Strawberries for Babies – Health Benefits and Risks

Strawberries are one of the tastiest fruits out there that kids simply relish eating. But, whether you should give strawberries to your child or not, can be a question to ponder. You must be wondering, is it safe and healthy to give strawberries to them? There is no doubt that your kids will love the sweet and flavoured taste of a strawberry,  but you may be confused about its health benefits.

Video : Can Babies Eat Strawberries?

Can Strawberries Be Given to Babies?

Even though strawberries are one of the most popular fruits in the world, you should be careful before feeding them to babies, as strawberries may cause an allergic reaction in some babies. Hence, it is suggested to avoid giving strawberries to your baby until he is at least 1 year old. History of allergies in the family also should be taken into consideration.

When Can Babies Eat Strawberries?

The age at which babies can eat strawberries should be decided considering the risks of allergies. To avoid such problems at an early age, strawberries should only be given to babies from the age of one year onward. Various health organizations agree to let babies eat these berries only after completing one year of age due to the risks they may pose.

Nutritional Value of Strawberries

Source:https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Strawberry

The table shows that the tasty berries not only tickle the taste buds, but are a great source of nutrition. They are a rich source of vitamins and nutrients, which make them both healthy and delicious. If they appear to be non-allergy-inducing, they are the best choice for your infants as a delicious treat.

Health Benefits of Strawberries for Babies

As parents, we always want the best for our children, especially, when they are very young. Strawberries are one of the best choices for your kids, as they have many benefits to offer.

• Rich source of Vitamin C: Vitamin C has to be obtained from external sources, as our body cannot produce it on its own. Strawberries are a good source of Vitamin C, which helps in building immunity and in fighting eye diseases.

• Good source of calcium and phosphorus: Calcium is vital for bone development, and also helps in the proper functioning of the heart, muscles, and nerves. Phosphorous can improve digestion, help repair cells, break down protein, and is responsible for regulating the chemical reactions that transpire in your body.

• Protects liver: Strawberries are rich in antioxidants, which can lower oxidative stress and prevent damage to your liver.

• Good source of folate: Folic acid, or folate, is imperative for proper brain development of a child. It also aids in the production of red blood cells in the body.

Are There Any Risks of Giving Strawberries to Your Baby?

Simply put, yes, there are some risks that need to be considered while feeding strawberries to a baby. These are:

1. Choking: Strawberries are very tasty, and have a soft and slippery skin. Often, kids may gulp the pieces down without chewing. This may cause choking. Hence, you have to warn them to chew a strawberry, or slice it before serving. Supervise your child’s eating.

2. Allergic reactions: Your child may be allergic to strawberries, and thus, you should consider this possibility before introducing strawberries into your child’s diet. Some families have a history of allergies to food, or asthma. In such cases, it is better to consult a doctor before giving it to your child. Signs of strawberry allergy in babies can be swelling of the face, tongue, or throat. Rashes on the skin because of contact with a strawberry can also take place. These allergies can be treated.

Ways of Giving Strawberries to Babies

After finding out when to eat the strawberries, you might want to know how to feed them. You can follow these steps:

• Look for the signs that your baby is ready: Specific signs are to be confirmed before giving strawberries to your child. Head control, ability to sit with support, chewing motions, weight gain, curiosity in what parents are eating, are some signs which will help you understand whether kids are ready or not.

• Cut into small pieces: To avoid the chances of choking, it is better to cut strawberries into smaller pieces before feeding it to your baby.

• Puree strawberries: Introducing a whole fruit to your baby is not a good idea. Hence, you need to puree strawberries, and you may add them to milk or pudding, depending on what your child likes.

• Wait for three days: This helps to get an idea if a fruit or food is causing an allergy or not. You have to take a break of three days before introducing new food items.

How Many Strawberries Can You Give to Babies Each Time?

Considering the age, they should not be given more than a quarter or a half of a strawberry in the beginning. Always keep in mind to mix up the diet with all sorts of nutritious food. Fruits alone cannot help a child gain all the nutrition needed.

What If Strawberry Seeds Are Found in Your Baby’s Diaper?

If you find strawberry seeds in the diaper of your baby, it is absolutely normal! There is no need to worry, and it is not a cause for alarm.

Strawberries are no doubt tasty and beneficial, but you have to keep in mind all the facts before introducing them into your baby’s diet. Supervise your baby’s chewing and eating, and follow recommended ways of introducing new foods.

Also Read: Is Banana Good for Babies?