The children’s food influencers strike a blow to prepare the food themselves. Professionals see that many babies do not grow properly if they only get homemade porridge. – Many recipes are simply slimming porridges for babies, several professionals write in a statement. At the health center in Porsgrunn, they notice an increased attention to porridge for children under the age of 1. – There are several parents who are unsure and ask us for advice, says Kristin Torvik, head of department for the health center in Porsgrunn. The parents of young children are concerned that the babies get what they need. – They ask whether the store-bought porridge is safe to give to the child and whether the child gets enough of the important nutrients, iron and vitamins if they make the porridge themselves, says Torvik. Gets porridge Little Noah sits on dad Jørgen Braaten’s lap. They are at the health center for a check-up. The father has noticed that the porridge debate has boiled over recently. – We usually use store-bought baby porridge, as we expect that everything is in it. We also have a little slice of bread and a banana, says Braaten. Jørgen Braaten with his son Noah Brendemo Braaten on his lap. Photo: Stian Wåsjø Simonsen / news The parents try to vary the diet as best they can. Sometimes it is homemade. Other times it is ready-made dinner from a glass. – I trust the Norwegian authorities that what is in the store is fine, he says. Braaten does not feel guilty about what he serves his son. – He gets something different to taste and explore. The big brother is big and handsome and we ran the same race there. So it will probably go well, he says. – Do you think that parents of young children can be stressed by the fact that there is so much talk about this? – I absolutely believe so. I don’t think it’s healthy for parents of toddlers, at least first-time parents. That can put extra pressure on them in particular, Braaten believes. Do you make baby food yourself or do you buy ready-made? I am critical of industrially produced baby food and therefore make the food myself. Powdered porridge and other ready-to-eat foods are safe and work just fine. Show result Wants natural food Janne Karine Slettmo-Thomas brings four-month-old Alea to the health centre. The mother prefers to make homemade baby food for her daughter. – I am concerned that things should be natural. Then I think it should be the healthiest, she says. Janne Karine Slettmo-Thomas with her daughter Alea on her arm. Photo: Stian Wåsjø Simonsen At the same time, she knows that industrially produced porridge has added iron. She has also caught up with the discussion about whether home-cooked food contains enough nutrients and iron. – I am also a breastfeeding mother and breast milk has iron in it. She adds breast milk to the oat or millet porridge she makes. – I think that porridge should be good enough. It also happens that Slettmo-Thomas chooses industrially produced varieties, although she prefers that her daughter gets what is natural. – I do what I want, me. – Do you find it unpleasant that there are so many people who mean so much? – I think that people say so many strange things, you also have to think a bit with your head.
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– I don’t think it’s healthy – news Vestfold and Telemark – Local news, TV and radio
