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.
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.
Let’s take a look at what coconut water brings regarding nutrition content.
Nutrients | Amount Per 100 Grams |
Energy | 19 kcal |
Total Fat | 0.2 g |
Sodium | 105 mg |
Cholesterol | 0 mg |
Potassium | 250 mg |
Total Carbohydrate | 3.7 g |
Protein | 0.7 g |
Calcium | 2 g |
Iron | 1 g |
Magnesium | 6 g |
Vitamin C | 4 g |
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.
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.
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.
There are several benefits of coconut water for babies. These include:
Keep these points in mind before feeding your baby with coconut water-
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.
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.
We recommend that you, please check with your concerned paediatrician before mixing coconut water into your baby’s formula and serving the mixture.
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.
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.