Fruits are an essential and enjoyable part of your baby’s diet. Owing to the high amount of nutrients they contain, it becomes extremely important to feed your baby with fruits to ensure her healthy growth and development.
Below is a list of 10 fruits that can be included in your baby’s diet-
Apple
Apples are a wonderful fruit and may be the best to start with. Coming from J&K, Uttarakhand, Himachal Pradesh and Arunachal Pradesh, this crunchy and juicy fruit holds tons of important nutrients beneficial to your baby.
What are the benefits of apples?
Some of the health benefits of apples are:
- Strengthens bones:
Contains a flavonoid called phloridzin which increases bone density and hence strengthens and protects your baby’s bones. - Prevents Diabetes:
Apples lower the insulin requirement in our bodies and hence aid in preventing diabetes. - Prevents constipation:
The soluble fiber Pectin keeps the bowel movements regular, hence avoiding constipation. - Efficient remedy for cough:
Sweet apples are efficient in battling cough. Or simply, juice an apple and give it to your baby. - Improves immunity:
Contains Vitamin C, which increases body’s resistance to various infections.
When can I introduce apples to my baby’s diet?
Apples can be introduced as your baby’s first foods at about 6 months of age. However, it is recommended that you peel the apples before feeding babies under 8 months.
What are some of the ways to introduce apples to my baby’s diet?
Some of the ways to introduce apple in your baby’s diet are:
Apple Puree:
- Peel and cut apples into cubes.
- Boil these cubes with enough water until the pieces become tender.
- Now mash this mixture to achieve a smooth paste like consistency.
- Add more water, if required.
Baked apples:
- Core the apples but do not peel them.
- Place a little bit of butter in the core of the apple, if your baby is ready to have butter.
- Sprinkle a little cinnamon, if you require.
- Place in a baking pan with a bit of water and bake for about 30 minutes at 400 degrees.
- Take it out of the oven and let it cool.
- You may now peel the apple or cut it into pieces, as desired.
Avocado
Known for its creamy texture, Avocados are great for your baby’s first food. Originating from Mexico and Central America, it is called the “Nature’s Perfect Food”.
What are the benefits of avocados?
Some of the benefits of avocados for your baby are:
- Builds intelligence:
Avocados are packed with good fats which are necessary for the development of a highly functional brain. - Flushes out toxins:
Neutralizes and flushes out harmful toxins present in your baby’s body because of the high number of antioxidants. - Storehouse of nutrients:
Feeding your baby avocados provides her with Vitamin A, Vitamin C, Vitamin B6, Vitamin K and minerals including iron, calcium, sodium, potassium, iron, etc. - Promotes baby’s health:
Avocados promote baby’s health and wellness. They heal wounds, scratches and rashes faster than any antibiotic. - Possesses anti-inflammatory properties:
Avocados control inflammation brought about by any pathogen or tissue damage.
When can I introduce avocados to my baby’s diet?
As avocados are great to start with at finger foods, they can be introduced at 6 months of age.
What are some of the ways to introduce avocados to my baby’s diet?
Some easy avocado recipes are:
1) Mashed avocado:
- Peel and de-pit an avocado.
- Cut out the fleshy part and mash using a fork.
2) Banana-cado baby food:
- Peel and de-pit an avocado.
- Cut out the fleshy part in a bowl.
- Add in a ripe banana.
- Mash the two together with a fork and serve.
3) Creamy fruit mash:
- Peel and de-pit an avocado.
- Cut out the fleshy part in a bowl.
- Add steamed pears or steamed apples.
- Mix in a little amount of yogurt to give a smooth creamy texture.
- Your creamy fruit mash is ready to serve.
Banana
Bananas are packed with nutrition and are generally adored by babies because of their soft and mushy texture. These are an excellent choice for mothers who want to start the weaning process. These are grown in whole of South India except for Kerala, with Tamil Nadu being the maximum producer.
What are the benefits of bananas?
