Cherries For Babies – When to Introduce, Benefits and Precautions

Don’t go too far with feeding cherries to your little one. Abdominal bloating and gas, besides a laxative effect, are some of the most common problems one would face by eating too many cherries.

You will be amazed to know that aside from minute differences, sweet and sour cherries are nutritionally alike. The sweet ones have more natural sugar. Sour cherries can help your baby to sleep soundly, and it also helps to reduce inflammation. This is because sour cherries are loaded with Vitamin C, polyphenols, carotenoids, and a few more potent antioxidants.

When Can You Introduce Cherries to Your Baby?

An 8-month-old baby is ready to have its first bite of a cherry. Serve them with small amounts of cherries and watch out for reactions which might occur. If you want them to start early with cherries, take your infant to a pediatrician. They will see whether your baby has any possible issues that can emerge from eating cherries –specifically to your baby’s body type. After this, even a 6-month-old baby can begin to enjoy cherries.

Nutritional Facts of Cherries

154 grams (one cup) of raw, sweet and pitted cherries contain the below-mentioned nutrients in their respective quantities. This table shows that cherries for babies are very healthy by displaying their nutritional value.

Amazing Top 5 Health Benefits of Cherries for Babies

Cherries are filled with healthy nutrients, and this makes them a superfood. Here are some of the major benefits that your baby will have.

1. Aids in the Growth of Bones

The Calcium content in cherries will nourish your baby’s bones and will ensure that they develop healthily. There is also anthocyanin present in these nutritious fruits that bestow benefits such as reduced inflammation, and prevention of pain and aches in your baby’s body.

2. Promotes Sound Sleep in Babies

Cherries are extremely helpful for babies who have difficulty sleeping. They influence melatonin levels which helps your little one sleep well. These juicy fruits also maintain one’s hydration levels.

3. Beneficial For Brain Development

The antioxidants ensure that your baby’s brain is growing healthily while taking care of its functions. And if you want to take precautions against Anaemia, Cherries are a great choice because of their iron content.

4. Promotes Healthy Skin And Eyes

Cherries beat blueberries and strawberries in their beta-carotene content. Thus, cherries for babies provide glowing skin and healthy eyes. They also improve the functioning of the immune system.

[Read : Strawberries For Babies]

5. A Shield Against Constipation

The presence of fiber makes the occurrence of constipation less likely and gives smooth bowel movements.

How Can You Introduce Cherries to Your Baby?

There are a few recommended ways to introduce Cherries to babies. But the best way is to combine destemmed, pitted and mashed cherries to your baby’s diet. Soft foods such as oatmeal, yoghurt, ragi porridge, and cerelac are perfect for mixing cherry puree. If you want to add a little sweetness to foods like mashed vegetables or rice, adding cherry puree is an excellent option.

Once your baby has teeth and is able to chew, you can give them pitted and chopped cherries. Make sure that the pieces are not to small since they can prove to be a choking hazard.

Dried cherries are often not advisable but soaking them in hot water for around 15 minutes rehydrates them. And then you can make a puree out of it which can be served in a small spoonful with scoopable foods.

[Read : Infant Choking]

Precautions to Take While Giving Cherries to Babies

Cherries will nurture your baby, there is no question about it. However, taking some precautionary measures before feeding cherries to your darling is vital.

• Babies who have pollen allergies should not eat cherries.
• Always get help from an allergist – they can test if your baby is allergic to cherries.
• Once your baby’s test results turn out to be negative, you should make sure that you have peeled off the skin before making chopped and pitted cherries – babies find it hard to chew the skin. Serve cherries with recommended foods above.
• If your baby is a first-time cherry eater, the cherry puree will be suitable for them. Babies who can eat solid foods can be given chopped cherries in the form of finger food.
• Cherries must always be destemmed, pitted and chopped before giving to your little one.

Are There Any Side Effects of Cherries For Babies?

Don’t overdo the cherry feeding because then your baby may face some side effects such as

• Gastrointestinal problems (because of dietary fiber)
• Internal gas
• Bloating
• Allergies (itchy skin, swelling in the face)

Cherries for babies are not a problem when they touch the 6-month milestone. It is a good idea to consult a pediatrician before serving this fruit to your baby for the first time. You can serve them minced cherries, cherry paste, or cherry puree to remove all chances of a choking hazard. Too much of anything is bad, and cherries are not an exception. So, mix it up with some food and don’t serve lots of minced cherries.

[Read : Gas in Babies]

FAQ’s

1. Can Babies Develop an Allergy to Cherries?

Although it’s rare, some babies can be allergic to pollen which gives allergic reactions when fruits such as cherries are eaten.

2. Can Babies Eat Cherries?

Yes, you can introduce cherries once you start solids for your baby. But you must wait till 8 to 9 months to feed them raw cherries on their own.

3. Can Babies Have Cherries Pureed?

Pureed cherries are the best way to introduce cherries as a first food once you start weaning your little one.

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