Apple For Babies – When to Introduce, Benefits and Precautions

So, introduce the steamed puree to your baby. But there is no guarantee that your baby will love it. The taste bud of every baby differs. In that case, you can roast the apple until the texture of the apple turns smooth. Your baby may like the taste of roasted apple puree.

Nutritional Values of Apple

Apple has a lot of valuable nutrients which help to make the immune system strong, provide healthy skin, regulate bowel movement, help in cellular growth, etc.

Do you know how much nutrition an apple contains? A medium-sized apple contains no fat, no cholesterol, and less than 100 calories. The table below gives approximate values of various nutrients present in an apple.

Amazing Top 5 Health Benefits of Apples For Babies

Apples have immense benefits for babies. Parents want their babies to be healthy. Eating this fruit will help your babies in many ways. These are discussed under the following:

1. Excellent Source of Energy

Apple keeps your baby energetic as they are rich in carbohydrates. It keeps them active throughout the day. Babies need an extra dose of energy to keep them active and also to help them grow.

2. Helps Prevent Asthma

Apple prevents Asthma in babies. It is full of antioxidants and prevents illness in babies. Eating them shall keep the babies healthy. This fruit builds the immunity of babies.

3. Contains Essential Nutrients

Apples contain important nutrients like vitamins and minerals which have immense benefits for babies. It also contains iron, calcium, phosphorus, and iodine which help in strengthening muscles and bones and helps in the development of vital organs in babies.

4. Helps in Cognitive Development

Apples also help in the cognitive development of babies. Apple contains a type of plant flavonoid called Quercetin which aids in better retention and memory in babies. This also keeps the brain cells healthy.

[Read : Motor and Cognitive Skills Development Of A Baby]

5. Fills the Tummy

Your babys’ tummy will remain heavy for a long time if you cut some pieces of apples and serve them. There won’t be cravings for junk too as your baby will feel satiated for longer hours.

How Do You Serve Apples For Babies?

When you serve apples to babies, go by their age.

• For babies who are 6-9 months old, you can steam or cook, mash into a puree or make an apple sauce (unsweetened) and feed them with a spoon.
• If you want your baby to try, then let him/her use her fingers to eat the apple sauce or puree.
• For babies who are 9-18 months old, cut the fruit into age-appropriate sizes and serve.

Precautions While Introducing Apple to Babies

When introducing apples to your baby, you should exercise some precautions appropriately. And they are

• It is important to go for organic apples and not the ones adulterated with pesticides.
• To avoid bacteria contamination, it is necessary to sterilize the utensils before making apple puree and storing the same.
• When you prepare apple puree check if there is any lump otherwise it may cause a choking hazard to babies.
• Never store the leftover puree in the baby’s bowl as it gets spoiled with bacteria.
• While introducing apple puree it is highly recommended to give only a teaspoon in the beginning.
• Do not overfeed your baby no matter how much the baby likes the fruit.
• When you introduce a new food, follow a three to five-day rule. See if the new food suits your baby. Don’t give any other food in between.’

[Read : The 3-Day Wait Rule For Babies To Introduce Solids]

Are Apples a Common Choking Hazard For Babies?

Babies start self-feeding at the age of six months. So, when you introduce apples to babies you should keep in mind that raw apples may cause choking to them. So don’t go for raw apples. Instead you cook them or steam them, make a paste of them or mash it so that it doesn’t create a hazard to the babies.

We all like to see our babies eating with their hands. We like to capture those moments but always try to be near them when they are eating food as the choking of food is very common when they just start to eat solids. Choking can happen with every fruit and since apples are among the first fruits parents may like to introduce to their munchkins, it is important to closely monitor them when they are eating.

[Read : Infant Choking]

Can Babies be Allergic to Apples?

Any food may be an allergen for babies. Though apple is a non-allergen fruit yet raw apples may sometime cause oral allergy. So, it is important to see if the food is causing any reaction in your child.

It is important to check if it is causing any health hazards to your baby. Look for the following things symptoms after introducing apple to your baby for the first time.

• Sneezing
• Itching
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Breathing difficulties

If the reactions are too serious you should see a doctor immediately. Also, if there is a family history then you should communicate this to the paediatrician, you take your baby for check-ups regularly.

Top 3 Healthy and Tasty Apple Recipes For Babies

Some of quick apple recipes for you to prepare as your baby starts weaning. These are discussed as under:

1. Apple Puree

The first and easy recipe for babies is apple Puree. First, peel the apples and boil them. Peeling is initially important as otherwise; the puree may be too heavy for the babies.

Later, when your baby gets used to it, it is up to you whether to peel the apples or not. Then place the boiled apples in a blender and make a smooth puree. It may be easy for your six months old to have it.

2. Apple Khichdi

Apple Khichdi is a recipe that will be easy for Indian moms as they are used to preparing khichdi for their babies. In this, you will have to add an apple along with rice and dal.

Apple Khichdi is a sweet khichdi you can give to your baby which not only will have fiber but will be full of flavor. You can introduce this when your baby turns 6+ months.

3. Apple Ragi Porridge

Instead of giving plain ragi add an apple to the ragi porridge to enhance the taste so that your tiny tot can eat it because the taste of ragi is bland. This can be introduced from six months onwards.

All love eating apples. But, when it comes to giving it to babies you have to be extra careful as they can’t chew. You can follow the above simple tips to prepare apples which will be beneficial for your baby and also they find the food tasty.

FAQ’s

1. Is Apple Good For Babies Every Day?

An apple every day may not be harmful but try introducing other fruits as well to your baby’s diet.

2. Which Apple is Best For a Baby?

Fuji and Gala are the best choices in apples for babies as they are less acidic and good for the baby’s digestive system.

3. Should Apples be Boiled For Babies?

Yes, because it makes it easy for babies who don’t have teeth and are just able to swallow. It also helps in digestion.

4. Does Apple Cause Constipation in Babies?

No, apples are good for preventing constipation as they are rich in fibre and contain a lot of water.

Read Also: Jackfruit For Babies – When to Introduce, Benefits and Precautions