Benefits of bananas include:
- Boosts energy instantly:
Babies are always on the go. Bananas contain lots of carbs which boost your baby’s energy instantly. - Easily digestible:
Being rich in fiber, bananas are easily digestible and normalize the bowel movements which treats digestive disorder. - Keeps Baby Full for long:
Also, the fiber content in bananas keeps the babies full for longer, thereby increasing the time between feeds. - Fights diarrhea:
As opposed to popular belief, bananas help in binding your baby’s stools. - Prevents anaemia:
Being rich in iron, bananas stimulate RBC production. In addition to this, iron helps in preventing anaemia. - Improves eyesight:
Bananas contain important nutrients like Vitamins A, C, E and omega-3 which are effective in improving your baby’s eyesight.
When can I introduce bananas to my baby’s diet?
You can start feeding banana to your baby once she is 6 months old.
What are some of the ways to introduce bananas to my baby’s diet?
Given below are some recipes that your baby is sure to enjoy:
1) Pureed banana:
- Mash a banana using a fork.
- Add breast milk/ formula milk/ water, whatever desired and mix well.
- Serve immediately.
2) Peachy Bananas:
- Steam a peach or two.
- Add in a banana.
- Mix in a dollop of yoghurt.
- Mash them until desired consistency is obtained.
Watch these 5 really tasty purees that your baby will definitely love-
Chikoo
Chikoo or Sapota or Sapodilla is a very sweet fruit liked by babies and adults alike. Being indigenous to Central and South America, now chikoo has become very common in Indian households.
What are the benefits of chikoo?
Some benefits of chikoo are as follows:
- Rich source of vitamins:
Contains vitamins like A, B, C which are necessary in physical as well as mental growth of babies. - Possesses antimicrobial properties:
Due to the antimicrobial nature of chikoo, it fights off various bacterial species that are known to cause infection in humans. - Cures diarrhoea and dysentery:
Unripe sapodilla plant is proved effective in curing diarrhoea and dysentery due to the presence of compounds known as tannins. - Good remedy for cough and cold:
The expectorant properties in chikoo can give relief from congestion and clogging that are generally associated with cough and cold. - Rich in antioxidants:
Being rich in antioxidants, chikoo or sapodilla is excellent in countering of free radicals formed during metabolism that protects your baby’s insides.
When can I introduce chikoos to my baby’s diet?
Sapodilla or chikoos can easily be introduced in your baby’s diet once she is 6-8 months old. It is quite safe for infants as it is not found to pose any allergic reactions to babies.
What are some of the ways to introduce chikoos to my baby’s diet?
Below are some of the ways to introduce chikoos to your baby’s diet:
1) Chikoo Puree:
- Cut the fruit into two halves and scoop the flesh out.
- Mash using a fork or blend using a blender.
- Serve.
2) Chikoo Milkshake:
- Peel and deseed a chikoo.
- Combine it with milk and blend till smooth.
- Feed your baby using a sterilised bowl and spoon.
3) Chikoo Banana Mash:
- Peel the chikoo and remove the seeds.
- Cut it into small halves.
- Add freshly cut pieces of banana.
- Add a little amount of breastmilk/ formula milk/ water.
- Mix all the ingredients together and serve.
Grapes
Generally found in the winter season, grapes are commonly served as finger foods. In India, it is majorly produced in Maharashtra, Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka and Tamil Nadu.
What are the benefits of grapes?
Benefits of grapes include:
- Rich in antioxidants:
Feeding your baby with grapes shields your baby’s body from free radical damage. - Protection of Central Nervous System (CNS):
As your baby grows older, new neurons are formed and as a result new connections form. Grapes in your baby’s diet protects the newly formed neurons from damage. - Act as a natural laxative:
The dietary fiber in grapes add bulk to your baby’s stool and bowel movements take place very easily. - Cures respiratory diseases:
Feeding your baby with grapes eases respiratory diseases like asthma and bronchitis. - Excellent source of Calcium:
Being an excellent source of Calcium, grapes help in babies’s tooth and bone development.
When can I introduce grapes to my baby’s diet?
Grapes can be introduced to your baby’s diet in between 8-10 months. But as they can be potential choking hazards because of their round shape, don’t forget to peel them before serving.
