Are Bananas Good for Babies?

Banana is the ideal fruit to give to babies as soon as they start weaning. Being rich in nutrients, it helps in the overall development of the child. Since it is sweet and creamy, babies also enjoy eating it! Here is what you should know about the benefits of bananas in babies.

Video : When and How to Give Banana to Your Baby

Nutritional Value of Bananas

Nutritional value of one robusta variety banana (100 grams)

• Calories: 105
• Total fat: 0.3 g
• Cholesterol: 0 mg
• Sodium: 1 mg
• Potassium: 306 mg
• Total Carbohydrate: 23 g (Dietary fibre: 2.6 g; Sugar: 13.6)
• Protein: 1.1 g
• Vitamin A:  9.46 mcg
• Vitamin C: 4.76 mcg
• Iron: 0.28 mg
• Vitamin B6: 0.44 mg
• Magnesium: 35 mg

When Should Bananas Be Introduced to Babies?

Doctors recommend that you give your child bananas at the age of 6 months, right around the time he starts eating semi-solids. A small banana per day for a 6-month-old baby is ideal. Initially start by feeding 2 tsp of mashed banana before moving on to other ways of serving them.

Amazing Health Benefits of Bananas for Babies

A mother’s first choice when introducing solids to her baby is undoubtedly bananas. It is the best food for babies who have just started to wean. However, there is a common question among moms: does banana cause constipation in babies?

Well, below are some of the benefits of bananas:

• High in Fibre: It has high fibre content which keeps one feeling full for a long time. Moreover, the fibre helps in clearing the bowel.
• Full of Nutrients: The fruit is loaded with nutrients like potassium, calcium, magnesium, iron, folate, niacin, and vitamin B6. Bananas help babies gain weight by increasing calorie density.
• Good for Bones: The potassium and calcium in banana help strengthening the bones.
• Improves Brainpower: Folate present in bananas helps in developing the brain and improves memory. It also prevents brain damage.
• Improves Eyesight: The Vitamin A present in bananas helps in improved vision as it aids in the protection of the cornea.
• Cures Constipation: Bananas are high in fibre. This helps in good bowel movements, thus curing constipation in babies if given in small quantities.

How Can You Give Bananas to Your Infant?

Listed below are few of the age-specific pointers for serving a banana to your baby.

1. Giving Bananas to a 6-Month-Old Baby: Peel the banana and cut it into pieces. Mash it with a fork. By doing so, the banana becomes extremely soft. This makes it easy for the baby to swallow it.

2. Giving Bananas to a 9-Month-Old Infant: By 9 months, a baby graduates from pureed food to small solid bites. Therefore, you can give the banana mashed or in small chunks.
3. Giving Bananas to a 1-Year-Old Baby: You could just peel a banana till the middle and give it to your baby. This way, the baby will be able to get a good grip on it without it slipping off his hand. However, make sure to snip off the extra peel with scissors so that it does not get inside his mouth. You can also peel the banana, cut it into small, round pieces and encourage your little one to eat it using a fork.

Precautions to Take While Feeding Bananas to Your Baby

Some of the precautions you need to take are:

• Do not give your baby raw bananas, as they are hard to digest. Make sure that the banana you are serving is ripe and yellow in colour.
• Mash the bananas properly for babies who have just started eating semi-solids so they don’t choke.

Is Banana Good for Babies During Cold and Cough?

Yes, a child can have banana even if he is having a cough and cold, but it has to be avoided in children who are allergic to bananas.

Are There Any Harmful Effects of Giving Bananas to Infants?

A banana a day will do no harm to an infant. However, too much of anything is bad. Therefore, bananas too should be given to infants in moderation.

How Much Banana Can a Baby Eat in a Day?

Is banana good for babies every day? Well, the answer is yes. However, a baby should be given only a small banana once a day. Eating too many all at once could pose a problem to the child’s health and can lead to constipation due to the pectin fibre present in it.

Delicious Banana Recipes for Babies

Apart from eating it as a fruit, different recipes can also be prepared using bananas. Here are 3 easy recipes you can try making for your little one.

1. Banana Milkshake (8 months and above)

This is a nutritious drink devoid of gluten and high in fibre.

What You Need:

• 1 small banana
• ¼ – ½ cup warm milk
• A pinch of cinnamon

How to Make It:

Blend all the ingredients together in a food processor into a smooth paste and feed the baby.

2. Banana and Strawberry Smoothie (8 months and above)

This smoothie contains antioxidants and fibre which can help aid digestion.

What You Need:

• 2 whole ripe bananas (peeled and chopped)
• 1 cup of fresh strawberries
• Milk

How to Make It:

Blend everything together and serve immediately.

3. Ragi and Banana Porridge for Babies (8 months and above)

This is ideal if you want to give your baby something that is gluten and lactose-free.

What You Need:

• 1 tbsp ragi flour
• 1 small banana

How to Make It:

• In a pan, boil ¼ cup water.
• Lower the heat once it starts boiling, and add the ragi flour.
• Keep stirring until the porridge turns slightly thick.
• Take the mix off the flame and allow the porridge to cool down.
• Add the mashed banana to the porridge and stir well.
• Once this is done, you can serve it to your baby.

4. Banana and Yogurt Mix

Loaded with probiotics, this can aid in the proper functioning of the gut.

What You Need:

• 1 ripe banana
• Yoghurt

How to Make It:

Peel the banana and cut it into small round shapes. Mix it with yoghurt. This healthy recipe is ready to be served!

Some other foods you can mix with bananas for more fun recipes are:

• Berries
• Apples
• Pears
• Avocado
• Kiwi

Banana is often the first fruit introduced to a baby after he starts taking semi-solids. This is because the fruit is smooth and creamy in texture, which makes it easy for babies to swallow. These nutrients help in the baby’s bone development, improve the immune system, and improve vision among many other benefits. And you get all of this goodness at a great price!

Also read: How To Stop Breast Milk Production, Colic In Babies – Causes, Symptoms & Treatment