Blueberries For Babies- When to Introduce, Benefits And Side Effects

Blueberries For Babies

The baby’s diet occupies an integral place in the life of the parents, and they look for something that has good nutrient value, and taste as well as something that is easily available. This is the pre-requisite for any baby who is starting solids. Blueberry is one such fruit that satisfies all the above conditions. They are not only fibrous and yummy but also loaded with vitamin content.

Nutritional Value of Blueberries

Blueberries are an excellent source of nutrition for babies and provide vital nutrients such as Vitamin C and K, potassium, manganese and fiber to growing babies.

Here is a rough estimate of the various nutrients present in about 150 gm of fresh blueberries.

Total Carbs – 21 gm

Fiber – 4 gm

Total sugars – 15 gm

Vitamin C – 14 mg

Vitamin K – 29 mcg

Potassium – 110 mg

Manganese – 0.5 mg

Are Blueberries Good For Babies?

Generally, it is believed that blueberries should not be given to kids until they are a year old. The same holds true for the other members of this family, which are strawberries, blackberry, and raspberry. The reason behind this is that it leads to eczema and can even hamper the digestion process due to the presence of allergens.

Yet, blueberry relates to a different plant kingdom, so it is not as unsafe as strawberries. The blueberry flavor is generally added to almost all baby foods which indicates its safety to be given to the babies.

When To Introduce Blueberries To A Baby?

The current generation of pediatricians and experts suggest starting blueberries for babies who have started solids or babies who have crossed 6 months of age. Due to their shape, blueberries are a choking hazard for young babies. To avoid problems, you can offer steamed and mashed blueberries to your baby or mash the fruit between your fingers and then allow your baby to eat. Remove seeds and skin before giving blueberries to your munchkin.

There are contradictory views on feeding blueberries to babies. In one place we see that the blueberry flavor is added to all the baby foods that are targeted for babies falling under 6-8 months and above age bracket, whereas, in the other place we see that older people suggest not offering berries to the infants or the babies till they are a year old to save from the choking hazard.

What Is The Recommended Daily Consumption Of Blueberry For Babies?

Babies between 6 months and 12 months can have 1/4 cup to 1/2 cup of fruit each day. However, never exceed this quantity. Even though blueberries are nutritious and have fewer chances of causing allergies, overconsumption of blueberries is not good for your baby. Because, it may take the place of other nutritious and must-have foods like fruits, vegetables, grains, dairy foods, and protein-rich foods.

Can You Give Baby Whole Blueberries?

It is not safe to give whole blueberries to young babies due to the risk of choking. You can offer well cooked and mashed blueberries initially. Ensure to remove the seeds and skin. For older babies, blueberries should always be cut into halves or quarters.

It is ideal to give some pieces at the start to see if the baby is able to take the whole thing or if it is getting stuck in the mouth. It is best to offer blueberries to the child as a whole once they are three years old.

Can Your Baby Be Allergic To Blueberries?

Generally, it is seen that blueberries do not cause any allergies if introduced between 8-9 months of age to the kids. Also, blueberries are not in the same family as strawberries, raspberries, and blackberries. But when it comes to introducing a new food, we can’t count it as 100% allergy free.

Therefore, wait for three days after first introducing blueberries to your baby before adding any new food. This way you can make sure if your baby is exhibiting any signs (even mild) of allergy.

Signs Of Blueberry Allergy In Baby

The signs of blueberry allergy involve

• Swollen lips
• Swelling in the eyelids
• Redness and itchiness in eyes
• Stomach upset
• Swollen rashes on the skin

When Should Blueberry Not Be Given To Your Baby?

You should not give your baby blueberry without consulting the doctor if:

• Your baby is experiencing eczema
• There is a family history of food allergy
• Your baby has a very sensitive digestive system

How To Select And Store Blueberry For Baby Food?

The ideal way to select a blueberry is by looking at its maturity which can be gauged not by its size but by its color. The best berries are those which are deep purple or blue, or blue back in color. The ones which are red in color are not ripe enough and can’t ripen once plucked or picked, they can be used for cooking though. Never select the blueberries that are soft and tender and have shrunk in size.

