Introduce slowly and watch for allergic reactions.
Healthy Bacon Alternatives for Toddlers
If avoiding bacon altogether, try these nutritious substitutions:
-
Turkey bacon – Has less fat and sodium than pork.
-
Baked tofu – Mimics crispy texture without the nitrates.
-
Salmon – Provides omega-3s and protein.
-
Beans – Supply iron, protein and fiber.
-
Spinach – Delivers vitamin C to enhance iron absorption.
-
Eggs – Contain protein, iron and zinc without excess sodium.
The Verdict on Toddlers and Bacon
Bacon can offer useful nutrients but also poses some risks if consumed regularly in high amounts by toddlers. The key is moderation. Limit bacon to 1-2 times per week in age-appropriate portion sizes. Chop or crumble it safely, mix into other healthy foods, and avoid making it a dietary staple. Monitor your toddler’s reactions carefully. With some wise precautions, the occasional bit of bacon can safely be part of a healthy, balanced toddler diet in most cases. But don’t hesitate to leave it off the menu if you have any concerns about associated risks.
Key Takeaways on Toddlers Eating Bacon
-
Bacon provides protein, iron and B vitamins but also contains high sodium and saturated fat.
-
Potential risks include digestive issues, exposure to carcinogens, and allergies.
-
Experts suggest 1 oz or less per week from 12-24 months, 2 oz per week from 2-3 years.
-
Always chop bacon into very small pieces and mix into other foods.
-
Monitor your toddler closely and limit intake if any adverse reactions.
-
Substitute turkey bacon, salmon, eggs or beans for safer alternatives.
While many toddlers will handle an occasional piece of bacon just fine, it shouldn’t become a regular part of their diet. Focus on offering a wide variety of wholesome, minimally processed foods over fatty, salty meats. With smart precautions and limits, bacon can be included for its nutritional benefits while still minimizing potential risks to your developing toddler.
Post That Might Interest You
May 23-23 · 7 min read We all want to serve nutritious foods and snacks to our kids. But we know.
May 2, 2013 · Read time: 1 minute Berry Creamsicles: 3 cups Greek yogurt (dairy-free yogurt will also work) 2 Serenity Kids Beet
April 22-24 · 7 min read · Education Breastfeeding sounded so simple. Step 1: Pop out the boob Step 2: Let baby eat.
Ethically Sourced Meat Baby Food Pouch Variety Pack
Free Shipping on orders over $35
SAVE 20% WHEN YOU SUBSCRIBE. READ MORE
By: Hillary Bennetts
The phrase “baby food” typically conjures up s of pureed pears and bits of banana. What food doesn’t often come to mind? Bacon. But with an impressive profile of macro- and micronutrients, I’m here to tell you why it should.
Babies grow at a rapid rate and have important nutrient needs in order to support their development. According to research, a baby’s brain grows from being 25% of its adult size to being 80% of its adult size by age three. The brain is making important connections that let its cells talk to each other during this time of growth. To do this, it needs foods rich in nutrients like iron, zinc, and protein. Other parts of the body are also developing at the same time and need a lot of these nutrients, as well as vitamins A, B12, C, and D, calcium, iodine, and omega-3 fats.
Kids’ stomachs aren’t very big, so making sure they get foods that are high in these nutrients is a smart way to make sure they get what they need to grow and develop. It may not be the first thing that comes to mind when you think of “baby food,” but animal proteins are a great way to give a growing baby the nutrients and calories they need. Which brings us back to the topic at hand: bacon.
It’s important to remember that when we talk about the benefits of bacon, we’re talking about good uncured bacon made from pork that was raised in a responsible way. Like all food, quality matters. And there is evidence that higher-quality meats, like pasture-raised pork, have better nutrition than meats that are raised in a conventional way. Conventional production systems typically involve permanent indoor housing that restricts the movement and behavioral expression of animals. In free-range and organic systems, animals like pigs can go outside and do things like exercise, search for food, dig holes, and explore. This helps them grow and be healthy.
Just like humans, when pigs have access to good quality food and exercise, they are healthier animals. “You are what you eat” is an old saying, but there is a new one that goes along with it: “you are what you eat eats.”
This idea was looked into in one study, which found that higher-quality meat does have better nutrition than conventionally raised meat. It was discovered that pig meat from free-range systems has more omega-3 fatty acids and a better (lower) ratio of omega-6 to omega-3 fatty acids than pig meat from intensive systems. Omega-3 fats are good for babies’ brain and heart health, but most diets don’t have enough of them and have too many omega-6 fats. This imbalanced ratio can feed inflammation and contribute to other health concerns. The study also found that pastured pork has more iron and vitamin E than conventionally raised pork. Iron and vitamin E are both very important for baby growth and development.
Because of these things, Serenity Kids made its Uncured Bacon with Organic Butternut Squash and Kale pouch. They get high-quality pasture-raised pork from trustworthy ranches and process the meat in a way that doesn’t harm the nutrients. When pork is cured, the smoke and salt draw out water, which makes the nutrients more concentrated and gives the meat more fat and protein per ounce. One pouch delivers a tremendous bang for your (nutritional) buck.
You can bring home the bacon even if you’re worried about the sodium and nitrates. Serenity Kids Uncured Bacon baby food is made with only a small amount of sea salt, which has trace minerals that are good for all bodies, big and small. In addition, as it is uncured, it contains no added nitrates or nitrites.
You can be sure that Serenity Kids pouches contain only the finest foods. Whether you make your own food or use Serenity Kids, make sure to fill your child’s small stomach with whole, nutritious foods that will help them grow and develop during their very important first few years.
Citations:
https://thousandday hs.org/why-1000-days/building-brains/ Serenity Kids Baby Nutrition Quickstart Guide Nutritional Benefits of Higher Welfare Animal Products, June 2012 report
Hillary Bennetts is the founder and owner of Purposeful Plate Nutrition. A member of the National Association of Nutrition Professionals, she provides nutrition consulting services to individuals and businesses. Hillary holds a BA in Economics from Washington and Jefferson College, an MBA from Emory University, and an NC from Bauman College. A marathoner, mountain climber, and mama, she lives in Colorado with her husband, son, and golden retriever.
Baby Loves First Taste of Bacon
FAQ
Is bacon safe for toddlers?
Is it bad for kids to eat bacon every day?
Can 2 year olds eat pork?
Can a toddler eat bacon?
You may add small quantities of bacon once your toddler starts eating various foods, including red meat. But do consult your pediatrician. Eating bacon in large quantities from a young age may cause unwanted weight gain, kidney problems, or digestion problems.
Can one eat bacon with diverticulosis?
You can eat bacon with diverticulosis, but it is not the most recommended. In a person with diverticulosis, it is recommended to consume foods with soluble fiber such as vegetables, fruits, whole grains, and legumes.
Is Bacon good for babies?
Rich in important micronutrients: Bacon can provide vital micronutrients , like zinc, selenium, phosphorus, and vitamins A, E , B1, B3, B6, and B12 (10) and minerals like calcium, iron potassium, magnesium, and phosphorous that can play a role in the growth of babies.
When should a baby eat bacon?
Pediatricians often recommend introducing meat into a baby’s diet between 6 to 10 months old, but because of the sodium content in bacon, it might be safer to wait until your baby is at least one year old. Even then, ensure it’s served in moderation. Go for lean cuts: Opt for leaner cuts with less visible fat.