To Flax or Not?

Go for it! My daughter has had flax since she was about 1 and does great with it! I mix it with just about anything and one of her favorites lately has been applesauce, flax and whole milk. I guess it's about 2oz applesause, 1oz milk, and a big scoop of flax.

Here is the artical on flax that wholesomebabyfood.com, it is the source I turn to when I have questions.

http://www.wholesomebabyfood.com/flaxforbaby.htm

I have, and I have a 16month old. I ground the Flax seed up in a coffee grinder (after cleaning it well). I think that it is more soluable/digestible that way. It is another great source of Omega 3s, besides Salmon...which by the way is a great source of Omega 3s and Calcium...WAY better than milk for Calcium (and Dates by the way too). Also, cheers to you for still breastfeeding your child, the best immune protection you can give him! I still do too! Way to go!

Yes, flax! I have been using it in everything I bake for my daughter since she had teeth. The Omega-3 is great for brain development. I simply grind it until it's almost powder, and add it in. I even put it in the egg mixture when I make french toast. She doesn't even know it's there, and loves the baked goods. It makes a nice, nutty taste - which is nice, as we are a house of nut allergies and can't use the real thing.
Barb

HI R.,

I've been feeding my 8 month old son ground flax mixed in with his food for the past month. I'm also still breastfeeding and plan to do so at least until 12 months. I agree that you should try a little as the only new food added to the diet, then wait a few days to see if you notice any reaction. If not, go for it. Flax is very healthy for babies and the rest of us too (I've taken to putting it on my cereal as well). I don't know about mixes, I haven't gotten to wheat with my little guy yet. As long as you've introduced the ingredients separately with no problem, it seems fine. I also highly recommned Super Baby Food which also includes ground flax in the baby food diet. Good luck and have fun!!

Good for you for flaxing! Be sure to buy the golden flax and not the dark brown/red. The golden is easier on our systems and is better for our food source. Flax is one of the best things you can give you and your children. It's the amazing immune building, disease fighting, stress relieving, energy building and more seed! Just be sure to grind it before ingesting or you won't get any of the benefits. And only grind what you need because the oils go rancid fairly fast. There are tons of great websites to check-out!

I have used ground flaxseeds in the muffins and other baked goods I have made for my son. I have made all the baby food for both kids, and I find it is the most healthy and simple way to feed my kids.

I honestly don't know but I was reading somewhere that flax has the same estrogen mimiciking hormone like soy so I think I would definately do some research before giving it in any significant quantity to a boy.

We did, but I think we waited until our daughter was about a year old. Then we did a lot of baking, from scratch and from mixes, and always added flax and/or wheat bran plus diced fruits and nuts.

You might wait until you son's 1 year check up and ask your doctor.

If your son doesn't have bowel problems(loose stools/constipation...), I would ask the DR, then try a little. Flax, as with any seed is fiber. Make sure it is ground up, as you probably already do.
You are the mom, your instincts are 99% right about the care of your children and family.

I gave my daughter ground flax starting around 10 to 12months. I put it in muffins, pancakes, soups, etc. Double check at your next DR appt and see what they think. If you aren't experiencing allergies to other things, try it in small amounts and then gradually increase it. Just remember, extra fiber tends to mean more poop. I experienced that with my daughter at first.

R.- The best advice is to know your own baby. If you want to try new things, try them one at a time and a few days apart so you can keep track of any potential allergies. Mixed things (muffins, pancakes, etc.) are a little tough to keep track of (if he's allergic you won't know which part of the mix he's allergic to). That being said, I didn't follow any of the rules with my DD. She started eating cashews and other soft nuts at about 12 months. She absolutely loves nuts and whole grains. I say if you're not feeding him high fructose cornsyrup and preservatives you're doing well. Remember, he doesn't "need" solid food if he's breastfeeding full time, so don't feel stressed to diversify his diet too quickly. Stay away from dairy, soy and wheat (and peanuts) as much as possible as long as possible- they are the main allergens. Blessings! Check out The Super Baby Food Book!

I've been adding flax meal to my son's food since around the age that your son is now. He's been fine. I mix some into his cereal and also replace 1/2 the butter in muffin recipes with flax meal, to substitute healthy fats.

As for the issue over phytoestrogens, flax WEAKLY mimics estrogens in the body. I believe this is different from the concerns over soy because flax is generally used in moderation, whereas soy is often the main source of nutrition for babies, when used as a base for infant formulas.