What are some of the ways to introduce grapes to my baby’s diet?
Some easy grape recipes are:
1) Grape Puree:
- Peel the grapes. You can do this easily by soaking them in boiling water for some time followed by soaking them in ice-cold water. The peels would now easily come off.
- Mash them using a fork or blend them.
2) Finger Food:
- For serving grapes as finger food
- Peel them and cut them into quarters.
Kiwi
The Kiwifruit known previously as “Chinese Gooseberry” due to being native to China, was first introduced in New Zealand in the 20th century. They are nutrient-dense and extremely low on calories.
What are the benefits of kiwis?
Some benefits of Kiwis are as follows:
- Eye health:
Lutein is a photochemical found in Kiwi, which helps in preventing macular degeneration (loss of vision). - Cancer Prevention:
Kiwi is rich in phytonutrients which help in counteracting some kinds of cancer strains. - Immune System Booster:
A daily serving of Kiwis contains about 230% of recommended amount of Vitamin C, which is extremely necessary for boosting immune system. - Rich in Folate:
Folate is essential for developing and maintaining new cells in babies. - Natural blood thinner:
Kiwis are considered to be powerful natural blood thinners that help in preventing blood clots.
When can I introduce kiwis to my baby’s diet?
If your baby has frequent tummy troubles or diaper rashes, introduce kiwis in her diet once she is 10-12 months old. If not, then kiwis can be served from 8th month onwards.
What are some of the ways to introduce kiwis to my baby’s diet?
Some fresh kiwi recipes are given below:
1) Kiwi Puree:
- Peel and chop a kiwi.
- Add in chopped banana or mango.
- Puree the mixture and serve.
2) Creamy Kiwi Mash:
- Peel and dice a kiwi.
- Add sweetened yogurt.
- Put a drop or two of vanilla extract.
- Blend the mixture thoroughly and serve
Mango
Mango is an exotic sweet fruit with a lot of health benefits. Being native to eastern India, Mango contains all the goodness essential for you and your baby.
What are the benefits of mangoes?
Mangoes are extremely beneficial to babies because of:
- Protection Against Sunstroke:
Mango juice should be taken in the summer season as they prevent dehydration and protect from sunstroke. - Enables weight gain:
A moderate intake of mangoes has proved to promote healthy weight gain in babies. - Boosts memory:
Glutamine Acid, present in mangoes, boosts your baby’s brain development and improves her memory. - Boosts immunity:
The high carotene in mangoes makes your baby stronger and boosts her immune system. - Improves skin health:
Eating mangoes help in keeping your baby’s skin soft and radiant.
When can I introduce mangoes to my baby’s diet?
Mangoes can easily be introduced in your baby’s diet once she is 6-8 months old.
What are some of the ways to introduce mangoes to my baby’s diet?
Here are a couple of ways by which you can include mangoes in your baby’s diet:
1) Mango Smoothie:
- Peel and deseed a mango.
- Cut the mango into cubes.
- Blend the mango with some cold milk.
- You can add a little sugar for that extra sweetness.
2) Spicy Mango Salad:
- Chop one whole mango into a bowl.
- Add a little salt, cayenne pepper, salt and lime zest.
- Mix everything well and serve.
- Ensure that added spices are not too overwhelming for your baby.
Papaya
Papaya is an amazing tropical fruit with a lot of health benefits. Originating from Latin America, this delicious fruit with musky undertones, papaya is sure to add that extra dose of nutrition in your baby’s diet.
What are the benefits of papayas?
The health benefits of papayas include:
- Better digestion:
The papain enzyme is effective in breaking down complex food that are hard to digest for babies. - Relief from toothaches:
The bark of Papaya, when rubbed onto the teeth, is said to give relief from toothaches. - Heals skin sores:
Papaya contains Vitamin A, which heals cuts, burns, rashes, ulcers, etc. - Removes intestinal worms:
The enzyme cysteine proteinases in Papaya has found to be an excellent remedy against intestinal worms. - Helps in Metabolism:
Papaya is rich in Folate which breaks down complex chemical compounds into simpler amino acids, aiding metabolism.
