Babies are the most significant part of one’s life and no one leaves any stone unturned for their proper nutrition and development. Exotic fruits are readily available these days and since they are densely loaded with nutrients, it becomes a must for parents to give them to their babies. Let us evaluate the benefits of avocados for babies.
Gone are the days when kids were only being given apples, bananas, mangoes, oranges, papaya, etc. In the present time due to globalization, one has access to almost all exotic fruits even though they are slightly higher in price, but their health benefits cannot be overlooked and parents make it a point to offer them the best. Avocado has been labeled as the “Nature’s Perfect Food”, as it is nutrient-dense and also enriched with minerals, fats, and vitamins which are important for the overall nourishment of the baby. It has a rich, creamy, and soft texture that makes it a choice for the kids and is very easy to digest as well.
In This Article
- What Are Avocados?
- Nutritional Value of Avocados
- Can You Give Avocados For Babies?
- When Can You Give Avocados To Babies?
- Do Avocados Make Babies Constipated?
- Can Babies Be Allergic To Avocados?
- How To Make Avocado Baby Food?
- Can You Freeze Avocado?
- Top 4 Benefits Of Avocados For Babies
- Are There Any Side Effects of Avocados For Babies?
- Top 3 Tasty And Healthy Avocado Recipes For Babies
- FAQ’s
What Are Avocados?
Avocados, also known as butter fruit or alligator pears are a fruit as opposed to the popular perception of it being a vegetable. This fruit is bright green in color and has large brown seed at the center. Avocados are a nutrient-dense fruit and are extremely healthy for the heart. Whether eaten in the form of a dip (the very famous guacamole) or as an addition to salads, avocados are a must-add to a baby’s diet.
Nutritional Value of Avocados
A medium-sized avocado contains the following nutrients.
Energy – 240 Calories
Carbohydrates – 13 gm
Protein – 3gm
Fiber – 10 gm
Sodium – 11 gm
Fat – 22 gm
Avocados are among the very few fruits which are an excellent source of healthy fats which must be a vital part of diet for growing babies.
Can You Give Avocados For Babies?
This is one of the preferred choices for the kids. It is even an excellent choice for a wholesome, balanced, and nourishing diet. This fruit can be given in a mashed state or even with others. It is an ideal choice for infants and it has a sweet taste which is liked by the taste buds of babies.
When Can You Give Avocados To Babies?
It is smooth and creamy once it is mashed- it should be given once the child shifts to a solid diet. They can be offered at around 6 months of age. Babies need fats, proteins, and carbohydrates in the growth span of the first and second years.
Do Avocados Make Babies Constipated?
It has been proven by studies that the consumption of avocados does not lead to constipation problems. Rather, doctors suggest giving avocados once they start the weaning process as they are easy to digest and loaded with nutrients. The presence of healthy fats in avocados is crucial for proper growth and even for brain development.
Can Babies Be Allergic To Avocados?
Avocados do not have allergen properties like other fruits. If at all an allergy happens, it is not a major one and is more confined to oral, skin, or digestive discomforts. Yet it should be noted that if the discomfort is more, immediate medical assistance should be provided before the situation worsens.
How To Make Avocado Baby Food?
The avocado can be pureed in the blender until it becomes smooth. Water can be added to get the required consistency. If the baby prefers a creamier texture, then the avocado puree can be made along with breast milk or formula rather than water. For babies who are 10 months and more, the avocado should be mashed with a fork and not pureed
Can You Freeze Avocado?
The consistency will definitely get affected by freezing, but, Yes, you can freeze avocado as its taste remains fine. For freezing avocados, the best option is to puree the avocado. You can add a drop or two of lemon juice to maintain its bright color (or else it will start browning). Again, it is just optional, and never attempt it if your baby is allergic to citrus fruits. Now move it to a covered container for freezing.
Don’ts:
- Never freeze the puree if it is mixed with breastmilk
- Never freeze whole or sliced avocado unless you need to make a puree.
Top 4 Benefits Of Avocados For Babies
Here are some of the top health benefits of feeding avocados to babies.
1. Boost Immunity in infants
Avocados are not only loaded with vitamins, minerals, and proteins, but even with manganese, copper, and zinc that are essential for a baby’s health. Apart from that, this fruit has an abundance of Folate, Niacin, Vitamin C, and E that boost the immune system of the baby.
2. Improve Eye Health And Vision
Due to the presence of antioxidants like lutein and zeaxanthin, eye health and vision get improved in babies.
3. Aid Baby’s Growth And Development
There is an ample amount of fats in avocado that is essential for the physical as well as the mental growth of the baby. Fats are also required for the proper development of the brain.
4. Essential For The Healthy Development of The Nervous System
This fruit has all the vital components that are required for enhancing health and even promoting the growth and development of the nervous system.
Are There Any Side Effects of Avocados For Babies?
Babies may rarely develop reactions to eating avocados. But still, allergies to avocados can be a possibility. Here are some of the reactions you can expect to observe if your baby is allergic to avocados.
- Skin rashes and hives
- Itching and redness
- Indigestion
- Gas and/or bloating
- Diarrhea
- Vomiting
- Nausea
Avocados contain a specific component known as polyols which have laxative properties. As a result, excessive consumption of this fruit can trigger diarrhea in babies.
Top 3 Tasty And Healthy Avocado Recipes For Babies
Following are some yummy avocado recipes:
1. Avocado And Banana Mash
Take a ½ piece of banana and ¼ of the avocado. Mash it by using the back side of the fork for a smooth consistency. For a creamier version, you can add breast milk or formula milk and mash everything together.
2. Sweet Potato And Avocado Puree
Take a small sweet potato, wash well, peel, cut into cubes, and boil or steam till soft. Drain the water and let it cool. Now take 1 ripe and fresh avocado, peel, and dice the same. Mash the sweet potato and avocado in a bowl till it becomes smooth. Serve this concoction to the baby but only 1 or 2 tablespoons at the most.
3. Chicken And Avocado Puree
Take boiling water, and add 1 boneless and skinless chicken breast and cook for about 10 minutes. Once cooked properly, drain and cool and dice it. Now take 1 fresh avocado, peel, half, and dice. Put chicken and avocado in a processor and blend till smooth, adding water if required. Serve 1 or 2 tablespoons of this mix. Freeze the rest in 1-ounce of ice cube trays.
Avocado is the only fruit that has an abundance of fatty acids and comprises about 20 types of vitamins as well as minerals. You can introduce avocados for babies at 6 months or once they are ready for solids. When in doubt, consult your pediatrician when feeding avocado to your munchkin.
FAQ’s
1. Is Avocado Good For Babies Every Day?
Avocados in small quantity, given every day, is an excellent source of nutrition to babies. It also helps regulate bowel movement and reduce constipation, a common problem in babies who have started solids.
2. Do Avocados Constipate Babies?
No, in fact, avocados help relieve constipation. Do ensure to exercise moderation when feeding avocado to your baby to minimize chances of unnecessary side effects.
