Dry Fruit Powder For Babies – When to Introduce, Benefits & Side Effects

Dry fruits can cause allergies, so be cautious when giving them to babies. Common allergens, such as nuts, should be introduced one at a time, and parents should keep an eye out for any adverse reactions.

Is Dry Fruit Powder Healthy For Babies?

Baby health advantages from dried fruits include better digestion, a stronger immune system, and better bone health; therefore, they are considered healthy for babies.

Nutrient Composition Of Dried Fruits

(Per 100g gms)

Nutrient Composition Of Nuts

(Per 100 g Of Raw Nut)

When To Introduce Dry Fruit Powder For Babies?

Dry fruit powdered mixture is appropriate for babies aged 10 months and up. Before feeding, make sure your kid has no nut allergies and that each component is introduced individually. When introducing any new cuisine, remember the “three days golden rule.”

How To Make Dry Fruit Powder At Home?

When starting you can choose one dry fruit, dry roast it, powder it and feed your baby. Feed only one variety of dry fruit at a time and use the three-day rule to ensure that your baby is not allergic to that dry fruit. Once your baby is comfortable with all varieties and does not show any reactions, you can prepare and feed mixed dry fruit powder. You can choose the ones that your baby is comfortable with and avoid the ones that your baby does not like or show side effects to.

• To make dry fruit powder at home, you can mix a few walnuts, cashews, pistachios, and almonds (all in equal quantities), a pinch of saffron, a couple of cardamoms, some dry ginger (both optional)
• To ensure equal cooking and avoid burning or undercooking, dry roast various nuts individually until golden brown. Individual roasting ensures that they are precisely roasted and retain their best flavors and textures. Allow them to cool thoroughly.
• If you choose nutmeg or dry ginger powder, take about a teaspoon of it in shredded or coarse powder form. Both nutmeg and dry ginger help in the digestion of heavy dry fruit meals.
• Mix all ingredients and optional ingredients as per your baby’s choice and make a fine powder using a mixer and grinder,
• Let it cool for some time and store it in an air-tight container.

How To Introduce Dry Fruit Powder To Babies?

Beginning around 10 months of age, you can add dry fruit powder to your baby’s diet, such as porridge, kheers, sweet dishes, pancakes, and other baby-friendly meals. If your infant is beyond the age of a year and drinks milk, you may add the powder to the milk for a delicious flavor that may assist in weight gain.

Top 5 Benefits Of Dry Fruit Powder For Babies

Although dried fruit powder may be a nutritious supplement to a baby’s diet, it should be offered in moderation and in conjunction with a diverse and balanced meal plan. Here some benefits are:

1. Prevention of Anemia

Dried fruits promote hemoglobin levels in the blood and therefore they help babies from iron deficiency as they are rich in iron.

2. Better Growth And Development

Extraordinary sources of zinc, fiber, iron, protein and other minerals keep them energetic and healthy therefore it is highly beneficial to add dry fruit powder to babies’ diets.

3. Relief From Constipation

A healthy amount of fiber content in dry fruits helps bowel movement in babies and prevents constipation

4. Better Digestion

Dried fruits are high in probiotics, or helpful bacteria, which support a healthy digestive tract in your infant. Probiotics are essential for the development of your baby’s digestive system and the facilitation of food digestion.

5. Vision Support And Brain Development

Dry fruits are high in Vitamin A and calcium. Vitamin A promotes and maintains good vision in newborns, whereas calcium promotes and maintains strong bones. Furthermore, omega-3 fatty acids contained in dry fruits and nuts, such as walnuts, aid in baby brain development.

Side Effects Of Dry Fruit Powder For Babies

While dry fruit powder has many health advantages, it still has some negative effects, especially when given to babies. Think about these points:

• Allergy reaction: Dry fruits are all frequent allergens. Certain nuts or other substances in the powder may cause allergic reactions in certain babies, resulting in rashes, hives, itching, or trouble breathing.
• Choking: Dry fruit powder should always be finely crushed, avoid using entire or big bits of nuts as it can choke.
• Digestion issue: When some babies consume dry fruit powder, they may feel stomach pain, gas, or bloating. It’s critical to start slowly and in modest doses to see how the baby’s digestive system reacts.
• Tooth decay: Natural sugars in dry fruit powder could be present. If ingested in excess, these sugars can cause tooth decay, especially if dental care is neglected, and also increase blood sugar levels.

Dry Fruit Powder Recipes For Babies You May Want To Consider

You can start your baby on one dry fruit powder. You can add the powder to your baby’s kheer, porridge, breakfast cereal, or any meal that your baby is having. Once your baby gets comfortable, you can introduce dishes such as oats and dry fruit porridge.

This recipe can be easily prepared using one cup of rolled oats, half a cup of dried fruit powder, and 1 teaspoon of jaggery or raisin puree. It has a high fiber content and is rich in micronutrients. Serve it as breakfast for your baby.

Conclusion

When given with caution and in suitable proportions, dry fruit powder is a safe and healthful supplement to your baby’s diet. The nutritious combination of natural dried fruits delivers critical vitamins and minerals, aiding healthy growth in your baby. However, parents must be aware of potential allergic reactions and contact a pediatrician before introducing any new food into their baby’s diet. You may nurture your baby’s health and well-being by following instructions and including dry fruit powder in a balanced diet, helping them to flourish and develop joyfully.

FAQ’s

1. Do Dry Fruits Increase Weight In Babies?

Because of their high calorie and nutritional content, dry fruits can help newborns gain weight.

2. Can I Add Flaxseeds To Dry Fruit Powder For Babies?

Yes, flax seeds are also high in fiber, which will help your child’s digestive system run smoothly, therefore, can be added to dry fruit powder.

3. Can Makhana Be Mixed With Dry Fruit Powder For Babies?

Indeed, makhana is a nutrient-dense superfood that protects against a variety of ailments. It functions as an oil-absorbing agent in dry fruit powder, keeping it dry and free-flowing.