Research-backed
As the baby crosses the six-month mark, parents are definitely excited to see their little one grow. But they’re also confused about how and what foods to offer to them, along with the breastmilk. Out of many delectable fruits available out there, kiwis for babies are a good choice, thanks to their nutritional profile and texture. Naturally, the primary choice of first foods for babies, but what makes kiwi special. Delve into this post to learn more about the nutritional value, health benefits, possible side effects of this fruit. We also bring you some interesting kiwi recipes for babies.
When To Introduce Kiwi To A Baby?
- It is better to introduce kiwis when the baby is between eight and ten months because of its acidic nature.
- If your baby has shown any food allergies or diaper rashes earlier, consider introducing the fruit between 10 and 12 months.
- In case your family has a history of kiwi food allergy (1), seek doctor’s advice before introducing your baby to kiwi.
- Even though its acidic nature prompts mouth rashes or bottom rashes, the fruit is generally not a high allergy risk. In fact, kiwi fruits are highly nutritious for your baby.
Nutritional Facts Of Kiwi
| Kiwifruit, fresh 1.00 2 inches 69.00 grams | Calories: 42 GI:Â low |
|---|---|
| Nutrient | Amount |
| vitamin C | 63.96 mg |
| vitamin K | 27.81 mcg |
| copper | 0.09 mg |
| fiber | 2.07 g |
| vitamin E | 1.01 mg (ATE) |
| potassium | 215.28 mg |
| folate | 17.25 mcg |
| manganese | 0.07 mg |
Health Benefits Of Kiwi For Babies
- Kiwis are rich in Vitamin C, Vitamin A, potassium, fiber, folate, and antioxidants.
- One serving of kiwi fruit for babies offers 230% of recommended amount of Vitamin C per day, which helps in boosting the immune system., increasing iron absorption from other foods, and healing wounds.
- Kiwi provides relief from constipation and is rich in disease-fighting antioxidants. It offers 16% of the RDA for fiber.
- The fruit is rich in phytonutrients, which repair DNA, and protect against few cancers.
- Kiwi is believed to prevent asthma, lower fat in the blood, and reduce blood clot risk in later stages of life.
- Kiwi provides 10% of the RDA for folic acid and 10% RDA for Vitamin E.
- The fruit is also a source of calcium, iron, chromium, copper, potassium, magnesium, and zinc (2).
When To Avoid Offering Kiwis For Baby?
Refrain from offering kiwi to the baby if he shows allergic reactions to papaya, latex, sesame seeds, and pineapple as the allergic reactions to these foods tend to be linked with kiwi too. Allergy to kiwi is also commonly seen in people with hay fever (allergic rhinitis). Few fruits like kiwi, orange, raspberry, and strawberry may irritate the skin around your baby’s mouth when she eats it. This is common when she has eczema, but it is not harmful (3).
Symptoms indicating allergy towards kiwi include the sore mouth, swelling of the lips, tongue, face, or vomiting. Severe reactions include breathing difficulties and wheezing. Symptoms may appear around two hours after eating the culprit food. To check the way the baby reacts to kiwi, do introduce any new food in the previous meal and do not mix it with some other new food. Feed only little amounts first. Go ahead only if the baby is not showing any related allergies. Do remember that it is best to consult your doctor before introducing any new food to your baby.
How To Choose And Store Kiwis For Babies?
Picking organic kiwi is always good. However, kiwi is not among those fruits, which get contaminated due to pesticides. Do not select the ones with bruised skin, have visible indentations, are squisher-softer, or have damp spots. Pick a firm one and wait until they turn soft. To select the kiwifruit with sweetest taste, hold it between your thumb and forefinger and check if it yields to gentle pressure. Place an unripe kiwi in a paper bag with a banana or apple or pear to ripen the fruit within two days. Kiwis can be stored for three to four weeks in a refrigerator or a week on the counter.
Fresh Kiwi Recipes For Babies
Image: Shutterstock
1. Kiwi Puree
You Need:
- 1 kiwi
How To:
- Peel the kiwi.
- Blend or puree it in a blender.
