Muskmelon For Babies – When to Introduce, Benefits and Precautions

Some babies might be allergic to muskmelons, but it’s rare. These delicious fruits contribute to your baby’s eye development. And because of its sweet flavour, babies quickly take a liking to it.

When Can You Introduce Muskmelon to Your Baby?

Muskmelon becomes safe and nurturing for babies when they get at least 6 months old. However, before they get started with muskmelons, they must have gotten introduced to the first weaning foods – soft-cooked vegetables like broccoli, potato, and carrot in puree or mashed form and soft fruits such as blueberries, mango, and raspberries – pureed or mashed form.

[Read : Broccoli for Babies]

Nutritional Facts of Muskmelons

One cup of diced muskmelon(156 grams) contains these nutrients in the below mentioned quantities.

Top 5 Health Benefits of Muskmelon For Babies

Muskmelon takes care of the overall health of your baby in multiple ways

1. Powers the Immune System And Prevents Diseases

Some amount of vitamin C with food should go to your little one’s stomach so that their bodies can ward off diseases and grow healthily. And muskmelons have vitamin C content which means having this fruit will help strengthen their immune system. With an immature immunity that is still developing, babies are prone to catching coughs and colds easily. Muskmelon prevents such issues in babies.

2. Provides Antioxidants

The presence of multiple antioxidants such as Vitamin A and C helps the body to fight against free radical damage that occurs at the cellular level. Such a diet, with so many healthy nutrients, will not only benefit your baby in the present but also in the upcoming future.

3. Encourages Growth and Development

Muskmelon is packed with Vitamin A, C, Potassium and Folate. Your baby will have soft and healthy skin if they receive sufficient Vitamin A. And Vitamin C will help their body recover from wounds. Further, folate helps a baby’s body to produce blood cells and aids in the production of DNA. Babies who get potassium from their diet have healthy and strong bones, besides keeping their electrolyte balance.

4. Keeps the Body Hydrated

If you feed your baby a single slice (35 g) of muskmelon, their body will get around 31.6 g of water from it. About 90% of Muskmelon is simply filled with water. Babies who touch the 6-month milestone should get hydration from other sources too, aside from breastfeeding. This becomes even more vital when the summer season starts to approach.

5. A Good Way to Prevent Constipation

Dietary fibre and lots of water in muskmelons keep a check on constipation. Your baby is going to have healthy and smooth bowel movements. Thus, their body will effectively digest the soft foods, breastmilk, fruits, etc. and they will reap the most out of all the nourishment that you’re giving them.

[Read : Constipation In Babies]

How Can You Introduce Muskmelons to Your Baby?

Muskmelon in puree form is best for 6-month-old babies. If your baby’s body is not going through any digestive issues, then you may start serving it with other foods. Once your darling has reached 9-10 months of age, you can hand them half-moon-shaped muskmelon slices. Moreover, muskmelon can also be given as bite-sized pieces to babies whose pincer grasp is becoming better. However, you should always monitor your baby whenever they’re feeding on their own.

Precautions to Take While Giving Muskmelon to Babies

Despite its splendid nutritional value, you must take some precautions prior to feeding muskmelons to your infant.

1. Before you start peeling and cutting the muskmelon, make sure that it’s properly washed. It’s going to save your baby from bacteria like listeria and salmonella.
2. Peel off the muskmelon and remove all the seeds. After that, let your little one taste this delicacy as puree or mash. Gradually, your baby will easily be able to digest this fruit. Muskmelons can also be combined with weaning foods.
3. A smoothly prepared muskmelon which is free of lumps reduces the chances of a choking hazard – babies can effortlessly swallow it.
4. A teaspoon of muskmelon puree is perfect for the first time. Slowly, take it to a tablespoon and then two tablespoons and so forth. Never feed too much of it even if your baby likes it and their body gives good signals.
5. After the first introduction of muskmelon puree, watch out for allergies and intolerances which might crop up. Waiting for 3-5 days for the second serving is enough.
6. Your baby’s body may react negatively to this fruit. It might happen if they never had muskmelon before. You can feed them this fruit again after a few days have passed. If the problem springs up even after the second serving, an intervention of a pediatrician is advisable.
7. Don’t use melon ball scooper for serving muskmelon to your infant because they can cause a choking hazard.
8. Muskmelons are full of water so don’t overdo it as it can result in diarrhea and other stomach problems.
9. Consult the pediatrician before feeding muskmelon to your baby if any of your family members have allergies to Muskmelon, Latex, Grass pollen allergy (allergy to peaches, tomato, celery, and oranges) and Ragweed pollen (banana, cucumber, and zucchini).

[Read : Infant Choking]

Are There Any Side Effects of Muskmelon For Babies?

There are a couple of side effects of eating muskmelons. The major ones are mentioned below.

1. Allergies

Some babies might have oral allergy syndrome, which is an allergy to fruits having pollen-like structures. Babies who are allergic to muskmelon will have these symptoms after eating or coming in close contact with the fruit.

• Itching in the mouth
• Tingling of the lips
• Skin itches
• Hives(rashes on the skin)
• Vomiting
• Diarrhoea
• Nasal congestion
• Cough

2. Digestion Issues

• Muskmelon can cause gas in babies who are having digestive problems.
• It can result in stomach issues if eaten in large quantities.
• Diarrhea can happen due to the presence of dietary fibre (but only if consumed in excess).

Muskmelon is good for babies who are beginning to eat solids. This is a growing period for an infant, and the powerful nutrients that muskmelons have are what your baby needs the most. Muskmelon puree is an ideal way to introduce muskmelon for babies.

FAQ’s

1. Does Muskmelon Cause Colds in Babies?

No. Your baby won’t catch a cold if you serve muskmelons to them at room temperature.

2. Does Muskmelon Cause Constipation in Babies?

Muskmelons are rich in water content and it’s a good source of fiber. So, they won’t cause constipation if you feed them in advisable quantities by consulting a pediatrician.

3. Is Muskmelon Good For Digestion in Babies?

Yes. Eating muskmelon cools down the stomach because it’s mostly water. Moreover, fiber and water from this fruit are great for digestion.

Read Also: Custard Apple(Sitaphal) For Babies – When to Introduce, Health Benefits and Precautions