Giving Coconut Water to Babies

You’ve been breastfeeding your baby for a while and are now considering notching things up with a little coconut water goodness. If so, you’ve come to the right place. In this article, we’ll be covering the benefits of coconut water for babies, instructions for feeding, and when you can start giving your little one healthy samplings of coconut water.

Is Coconut Water Good for Babies?

Coconut water contains a compound called monolaurin which enables the immune system of the baby to fight against diseases, protect babies from cold and flu, and even combat infections. One of the highly recommended foods amongst babies and nursing mothers, coconut water is a wonder tonic that provides a burst of energy to your baby and even supplies them with vital lauric acid content. It’s the next best food or an alternative to complete nutrition besides breast milk. Period.

Nutrients Available in Coconut Water

Let’s take a look at what coconut water brings regarding nutrition content.

When Can Infants Have Coconut Water?

Ideally, coconut water can be given to infants after the first six months. Infants between six months to eight months are fed coconut water, and experts recommend not to give the child coconut chunks but rather, coconut water alone. Babies and infants usually can digest coconut water from the moment they start consuming solid foods. To aid in digestion, we recommend coconut water over coconut chunks.

Can You Give Coconut Water to Your Baby If She Has Flu And Cold?

Yes! Coconut water is a wonder tonic for treating the cold and flu. It contains just the right amount of vitamins, minerals, and salts for treating fever and even aids with gastrointestinal diseases. For the best natural remedy against the cold and flu, coconut water is your ultimate option.

Risk of Giving Coconut Water to a Baby

When you give coconut water to a baby who is below six months old, there is a risk of allergic reactions. Coconut water is known to have high sugar and sodium content which is why we recommend mixing it with rice and pureeing before serving it to babies to dilute its contents.

Benefits of Coconut Water for Babies

There are several benefits of coconut water for babies. These include:

1. A fantastic rehydration agent during the hot summers
2. Natural cure for fevers, cold, and flu
3. Treats gastrointestinal problems
4. Prevents vomiting, indigestion, and diarrhoea
5. Cures constipation, flatulence, and stomach ulcers
6. Eliminates stomach bugs and prevents fluid loss through indigestion and diarrhoea
7. Is a wholesome source of nutrition besides breast milk and other rehydration fluids
8. Contains lauric acid content that fights against infections and diseases
9. Is a rich source of electrolytes and dietary fibre
10. Kills lipid-coated viruses like HIV, Herpes, Cytomegalovirus, and different pathogenic bacteria
11. Its cleansing and healing properties treat urinary tract infections and dissolve kidney stones
12. It is a bilious fever palliative and relieves fatigue through the replenishment of natural salts in the body
13. Eliminates intestinal worms
14. Regulates metabolism and promotes weight loss
15. Has cytokines which are known for their anti-aging benefits on human cells and tissues
16. Coconut water is a wonder tonic that contains antimicrobial and antibacterial properties and is no doubt, beneficial to your child’s health.

Instructions to Feed Coconut Water to Babies

Keep these points in mind before feeding your baby with coconut water-

1. Serve It Fresh: Coconut tends to undergo nutrient loss if not served fresh. Coconut concentrates are available in the market and if you have a hard time getting fresh coconut water, consider them as an alternative. Be sure to check for added ingredients and find the date of manufacturing.
2. Let your child drink coconut water in sips instead of drinking it up in one go.
3. Avoid serving coconut water if your child has fruit or nut allergies. Check for ingredients that cause allergens before buying from vendors
4. Store coconut water in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours and at room temperature for 5-10 days with a closed seal. Do not store with an open-lid and do not serve it to your child cold.
5. Strain coconut water to filter out large chunks or indigestible pieces before serving it to your little one. Coconut chunks pose a choking hazard to babies which is why straining it is crucial.
6. Do not give coconut water to your baby during the winters or if your baby is below six months of age
7. Serve coconut water by mixing it with rice or boiled vegetables

FAQ

1. How Long Can Coconut Water Be Kept at Room Temperature?

Coconut water can be kept at room temperature for 5 to 10 days as long as it is sealed. Storing it with its lid open invites enzyme activity which is why it is critical to ensure that it is stored in an air-tight container at room temperature.

2. Can I Replace Normal Drinking Water with Coconut Water for My Baby?

Coconut water is high in sugars and sodium which is why we do not recommend completely replacing water with it. However, you can mix it with rice and boiled vegetables or serve it by diluting it with regular drinking water.

3. Is it Ok If I Mix Coconut Water to My Baby’s Formula?

We recommend that you, please check with your concerned paediatrician before mixing coconut water into your baby’s formula and serving the mixture.

4. What If My Baby Consumes a Lot of Coconut Water in a Day?

Drinking lots of coconut water can lead to electrolyte imbalances in the body which is why we recommend serving it to your baby in moderation.

5. Can I Give Coconut Water to My Baby in Winter Season?

No. Please do not give coconut water to your baby during the winter season if your baby has contracted the cold or the flu.

It is believed that coconut water can be used to treat cholera when mixed with one to two teaspoons of lemon juice and given to babies. Besides reducing acidosis in the body, coconut water prevents heat stroke and promotes electrolyte balance in babies.

They say moderation is key and this is especially true for coconut water. Treat your little one to a dose of energy with the occasional coconut water and mix with it with veggies for a nutritious treat. Take care not to give your baby mature coconut chunks or flesh even after your baby grows his first set of teeth because infants find them hard to chew, making them indigestible.

Do consult with your paediatrician before giving your child coconut water as some babies may experience allergic reactions to it.