It is best to wash and keep the blueberries on a paper towel so that it soaks up all the moisture and helps in the prevention of the mold of the blueberry to grow further. The blueberries should be stored in the refrigerator and not in the freezer, else they can get damaged due to excess temperature. It is advisable to keep it on the bottom of the middle shelf

Top 5 Health Benefits Of Blueberries For Babies

The consumption of blueberries has a good mix of calcium as well as magnesium, which is ideal for the growth and development of the bones of the baby. Following are some top benefits of blueberries for babies.

1. Supports Bone Growth

The presence of Vitamin K in the fruit helps in the foundation of strong and healthy bones.

2. Regulate Blood Circulation

It has been seen by research that blueberry helps in the prevention of any sort of plaque in the arteries. It even reduces cholesterol levels and also assists with the healthy development of blood vessels.

3. Promote Heart Heath

Blueberries help in boosting the functioning of the heart as it is enriched with polyphenols and fiber, which offer adequate nutrients for the baby.

4. Helps Fight Cancer

The antioxidants present in the blueberries help in the prevention of cancerous cells which in turn help in avoiding cancer.

5. Enhances Cognitive Development

Blueberries are rich in micronutrients and antioxidants that are excellent for the development of the nervous system.  This way, blueberries enhance the cognitive development of the baby.

Precautions To Take While Feeding Blueberries For Babies

Here are some precautions parents must consider when feeding blueberries to their babies.

• Never offer a whole blueberry to the baby until they reach three years of age.
• It is advisable always to clean the blueberries as there are a lot of pesticides used on them.
• Keep a check for any symptoms initially and always start in smaller quantities and observe if it gets stuck as it can lead to choking later.

Are There Any Side Effects of Blueberries For Babies?

Blueberries are not known allergens and side effects are generally rare. However, here are some side effects you may observe when feeding blueberries to your baby.

Salicylates, a compound present in blueberries may trigger allergic reactions such as hives and nasal congestion. This type of allergy is rare though.

Other allergic reactions include indigestion, bloating, diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, redness and itching, runny nose, etc.

Excessive consumption can lead to stomach disturbances, stomach upset, dental cavities, and obesity in the long run due to the presence of high sugar content.

Top 2 Tasty And Healthy Blueberry Recipes For Babies

Blueberry is a nutritive ingredient full of anti-oxidants to be added to the baby’s diet. Some of the recipes that can be used are as under:

Blueberry puree

Wash the blueberries thoroughly. Steam the blueberries in case they do not ripen enough or are frozen. Puree them in a blender or simply mash. In case too sweet, serve them plain or add them to yogurt, oatmeal, or fruits like banana, pear, or peaches.

Apple-Blueberry Sauce

To a cooker, add chopped apple, a few blueberries, a couple of tablespoons of water, a pinch of cinnamon powder and a couple of dates (optional)and cook on low heat. Keep stirring in order to mix. Cook on high till 2 or 3 whistles and for 4-6 whistles when on low flame. Finally, blend the mixture with a food processor or a blender unless the required consistency is achieved.

A variety and nutrient-dense diet are significant for the health of babies. This definitely does not mean that it becomes safe to feed a baby with all types of food, one has to be cautious before giving anything new and study its effects on the baby.

Blueberries for babies are no doubt packed with health advantages and feeding babies with these can enhance their nutritional value, but it’s best to offer them when it is safe or best to take expert advice from the medical practitioner.

FAQ’s

1. Are Blueberries Constipating For Babies?

Blueberries are rich in fiber and water content which contribute to a healthy bowel movement. But excessive consumption can lead to constipation. Also, babies allergic to blueberries may experience constipation upon consumption.

2. How Many Blueberries Can a Baby Eat?

Your baby can eat anywhere between 1/4 to 1/2 cup of blueberries in a day once you are convinced that they are able to accept blueberries without any issues or allergies.

3. Do Blueberries Cause Black Poop in Babies?

Yes, your baby’s poop can turn dark blue or black if they eat more than a few blueberries in one sitting.

4. Can Blueberries Cause Loose Stool?

If your baby is allergic to blueberries, you may find that your baby started experiencing diarrhea. In addition, excessive consumption of blueberries can lead to loose stool in babies due to the high fiber content present in the fruit.

Read Also: Blackberries For Babies – Are They Safe?