Buzz
Fruits are an essential food group in every child's diet because they are rich in vitamins, beneficial for the baby's digestion. It's important to start giving babies fruits early, but gradually increase the amount and variety as they get accustomed to the taste and eating method. So, when should mothers introduce solid fruits to babies? What fruits are suitable for babies to eat when they start weaning?
1. When should mothers introduce solid fruits to babies?
According to nutrition experts' recommendations, mothers should introduce fruits to babies in the early stages of weaning, meaning as soon as the baby starts getting used to solid foods. Most babies start weaning at 6 months old, at which point mothers can introduce mashed fruits that are easy to digest, such as mashed apples or bananas.
Many mothers wonder if it's safe to give fruits to babies under 6 months old. According to WHO recommendations, babies should start weaning at 6 months old. However, if breastfeeding is insufficient or the baby has high nutritional needs, mothers can give additional but minimal solid foods. Even during early weaning, mothers can still introduce solid fruits to babies.
Note when introducing solid fruits to babies in the early stages: mothers should steam and mash them for easier digestion. Avoid giving babies raw fruits to prevent choking and potential digestion issues.
2. What fruits should babies eat when starting solids?
Choosing suitable fruits for babies during the weaning process is a common concern for many mothers. It can be divided into various stages to suggest appropriate fruits for each phase.
– For babies at 6 months old: This is the initial stage of introducing solid foods. Mothers should choose ripe, soft fruits with a sweet taste, easy to digest, and pleasant aroma, such as bananas, avocados. Many recommend alternating between these two fruits for the first 3 weeks, then gradually diversifying with fruits like strawberries, apples, mangoes, dragon fruits, etc.
– From 8 to 12 months: At this stage, babies have developed some small milk teeth and improved their ability to chew solid foods. Mothers can introduce a variety of fruits. However, avoid giving babies hard fruits like guavas, pears, or fruits that are excessively sour, bitter, or pungent in taste.
Some fruits ideal for baby weaning
Banana
This fruit has a sweet taste, becomes soft and fragrant when ripe, and is rich in nutrients, making it suitable for babies starting solid foods. That's why mashed bananas are always on the menu for babies' first foods.
Avocado
Avocado has a creamy texture, mild aroma, and is very soft, making it suitable for babies just starting solid foods. Avocados are particularly high in omega-3 fatty acids, which support babies' brain and visual development. During the summer, avocados are readily available, and mothers can prepare smoothies or mashed avocados for their babies, which babies really enjoy.
Ripe Papaya
Papaya is rich in fiber and papain enzyme, which are excellent for baby's digestion. Like many other red or yellow fruits, ripe papaya provides a rich source of beta-carotene, promoting visual development in children. Ripe papaya is also rich in vitamin C, folate... Mothers should add this fruit to the list of fruits for babies when starting solid foods.
Apple
This is the big apple, also known as the Western apple, which many mothers choose for their children because of its versatility and nutritional richness. Apples are recommended for babies as they contain vitamin C and fiber, essential for their development. Some studies also suggest that apples may help prevent asthma in children. Mothers can use apples in combination with other fruits or with vegetables or meat.
3. How much fruit should babies eat when starting solids?
– From 6 months of age, babies can eat 50g of mashed fruit per day. By 1 year old, this can increase to about 100g/day, and by the time a child is 2 – 6 years old, they can eat 200 – 300g/day.
When introducing solid foods to babies, it's best for mothers to feed them fruits for weaning about 30 – 45 minutes after the main meal or 2 – 3 hours before. Feeding fruits immediately after a meal may cause some fruits to lose nutrients and even have adverse effects, such as bloating and indigestion in infants.
It's advisable to start with mashed fruits. As the child grows older, mothers can give them fruit juice or smoothies. When the child is capable of chewing, biting, and swallowing, mothers can then offer them whole fruits to reduce the risk of choking.
Choose fruits that are in season to minimize exposure to harmful chemicals from storing or preserving fruits. Vietnam has a tropical climate with year-round availability of fruits, so mothers can select fruits according to the season.
