Previously we covered grains and potatoes that are safe for toddler’s consumption and which should be avoided. In this article, we will be discussing fruits! Fruits are superfoods for your lovely toddlers as they are rich in many beneficial nutrients like vitamins and fibre. But not all fruits are safe to eat for your toddlers. So, which should you look out for?
Let’s discover together which fruits are toddler-friendly and which aren’t, shall we?
Safe Fruits for Toddlers
Banana
Your children can have some bananas! Bananas contain numerous nutritional benefits which are great for your children’s growth. They are also great energy boosters and prevent constipation.
Avocado
Avocado is safe for your toddler to eat. It can help to improve your toddler’s growth and brain development. It also may help to ensure good brain development and relieve constipation. Additionally, avocado is also good for your toddler’s skin and vision.
Apple
New mummies can try to feed their toddlers with apples. Apples are rich in fibre and vitamin C which can help to prevent constipation and enhance your toddler’s energy. Just watch out for the quantities as apples have high levels of sugar.
Blueberry
Your toddlers are safe to consume blueberries. This fruit can help to improve your kid’s immune system and eye health. Blueberries can also help to strengthen his bones. Just remember to introduce blueberries when your baby is about 11 months old. You should also observe for allergic reaction signs like rashes upon introduction.
Coconut
It is fine to feed your children with coconuts. Coconuts are great for their skin and boost their strengths. Additionally, coconut water has nutrients like dietary fibre and lauric acid which helps enhance their immune systems and prevent illnesses. It also may improve your kids’ brains and bones development.
Jackfruit
You can try feeding your child some jackfruits too. They can help to promote your toddler’s immunity and enhance digestion. Jackfruits are also great for your toddler’s skin.
Kiwi
Your toddler can consume kiwi too. Kiwi is rich in folate which can help promote your toddler’s brain development. This fruit also has minerals that help promote the absorption of calcium, iron, and protein. You can start adding kiwi to your baby’s meal from as early as 8-10 months. However, it might be too acidic for your child. So, be careful.
Lemon
Your toddler can also eat lemons. You can try to introduce lemons to your child’s diet from as early as 6 months old. This fruit is good to promote your toddler’s immunity and skin health. But, it may be too sour for your child. So you may consider squeezeing just a few drops over compatible dishes for your child.
Mandarin
Mandarin is great for your toddlers. It has many essential nutrients like fiber and vitamin C which promotes a healthy digestive and immune system for your child. You can feed your little one some mandarins when his age is around 8-9 months. Just make sure to wash the skins properly before removing them. Additionally, mamas can also try to remove its seeds and cut the fruit in half to make it easier on your kids.
Mangosteen
New mummies can try to feed their kids with mangosteen too. Mangosteen can help to promote your toddler’s development and growth. Additionally, this fruit can also help to improve your kid’s immune system and skin.
Peaches
You kids can have some peaches too. You can try to include peaches in their meals from as early as 6 months old. Peaches are great for your children’s hair and skin. Peaches can also promote a healthy digestion and immune system.
Rambutan
Mums can give rambutans to their children. You can try to feed them with this fruit when they are around 7 months old. These fruits can help to improve your children’s development and growth. Rambutans may also promote your kids’ immune systems and prevent anaemia.
Dragon fruit
Mamas can introduce dragon fruits as soon as your babies are about 6 months old. Dragon fruits are great to promote healthy cognitive development and bowel movement for your children. Just remember to feed them in small quantities initially to ensure your child isn’t allergic to dragon fruits.
Strawberry
Your toddler can have some strawberries. They are high in minerals and vitamins which helps to improve your toddler’s intellectual development and digestion. Strawberries can also help to prevent constipation. Just cut them before feeding them to your toddler.
Consume in Moderation
Watermelon
It is fine to feed your toddlers with watermelons. You can include watermelon in your child’s diet from as soon as 6 months old. Watermelons can help promote your toddler’s immunity and prevent infections. Just remember to clean your toddler’s teeth properly as watermelon contains high levels of sugar. Mamas can also remove the seeds to avoid choking risks.
Mango
Mummies can feed their toddlers with mangoes in moderation. You can introduce your children to mangoes as soon as they are 8 months old. Mangoes are rich in fibre which helps to relieve constipation. But, too much fibre might also lead to loose bowel movements. So be careful of it!
Lychee
Your kids can have some lychees after they are 6 months old. Lychees are high in nutrients and antioxidants which can promote your toddler’s energy and immune systems. However, you need to feed them with these fruits in moderation as they have a high level of natural sugar. You should also avoid giving whole lychees to your children as they might choke from it.
Pomelo
Your toddlers should eat pomelo in moderation. New mums can try to include this fruit in their children’s meals from as early as 8 months old. Pomelo can promote your toddlers’ immune systems and skin health. Try to cut them in small chunks to reduce the risk of choking.
Avoid These Fruits
Sea buckthorn
Your toddlers cannot eat sea buckthorns! This is as there are not enough studies to consume its safety.
Hawthorn
Avoid feeding hawthorn to your kids. This fruit is not suitable for children.
Your toddlers need to eat safe fruits!
Therefore, you need to make sure which fruits are safe for your toddlers. Just remember to indulge a healthy habit for your children to ensure good health for them.
Sources:
- https://www.cdc.gov/nutrition/infantandtoddlernutrition/index.html
- https://www.hsph.harvard.edu/nutritionsource/kids-healthy-eating-plate/
- https://www.yummytoddlerfood.com/100-foods-for-toddlers/
Mummies, treat your toddler to these easy and healthy fruit smoothie recipes for children here.
Check out which vegetables are toddler-friendly and which should be avoided here.
Disclaimer: The information provided in this article is for informational purposes only and should not be considered as medical advice from Motherhood. For any health-related concerns, it is advisable to consult with a qualified healthcare professional or medical practitioner.
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