Banana is the ideal fruit to give to babies as soon as they start weaning. Being rich in nutrients, it helps in the overall development of the child. Since it is sweet and creamy, babies also enjoy eating it!
Nutritional value of one banana (100 grams)
Doctors recommend that you give your child bananas at the age of 6 months, right around the time he starts eating semi-solids. A small banana per day for a 6-month-old baby is ideal.
A mother’s first choice when introducing solids to her baby is undoubtedly bananas. It is the best food for babies who have just started to wean. However, there is a common question among moms: does banana cause constipation in babies?
Well, below are some of the benefits of bananas:
Listed below are few of the age-specific pointers for serving a banana to your baby.
2. Giving Bananas to a 9-Month-Old Infant: By 9 months, a baby graduates from pureed food to small solid bites. Therefore, you can give the banana mashed or in small chunks.
3. Giving Bananas to a 1-Year-Old Baby: You could just peel a banana till the middle and give it to your baby. This way, the baby will be able to get a good grip on it without it slipping off his hand. However, make sure to snip off the extra peel with scissors so that it does not get inside his mouth. You can also peel the banana, cut it into small, round pieces and encourage your little one to eat it using a fork.
Some of the precautions you need to take are:
Bananas are packed with vitamin B6 which helps in relaxing the bronchial muscle tissue. Bananas are also said to improve the immune system and prevent bouts of cough and cold. However, it is a mucous forming food. Thus, it can aggravate the cough and cold.
A banana a day will do no harm to an infant. However, too much of anything is bad. Therefore, bananas too, should be given to infants in moderation.
Is banana good for babies everyday? Well, the answer is yes. However, a baby should be given only a small banana once a day. Eating too many all at once could pose a problem to the child’s health.
Apart from eating it as a fruit, different recipes can also be prepared using bananas. Here are 3 easy recipes you can try making for your little one.
A nutritious meal devoid of gluten and high in fibre.
What You Need
How to Make It
Blend all the ingredients together in a food processor to a smooth paste.
This smoothie contains antioxidants and fibre which can help aid digestion.
What You Need
How to Make It
Blend everything together and serve immediately.
This is ideal if you want to give your baby something that is gluten and lactose-free.
What You Need
How to Make It
These are low in cholesterol and great for digestion.
What You Need
How to Make It
Loaded with probiotics, this can aid in the proper functioning of the gut.
What You Need
How to Make It
Peel the banana and cut it into small round shapes. Mix it with yoghurt. This healthy recipe is ready to be served!
Some other foods you can mix with bananas for more fun recipes are:
Banana is often the first fruit introduced to a baby after he starts taking semi-solids. This is because the fruit is smooth and creamy in texture which makes it easy for babies to swallow. These nutrients help in the baby’s bone development, improve the immune system, and improve vision among many other benefits. And you get all of this goodness at a great price!
Resources and References: Wholesome Baby Food