Strawberries are one of the most nutritious fruits available, with numerous vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants.
Due to their beautiful color, delicious taste, and an excellent nutritional profile, these fruits are favorite to almost everyone, including kids.
But can babies eat strawberries?
While different types of berries are a great source of nutrition for babies, some of them may develop allergies. That’s why it’s essential to be careful while you are introducing this amazing fruit to your child along with other solid foods.
This article discusses if strawberries are safe for your babies, the possibilities of allergies, and the best time to introduce solid foods to them.
Can Babies Eat Strawberries?
As strawberry is quite nutritious and not high allergen food, it’s typically safe for babies to eat this amazing fruit.
Strawberries are rich in vitamins and minerals necessary for babies growth and health. It contains vitamin C, B9, fiber, folate, antioxidants, among others. [2, 3, 4]
However, strawberries are one of those foods that contain high concentrations of pesticides. These chemicals can be extremely harmful to your kids. If you still want to feed your kid strawberries, buy the organic one.
Do not forget to feed them pureed strawberries. They might have choking hazards from the whole strawberry, or the one cut into big chunks.
While strawberries are delicious, they can cause some allergies to your kids. Stop feeding them if you notice any rashes around their mouth. Ask your doctor first before giving them this fruit if they have chronic eczema or allergy.
Best Time to Introduce Solid Foods
According to the American Academy of Allergy Asthma and Immunology (AAAAI), the best time to start solid food is when your kid is around six months old. [1]
It’s because, between four and six months of age, babies develop skills to eat solid foods, including neck and head control, and the ability to sit up.
Hence, if you see your baby has these skills and is showing interest in your food, you can slowly start feeding them solid foods like cereals made of solid grains.
Once your baby learns to eat cereal properly, you can introduce other solid foods like fruit and vegetable puree. Carrots, sweet potato, squash, bananas, pears, apples can be good options for babies.
How to Know Your Baby Has Allergy?
Your baby is highly likely to have an allergic reaction when their body reacts to the protein from the foods they’ve consumed. You will see the following symptoms is the kid has an allergy:
- Swelling
- Breathing problem
- Itchy skin rashes
- Diarrhea
- Vomiting
- Pale skin
- Loss of consciousness
While there can be rashes around the mouth for mild allergy, it can spread to other parts of the body in severe cases. Seek emergency medical attention if your baby shows any of the signs above.
Bottom Line
While proper nutrition is vital for your kid’s growth and health, it’s important to find the right time for the right food.
The sweet flavor and beautiful color of strawberries will surely make your babies love them, and they will get a significant amount of health benefits by eating these amazing fruits.
However, make sure you’re blending the fruits properly and using organic and chemical-free strawberries to make the puree.
Before you start introducing any new food to your kid, consult with a doctor or a pediatrician just to be sure the food is safe for them.
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