This post might go against all the doctors advice you have received so far, but salt is actually good for your baby [gasp!].

Now, let me be clear here. The white table salt you probably have and use and love for your baking is NOT good for your baby, and I am NOT going to recommend you use this type of salt in any baby food purees. This type salt has been refined with chemicals and bleach [that is why it is that white color] making it devoid of all good nutrients and trace minerals. In addition, it is treated with an anti-caking agents which cannot dissolve in our bodies making them build up causing severe health problems. Also, iodine is added to white table salt which the body cannot process properly.

Got it? Table Salt is bad.

Now, the good salt for your baby comes in a couple of different varieties, but my favorite to add to baby purees is Himalayan Salt. Which is naturally pink in color. So pretty. It also has over 84 much needed minerals and other bio compounds in it.

Some of the health benefits you get from Himalayan Salt are:

  • Create an electrolyte balance
  • Sharpens vital brain functions, improves mental clarity
  • Increases hydration
  • Regulate water content both inside and outside of cells
  • Balance pH (alkaline/acidity) and help to reduce acid reflux
  • Prevent muscle cramping, constipation, digestive disorders
  • Aid in proper metabolism functioning
  • Strengthen bones
  • Lower blood pressure
  • Help the intestines absorb nutrients
  • Improve circulation
  • Dissolve and eliminate sediment to remove toxins
  • Anti-aging; rids the body of acidic wastes that cause degeneration

That list is pretty amazing and adults can truly take advantage of this wonderful salt in numerous ways – salt lamps, salt detox baths, using salt in your neti pot, drinking water with 1 tsp of salt every morning, etc. But for babies I would recommend just using a small pinch in your baby’s puree. Easy as that.

I am not the only one that loves good salt in baby food –

Authors Katherine Erlich, M.D. and Kelly Genzlinger, of the book Super Nutrition for Babies, encourage the use of healthy salt in baby’s diet “Particularly, unrefined salt is important for proper digestion and nutrient assimilation and thus serves to bolster the immune system.” Also author Nina Planck of Real Food for Mom and Baby writes about recipes from traditional baby food books that nourished many generations of babies, all of which contain a “pinch of salt”.

Got it? Pink Himalayan Salt is good for baby! But just a pinch.