When can I introduce papayas to my baby’s diet?
Papayas are most often introduced to babies at about 7-8 months of age.
What are some of the ways to introduce papayas to my baby’s diet?
Try out the below papaya baby food recipes:
1) Papaya Puree:
- Peel and deseed a ripened papaya.
- Mash or blend accordingly.
2) Peachy Papaya Yogurt:
- Blend together a ripe papaya and a peach until the consistency becomes smooth.
- Whip in some yogurt and mix.
- Add ground rice cereal for that extra nourishment but don’t make it too thick.
Pineapple
Pineapples are an acidic tropical fruit, popular due to their tangy, juicy taste and a number of health benefits. Historically, pineapples originated from Hawaii but now are cultivated in Costa Rica, Brazil and Philippines.
What are the benefits of pineapples?
Some amazing health benefits of pineapples include:
- Protection against cough and cold:
The special enzyme called Bromelain helps in reducing phlegm and mucus built up in the respiratory pathway or treating them if you have already contracted an infection. - Bone health:
Manganese, which is abundant in pineapples help in the strengthening of bones as well as their repair and growth. - Oral health:
Pineapples possess astringent properties which healthify gums and tighten them around your teeth. - Improved digestion:
As pineapples are a vast source of fiber, they improve your digestion tremendously by looking out for constipation or diarrhoea issues. - Improved blood circulation:
Pineapples provide the body with Copper, which is an important element of RBCs, in turn making the body organs function at their optimal levels.
When can I introduce pineapples to my baby’s diet?
You can start feeding pineapples to your baby once she is 9 months old or above.
What are some of the ways to introduce pineapples to my baby’s diet?
Some easy pineapple recipes that your little one will surely love are:
1) Pineapple-Potato Sweetheart:
- Combine a sweet potato, a pineapple ring and soy milk and simmer over low heat.
- Let it cool and mash according to your baby’s consistency.
2) Pineapple Squash:
- Combine a banana, chopped pineapple and yogurt in a blender.
- Add some milk to thin it out.
- Add a sprinkle of cinnamon powder and wheat germ.
Strawberries
Nobody can resist that beautiful red colour and tangy taste of strawberries. Apart from their unique appearance and taste, strawberries are a warehouse of nutrients.
What are the benefits of strawberries?
Strawberries are extremely beneficial to babies because of:
- Liver protection:
Being rich in antioxidants, strawberries prevent the liver from oxidative stress. - Rich in Vitamin C:
Vitamin C in strawberries improves immune system, prevents eye diseases, cold, etc. - Good source of Folate:
Giving folate to your baby helps in the production of RBCs and important for brain development. - Improves digestion:
Strawberry is a rich source of fibre and as a result aids digestion. - Rich in Calcium and Phosphorous:
Calcium is very important for bone and muscle health. On the other hand, phosphorous supervises all the chemical reactions happening in our body and aids in cell repair and growth.
When can I introduce strawberries to my baby’s diet?
Strawberries can be introduced as your baby’s first foods at about 10-12 months of age. However, it may be best to consult a doctor if your family has a history of allergies.
What are some of the ways to introduce strawberries to my baby’s diet?
Below are some of the ways to introduce strawberries to your baby’s diet:
1) Strawberry Mango Puree:
- De-core the strawberries.
- Add chopped mangoes.
- Blend the two together in a blender to achieve a fine consistency.
- Serve immediately.
2) Strawberry-Mango-Banana Icecream:
- Mix chopped strawberries, mangoes and banana together.
- Now take a bowl and spread a layer of natural yogurt in this.
- Put a layer of the mixed fruits over it.
- Continue to layer up the bowl until it is full.
- Refrigerate before serving.
All the above fruits are extremely healthy for your baby. But remember to consult a doctor if you are thinking about giving your baby her first bite.
We wish you the very best for this rollercoaster ride called Parenting!
If you find the above post helpful, stay tuned for more. In the meantime, we would love to hear from you!
Leave a Reply