Written by Swati Dave
For the first six months of his life, breastmilk provides all the vital nutrients to your baby. As your baby grows, you should progressively start introducing him to semi-solids and a wide variety of fruits, vegetables, grains, and other food groups. Each food group and individual food provides a different source of nutrition for babies. Hence it is important to introduce as many foods as possible. When introducing oranges for babies, parents may worry whether it is safe and if their baby can digest it.
Oranges are an amazing choice among a variety of colourful fruits. These fruit are high in vitamins and minerals, that will benefit your baby’s health. However, you may have a lot of apprehensions regarding this fruit – when to begin feeding your baby oranges? Its benefits and so forth. Given below are all the crucial facts that you ever need to know about oranges and the wonderful benefits of this tangy fruit.
In This Article
You can safely begin feeding oranges to your little one as they reach one year. It is usually safe to do so between the ages of 8 and 12 months when they begin eating solid foods. This is because of the acidic nature of this citrus fruit that may cause intolerance in the little one if introduced earlier. It can even trigger rashes in an earlier stage and can be quite sensitive to the little one’s tummy. However, not all babies are sensitive to oranges so always check your pediatrician and/or dietitian before introducing new foods.
Oranges are an excellent source of hydration with high levels of water present in them. Additionally, they are high in Vitamin C, minerals such as calcium and potassium and fiber. Here is a simple table of the nutritional value of oranges per 100 gm of the fruit (1).
Loaded with umpteen vitamins and minerals apart from Vitamin C, oranges are a healthy option for your baby. Oranges are also high in dietary fiber that promote digestive health.
Some of the benefits of oranges for babies include
Babies routinely suffer from constipation due to their still-developing digestive system. Foods high in fiber may help regulate the digestion process and regulate constipation (2). Pulpy oranges are a wonderful solution to this issue as oranges have a high fiber content. Mixing freshly squeezed orange juice with water is also found to be quite a good cure for diarrhea.
Oranges are excellent in improving the digestive function of your little one. Intake of this fruit may help prevent dyspepsia and indigestion in babies. It also keeps their bowel movements regular.
As mentioned above oranges are packed with all good nutrients and minerals vital for the healthy growth of your baby (3). They help to ensure your little one gets all the necessary nutrients that are especially needed for that first year of growth and development.
Oranges are robust in vitamin C, which helps the body absorb iron from plant-based diets more effectively (4). Getting enough iron is especially important for babies who are introduced to complementary feeding after 6 months of exclusive breastfeeding (5).
Oranges, with their high water content, are ideal for keeping newborns hydrated. It not only quenches thirst but also contains vital minerals and vitamins, which can lower the possibility of dehydration and adverse effects.
Oranges are high in antioxidants, especially Vitamin C, which naturally protects infant cells and boosts the immune system (6). It also contains potassium (7) which promotes cardiovascular well-being by regulating blood pressure and supporting a healthy heartbeat (7A).
Urinary tract infection, or UTI, is a common problem that primarily affects infants (8). UTI, as the name implies, is a disorder that causes discomfort while peeing as well as pain in the lower abdomen. The presence of potassium in it aids in the prevention of UTIs and improves the functioning of the kidneys and bladder.
Oranges are an easy and healthy snack for babies since they have a sweet flavor that they cherish. Their antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and immune-boosting properties have been associated with health benefits, like reducing the length of a cold.
Stay watchful and cautious to ensure that your infant gets the benefits of oranges without discomfort. If your baby is allergic to other citrus foods, watch for symptoms. Overindulging in oranges can lead to common side effects in babies (9).
Keep a watch out for symptoms and, if you notice any, get immediate medical care to find out whether avoiding citrus is required.
Given below are some of the precautions that need to be observed before feeding oranges to the little one.
Oranges need to be washed and peeled well. Also, ensure you take out the seeds and the fiber around the flesh of the orange as this may cause discomfort to your little one and babies can choke on the small seeds present in oranges.
Make sure the orange you plan to feed is sweet in flavor. Babies do not like the sour taste and may refuse to eat oranges that have even a mild sour taste.
Strictly feed only fresh and juicy oranges as stale ones can trigger indigestion and other related issues. Never offer an orange with soft marks to the baby.
You will find commercially prepared orange juice or orange pulp at supermarkets and other grocery stores. However, it is best to avoid feeding your little one this and stick to homemade freshly squeezed juice or pulp.
Additional points to be considered
There are many ways of serving oranges to your little one. Some of them are
Oranges can be offered to the baby in umpteen ways. Apart from giving it all by itself, as a fruit, or by taking fresh juice, it can even be mixed with other foods such as avocados, blueberries, peaches, sweet potato, milk, cranberry, yogurt, etc.
Some tongue-ticking recipes that can be made with oranges that the baby will surely relish are stated as under:
Puree a peeled and deseeded orange and add a cup of yogurt to it. Transfer the concoction to ice trays and leave till they freeze. You can offer these pops during summers or when your babies are teething.
Add 1 cup water, quarter of a cup of orange juice and a half pound of peeled and diced carrots to a pan. Steam till soft. Feed as is or mash and feed if needed. You can optionally add a pinch of cinnamon.
Add a tbsp olive oil to a pan and let it warm up. Add a sliced banana and sauté it. To this, add 4 tbsp orange juice and 2 tbsp apple juice. Keep stirring for a while. Mash everything well and feed.
Cook dal as you would normally cook. Now add orange juice to this and stir well. Mash in a blender. Serve as is or with rice.
Cook half a cup of peeled and chopped carrots till they become tender. Add a tbsp orange juice as well as cinnamon powder. Now blend it well.
Orange can be eaten as fruit, juiced, or pureed with carrots and other exotic fruits, as well as in yogurt. Oranges can even be blended; whatever is given to the infant, it is always enjoyed by the baby, but as parents, we must exercise caution and keep an eye out for any adverse effects. Oranges pair well with blueberries, avocados, cranberries, peaches, sweet potato, yogurt, and chicken. You can look up on the internet and try out various healthy and nutritious recipes to serve your little darling.
[Read: Is It Okay To Give Yogurt To Baby When They Have A Cold?]
Yes, it is safe to offer oranges to babies. There are numerous ways to feed oranges to babies, including feeding them whole (pulp), juicing, and as jams and jellies. Oranges are rich in vitamin C and folate as well as fiber and carbs, They provide energy for babies while helping improve their immunity.
Yes, freshly prepared orange puree is good for babies, especially for babies eating oranges for the first time. Babies will find it easy to gulp the fibrous pulp and eat. Later
Yes, a 9-month-old baby can be fed deseeded, juicy orange segments. As they grow, they will attempt to chew the orange piece, which will serve as a tether for them.
References
Lotus Root For Babies – Is is Safe, When to Introduce and Top Benefits
Dry Fruit Powder For Babies – When to Introduce, Benefits & Side Effects
Congenital Diaphragmatic Hernia in Babies – What is it, Types, and Complications
Oatmeal For Breastfeeding Mothers – Does it Increase Breast Milk Supply?
Pistachios For Babies – When to Introduce, Benefits and Side Effects
Mongolian Blue Spots in Babies – Causes, Symptoms & Treatment
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