Peaches For Babies

At What Age Should Peaches be Introduced to Babies?

The right age at which the babies can have peaches is from six months onwards, which is around the time when solids are introduced to the baby. The peaches are densely packed with nutrients and so we don’t want our little one to miss it for so long. Due to its soft texture and sweet taste, the fruit becomes a good choice as babies don’t fuss while eating the same and it is easy to digest. The peaches can also be added to the other preparations to enhance taste and offer more variety to babies.

Symptoms of a Baby Being Allergic to Peaches

Peaches are a part of the plant family which is called “Rosaceae”, which is known to have allergic results. The maximum amount of allergy is caused by the raw peaches, but once they get cooked the allergenic properties start to minimise. Fruits like cherry, plum, almonds, walnut, hazelnut, apple, and apricot are all from the same family, and so in case the baby is allergic to any of these, s/he is bound to be allergic to peaches.

In case you see your baby showing any of these symptoms, then consult your doctor immediately:

• Feeling breathless with wheezing or taking long gasps of breath
• Small red boils on the skin, usually seen in clusters
• Swelling in the lips, tongue and neck muscles
• Pain in the abdomen with vomiting and diarrhoea
• Weakness and persistent fatigue

How to Select and Store Peaches for Baby Food?

Here is a simple guide to select and store peaches the right way.

Selection

May to October happens to be the right time to have peaches. It is advisable to look for an orange and pink tinge while buying the fruit. One should never pick up any that have any spots. These are mostly unclean and contaminated so it’s best to choose the ones that are organically made. Remember, the more yellowish or orange-coloured the fleshy part of a peach is, the more will be the amount of beta-carotene in it, which helps develop a baby’s immune system and is also good for their vision.

Storage

It is of utmost importance to wash them in running water for removing all the remains of pesticides found on the outer layer of the fruit. Peaches ripens fast after plucking so it is best to select and store the unripe ones as they last longer.

This fruit can be refrigerated in a basket or a plastic bag. Give peaches that are kept at room temperature to babies rather than refrigerated ones. If it is already refrigerated, keep it out for some time before processing it.

How to Process Peaches for Babies?

Peaches can be processed easily. They can be boiled, steamed, baked or even pureed. However, the skin should remain intact as it carries the nutrients, but at the same time, it should be cleaned thoroughly to get rid of any pesticides on it. It is advisable to peel that part of the skin, which is stained or has spots while keeping the rest. There are many different methods to process peaches and they are mentioned as under:

1. Boil

Add chopped pieces of peaches to about four to six bowls of water. Boil for a while until the fruit gets tender. Cool and process.

2. Steam

Put the large cut pieces of peach in a pan or a vessel with little water. Keep the pan closed and let it boil. Wait till it simmers for five minutes or so or until it becomes tender and soft.

3. Bake

Slice it into four large pieces or eight small pieces and put them in a baking dish that has one-fourth of water. Preheat the oven to 200ºC. Bake for about 20-40 minutes or up to the point its skin crumbles.

When we cook the peaches, the skin becomes softer and infants can consume them easily. As far as the older babies are concerned, they can eat it straight away with the skin in a pureed form. It is prudent to keep a check that the peach is pureed thoroughly and has no traces of any large chunks in it.

Health Benefits of Peaches for Babies

Peaches have rich antioxidant properties, essential vitamins and natural sugar which are important for a baby. Some of the health benefits of peaches your baby can enjoy are as follows:

1. It is good for the eyes as it is loaded with Vitamin A and C- the antioxidants that help in the healthy growth and development of the baby’s vision.
2. It helps to keep the baby hydrated as peaches have an 85% water content.
3. They are loaded with potassium which helps in the healthy functioning of the circulatory system.
4. Peaches have the goodness of nutrients and minerals, minus sodium. Over consumption of sodium is dangerous to the immature kidneys of babies.
5. Fluoride, phosphorus, and calcium, in peaches are essential for the healthy development of bones and teeth. Therefore, peaches help to maintain bone strength and prevent tooth decay.
6. Peaches are replete with antioxidants, which play an important role in disease prevention.
7. The folate in peaches promotes healthy brain development.
8. Fibre, vitamin C, and potassium in peaches also support heart health.
9. The dietary fibre in peaches helps regulate and improve digestion.
10. Vitamins A, C, and E and selenium in peaches aid in detoxification.

Thus, it can be seen that peaches are no doubt a great choice as a first food for the baby and they have a plethora of advantages. However, one cannot overlook the allergies that come with it. So it is best to be vigilant while feeding an infant.

FAQ’s

1. Should I Peel Peaches Before Offering Them to My Baby?

No, the peel is in fact rich in nutrients. However, ensure you clean the skin thoroughly before giving it to your baby.

2. Can Peaches Help With Constipation?

Yes, peaches are rich in fiber and can help you baby poop well. many stone fruits have this property.

3. How do I Offer Peach to a Baby in BLW?

Leave the skin intact and remove the pit. Cut the fruit into halves and offer it to small babies still struggling with their grip. You can cut the peach into smaller pieces and offer it in a bowl with fork for bigger babies.

4. My Baby Wants Peaches all The Time? How do I Get Peaches When its Not in Season?

If your baby is fond of peaches, store some for the winter. Youcan slice up freshly washed peaches and freeze them. Once frozen, transfer it to a sealed pouch. Defrost them naturally and then give it to your baby.