Giving Coconut Water to Babies – Is It Safe?

How many times have you quenched your thirst with coconut water and felt perfectly satiated? The earthy, sweet taste is unmatched. If you’ve been breastfeeding your baby for a while and are considering mixing things up with a little coconut water, you’ve come to the right place. Giving coconut water to your baby largely depends on the quantity you feed your little one and you baby’s age. In this article, we’ll be covering the benefits of coconut water for babies, instructions for feeding, and when you can start giving your little one healthy samplings of coconut water. Before you feed your little one this refreshing, electrolyte-filled goodness, get all your questions answered here.

Is Coconut Water Good for Babies?

Coconut water contains a compound called monolaurin, which enables the immune system of the baby to fight against diseases, protects babies from cold and flu, and even combats infections. A  highly recommended food amongst babies and nursing mothers, coconut water is a wonder tonic that provides a burst of energy to your baby and even supplies him with vital lauric acid. It is the next best food after breast milk. Period.

Nutrients Available in Coconut Water

Let’s take a look at what coconut water brings, regarding its nutritional content.

When Can Infants Have Coconut Water?

Ideally, coconut water can be given to infants after the first six months. Infants between six months to eight months are fed coconut water as an addition to their diet. Babies and infants can usually digest coconut water from the moment they start consuming solid foods. To aid in digestion, we recommend coconut water over coconut chunks.

How Much Coconut Water Can You Give To a Baby?

It’s important to start slow. Start with a few spoons a day for infants between 6-8 months old. Post 8 months, you can adjust the daily serving to 1 cup. Make sure you adjust the volume as per your baby’s preferences.

Can You Give Coconut Water to Your Baby If She Has Cold and Flu?

Yes! Coconut water is a wonder tonic for treating cold and flu. It contains just the right amount of vitamins, minerals, and salts for treating fever and even aids with gastrointestinal diseases. Coconut water is your ultimate option for a natural remedy against cold and flu.

Benefits of Coconut Water for Babies

There are several benefits of coconut water for babies. Coconut water:

1. Is a fantastic re-hydration agent during the hot summers.
2. Offers a natural cure for fevers, cold, and flu.
3. Treats gastrointestinal problems.
4. Prevents vomiting, indigestion, and diarrhoea.
5. Cures constipation, flatulence, and stomach ulcers.
6. Eliminates stomach bugs and prevents fluid loss through indigestion and diarrhoea.
7. Is a wholesome source of nutrition, besides breast milk and other rehydration fluids.
8. Contains lauric acid that fights against infections and diseases.
9. Is a rich source of electrolytes and dietary fibre.
10. Has cleansing and healing properties that treat urinary tract infections and dissolve kidney stones.
11. Is a bilious fever palliative and relieves fatigue through the replenishment of natural salts in the body.
12. Eliminates intestinal worms.
13. Regulates metabolism and promotes weight loss.
14. Has cytokines, which are known for their anti-ageing benefits on human cells and tissues.
15. Contains antimicrobial and antibacterial properties and is, no doubt, beneficial to your child’s health.

Risk of Giving Coconut Water to a Baby

When you give coconut water to a baby below six months of age, there is the risk of allergic reactions. Coconut water should only be given to babies above six months of age. It is known to have a high sugar and sodium content, which is why we recommend mixing it with rice and pureeing it to dilute the content before serving it to babies.

Instructions to Feed Coconut Water to Babies

Keep these points in mind before feeding your baby coconut water:-

1. Coconut tends to undergo nutrient loss if not served fresh, so it is best to only give your baby fresh coconut water.
2. Let your child drink coconut water in sips instead of drinking it all up in one go.
3. Avoid feeding coconut water if your child has fruit or nut allergies.
4. You can store coconut water in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours and at room temperature for 5-10 days, with a closed seal. Do not store it without a lid or serve it to your child cold.
5. Strain coconut water to filter out large chunks or indigestible pieces before serving it to your little one. Coconut chunks pose a choking hazard to babies, which makes straining crucial.
6. Do not give coconut water to your baby during the winters or if your baby is below six months of age.
7. Serve coconut water by mixing it with rice or boiled vegetables and pureeing it.

FAQs

1. How Long Can Coconut Water Be Kept at Room Temperature?

Coconut water can be kept at room temperature for 5 to 10 days, as long as it is sealed. Storing it with its lid open invites enzyme activity, which makes it critical to ensure that it is stored in an air-tight container at room temperature.

2. Can I Replace Normal Drinking Water With Coconut Water for My Baby?

Coconut water is high in sugars and potassium, which is why we do not recommend completely replacing water with it. However, you can mix it with rice and boiled vegetables or serve it by diluting it with regular drinking water.

3. Is it Okay to Mix Coconut Water With Formula?

We recommend that you check with your concerned paediatrician before adding coconut water to your baby’s formula.

4. What If My Baby Consumes a Lot of Coconut Water in a Day?

Drinking lots of coconut water can lead to electrolyte imbalance in the body, so we recommend serving it to your baby in moderation.

5. Can I Give Coconut Water to My Baby During the Winter Season?

No. Please do not give coconut water to your baby during the winter season, especially if your baby has contracted a cold or flu.

It is believed that coconut water can be used to treat cholera when mixed with one to two teaspoons of lemon juice and given to babies. Besides reducing acidosis in the body, coconut water prevents heat stroke and promotes electrolyte balance in babies.

They say moderation is key and this is especially true for coconut water. Treat your little one to a dose of energy with the occasional coconut water and mix with it with veggies for a nutritious treat. Take care not to give your baby mature coconut chunks or flesh, even after your baby grows his first set of teeth because infants find them hard to chew, making them indigestible.

Do consult with your paediatrician before giving your child coconut water, as some babies may experience allergic reactions to it.

References/Resources:

1. Coconut Development Board; https://coconutboard.gov.in/

2. Adams. W, Bratt. D; Young coconut water for home rehydration in children with mild gastroenteritis; PubMed; https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/1496708/; January 1992

3. Starting Solid Foods; American Academy of Pediatrics; https://healthychildren.org/English/ages-stages/baby/feeding-nutrition/Pages/Starting-Solid-Foods.aspx

4. Coconut Water; MedlinePlus; https://medlineplus.gov/druginfo/natural/1261.html; December 2018

5. Thejasvi. S, Venkateshwarlu. G, Doddamani. S; Therapeutic and Nutritional Values of Narikelodaka (Tender Coconut Water) -A Review; Research Journal of Pharmacognosy and Phytochemistry; https://www.researchgate.net/publication/279626208_Therapeutic_and_Nutritional_Values_of_Narikelodaka_Tender_Coconut_Water_-A_Review; October 2014

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