As a parent, one of the most exciting milestones is starting your baby on solid foods. It opens up a whole new world of flavors and textures for your little one to explore! However, it can also be overwhelming trying to figure out what is safe and appropriate to feed your infant. One food that often comes up is corned beef. Should you be giving this salty deli meat to your baby? Let’s find out!
What Is Corned Beef?
Corned beef is a type of salt-cured beef product. It gets its name from the “corns” of salt used to cure the meat, which give it a distinct pink color and salty flavor.
To make corned beef, beef brisket is rubbed with a curing mix containing large grained rock salt, also called “corns” of salt. Additional spices like peppercorns, bay leaves, and mustard seeds are also commonly added. The brisket is then wet brined for 4-6 weeks in a saltwater solution. This curing process flavors the meat and preserves it.
After brining, the corned beef is slow cooked until tender. It is often served in dishes like corned beef hash, Reuben sandwiches, and boiled dinners. You can find corned beef canned, pre-cooked, or you can cure it yourself at home.
Is Corned Beef Safe for Babies?
The main concern with feeding corned beef to infants is the high sodium content The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends limited sodium intake for babies
- 0-6 months: less than 200 mg per day
- 6-12 months: less than 370 mg per day
For comparison, a 1 ounce serving of canned corned beef contains around 380 mg of sodium That’s the full daily recommendation for a 6-12 month old in just 1 ounce!
Consuming too much sodium can put strain on a baby’s immature kidneys. It also causes increased thirst and decreases appetite, which may lead to consuming less breastmilk or formula.
In addition, excess sodium intake early in life may set the stage for hypertension and heart disease later on. Babies who regularly eat salty foods also develop a preference for salt that continues into childhood.
For these reasons, health organizations like the NHS and USDA recommend avoiding processed meats high in sodium, like corned beef, for babies under 12 months old.
Are There Any Benefits to Feeding Corned Beef?
Though high in sodium, corned beef can provide some beneficial nutrition for babies including:
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Protein – Important for building muscle and tissues.
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Iron – Helps carry oxygen in red blood cells.
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Vitamin B12 – Key for brain development and nerve function.
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Zinc – Supports immune system function and growth.
However, these nutrients can easily be obtained from better food sources that are lower in sodium and higher in overall nutritional quality.
Healthier Alternatives to Corned Beef
If you’re looking for alternatives to corned beef to introduce meat and get iron into your baby’s diet, here are some healthier options:
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Diced, well-cooked beef, pork, lamb, or poultry.
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Canned salmon or tuna (low mercury).
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Cooked beans or lentils.
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Tofu cubes.
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Eggs.
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Baby-safe iron fortified cereals.
For the best nutrition, choose unprocessed whole food sources of meat and iron. Avoid deli meats, hot dogs, sausages, and bacon which are high in sodium and preservatives.
Tips for Introducing Meats Safely
When starting your baby on meat here are some helpful tips:
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Introduce one new food at a time and wait 3-5 days before trying another. Watch for signs of allergy or intolerance.
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Start with small amounts like 1-2 tablespoons and gradually increase.
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Make sure meats are fully cooked through and have no bones or tough bits.
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Offer meat that is minced, ground, diced or mashed for easier chewing and swallowing.
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Combine or coat meat with something sweet like fruit puree. The flavor profile appeals to baby taste buds.
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Add healthy fats when cooking like olive oil or avocado to increase calorie and nutrient absorption.
By following safe practices and avoiding highly processed meats, you can introduce nourishing sources of iron and protein while keeping sodium intake in check for your baby. Speak with your pediatrician if you have any concerns about introducing specific foods like corned beef or if your baby has signs of food intolerance. With some thoughtful planning your baby can explore new flavors and get great nutrition from solid foods.
Frequently Asked Questions About Babies and Corned Beef
If you still have questions about whether your baby can eat corned beef, here are answers to some common queries:
Is a small amount of corned beef ok?
No, even a small amount of corned beef is too high in sodium for babies. It’s best to avoid it under 12 months old.
What if I rinse off the corned beef to remove salt?
Rinsing can help reduce some surface salt but doesn’t significantly lower the overall sodium levels. Processed meats like corned beef still contain high sodium internally from the curing process.
Can I make homemade corned beef for baby?
You could cure your own corned beef and potentially use less salt. However, properly curing meats at home takes weeks an