2. Kiwi Puree In Combinations
Kiwifruit can be slightly acidic, so trying it in combination with pureed banana is a good idea to feed it to your baby for the first time. This will help in developing the taste, and your child would want to have more of it. You may also try kiwi puree combinations with apple or pear puree. Your baby would love the combination of apple, kiwi, and pear.
You Need:
- 1 kiwi
- 1 banana or apple or pear
How To:
- Peel and chop the fruits.
- Blend or puree them in a blender.
3. Kiwi Salad
You Need:
- 1 kiwi, peeled and diced
- 1 pear, peeled and finely chopped
- 1/2 banana, peeled and diced
How To:
- Toss all the fruits in a bowl and add your favorite coatings like wheat germ or crushed cereal.
- You could also blend them all together in the processor to make it into a puree and add yogurt on top.
4. Kiwi Avocado Monster
You Need:
- 2 ripe kiwis
- 1/2 cup cubed mango
- 1 ripe avocado
How To:
- Peel and slice the kiwi.
- Peel and pit the avocado.
- Mix all the ingredients and blend them together.
5. Creamy Kiwi Dessert
You Need:
- 1 small kiwi, peeled and diced
- 4 fl oz (1/2 cup) natural yogurt
- 1 drop vanilla extract
How To:
- Mix the ingredients together, puree the mixture, or mash thoroughly.
6. Tempting Tropical Mash
You Need:
- 1 small kiwi, peeled and diced
- 1/2 avocado, peeled and diced
- 1 slice cantaloupe , peeled and diced
- 1/2 ripe banana, sliced
How To:
- Mash all ingredients together and serve a sweet, nutritious tropical treat!
7. Kiwi Baby Stew Recipe
You Need:
- 4 ripe kiwis, peeled and cut
- 1/2 cup apple juice or grape juice
How To:
- Mix the ingredients in a medium pot.
- Place the pot on low flame for 10 to 15 minutes until kiwi turns soft.
- After removing from heat, puree or mash it.
8. Kiwi Fruit Popsicles
You Need:
- 12 ripe kiwis, peeled
- 2 cups apple juice
How To:
- Puree kiwi in a blender until the green flesh is pureed and black seeds are intact.
- Add apple juice to the mixture and mix well.
- Fill the popsicle molds and place them in the freezer.
* This recipe is a great way to beat the heat during warmer months. The tasty treat and the cold popsicle greatly helps soothe inflamed gums of your teething baby.
9. Kiwi Tropicana Baby Blast
You Need:
- 2 ripe kiwis, peeled
- 1 mango, peeled and chopped
- 1 cup papaya, peeled and chopped
How To:
- Mix all the ingredients and blend them well.
- Serve cool.
10. Tropical Oats
You Need:
- 1/2 cup rolled oats
- 1 kiwi fruit, ripe, peeled and diced
- 1 mashed banana
- 3/4 cups water
- 1/4 cup apple juice
How To:
- Mix water and apple juice in a pan and boil.
- Add kiwi and oats to a pan, stir well.
- Boil once again and reduce the flame.
- Cook until it thickens or cook for ten minutes.
- Stir in mashed banana.
- Serve warm.
FAQs
Q. Do we always have to peel kiwis before serving it to babies?
A. Do not serve kiwi with skin to babies as they can find it difficult to chew the skin and could choke on it. Slice off each end and remove the skin lengthwise. Or you may just cut the fruit in half and serve the inner part of the fruit to the baby with a spoon.
Q. Can a baby eat kiwi seeds?
A. It is not necessary to remove the seeds from the kiwi while feeding them to a baby, as the seeds are tiny and do not pose a choking hazard. But this largely depends on the baby’s ability to tolerate varied textures. So, if your baby is not good at it, consider removing them.
Q. Can we freeze kiwi puree?
A. It is not recommended to freeze kiwi fruit. Kiwi puree may be frozen (4), but it may be gritty/watery when thawed.
Kiwis can be a healthy choice of first foods for your baby. Abundant in vitamin C and A, fiber, and folate, kiwi helps in boosting the child’s immunity and prevents constipation, which is a common problem in babies. However, avoid giving it to your baby if they show allergic reactions. Otherwise, you can try some tasty kiwi recipes for your little one, so they have a variety and do not easily get bored of the fruit.
Reviewer
Dt. Pallavi Jassal
(MSc)
