Avocado for first baby food

Avocado Puree (Homemade Baby Food)

By Anjali Shah on March 27, 2023

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Creamy avocado puree is a great first food for your baby! Avocados are super healthy, and are packed with essential nutrients for growth and development. This simple recipe requires no special equipment and is ready in less than 5 minutes! Avocado baby food is one of the easiest purees you can make for your baby, and will quickly made your list of favorite baby food recipes! And the best part? Babies love it!!

Avocado is one of the best first foods to introduce to your baby. Not only is it buttery, creamy, and super soft, but it also has amazing health benefits to aid in your baby’s growth and brain development.

In just half of the avocado you will get 11% of your daily value of Vitamin C, and between 10-20% of your daily value of Vitamins E, K, Folate, Magnesium, Potassium, most B Vitamins, and 19% of your total fat needed!

Avocado puree was actually my daughter’s first solid food and it quickly became a favorite of hers! When I was first introducing avocado to baby I mixed avocado and breast milk together to form a creamy liquid.

👩🏽‍🍳 Why This Recipe Works

🥘 Ingredients

🔪 Instructions

💭 Expert Tips

📖 Avocado Baby Food Combinations

🥑 How To Store Avocado Puree

❓Recipe FAQs

🥣 More Healthy Recipes For Baby Food!

📋 Recipe Card

🎥 Watch How to Make It

Making avocado puree for babies is effortless. With just a quick mash up you will have a healthy food that you can feel good about giving to your little one.

This recipe is also very versatile and adaptable as your child grows. You can try different variations and mix-ins to keep things interesting. And once they’ve gotten familiar with this recipe, you can try out other veggie and fruit puree recipes like my blueberry baby food or my green bean puree.

Keep reading to learn some of my favorite tips and methods for making avocado baby food puree!

👩🏽‍🍳 Why This Recipe Works

Good source of omega 3 fatty acids
Quick clean up
Easy to make in bulk
Can be frozen
No fancy equipment needed
Nutrient dense
Less sweet than other baby food puree
Similar fat content to mother’s milk
Best avocado puree recipe for babies!

Latest Recipe Video!

🥘 Ingredients

This is the easiest avocado baby food recipe ever! At its most minimal form, you will only need 1 avocado! Thanks to its simplicity, it makes the perfect first food for your little one to try.

Avocado: Nutrient-rich avocado makes a wonderful first food for babies with good fats and vitamins. Try to use organic avocado for the healthiest option.
Breast Milk, Formula, Or Water: Create the perfect creamy texture by adding in your choice of liquid. For best results, only use a little water so that it doesn’t get runny. Only add breast milk or formula right before serving, do not store this baby food avocado after it has been mixed with either breastmilk or formula. For the first time trying avocado, this is the best way to entice your baby with a recognizable flavor.

🔪 Instructions

Homemade baby food ranges in difficulty, but this avocado puree recipe for baby is extremely easy and quick! There are two simple ways to make it: blend or mash! It will only require a few minutes of your time from start to finish. Here is how to make avocado baby food:

Prepare Avocado: Cut open your ripe avocado, remove the pit, and scoop out from the skin.

Blend: There are two methods for how to puree avocado. Blend the whole avocado in a small food processor or mash well with a fork (to make smashed avocado for baby). If you’re using a blender, I recommend a high powered blender to make this puree in bulk – like a Vitamix!

Serve: If serving immediately mix pureed avocado with breast milk, formula, or water to reach desired consistency. If freezing for later use, divide into an ice cube tray, cover, and store in the freezer. When ready to serve, thaw out the prepared avocado puree for baby, mix milk, and feed.

💭 Expert Tips

How To Choose The Best Avocado

It can be hard to find the perfect avocado! Most grocery stores have avocados available at various stages of ripeness. If you plan to make this avocado baby puree recipe in a few days from now, select hard avocados that have time to soften. If you want to make the puree right away, select an avocado that is dark brown on the outside and slightly indents when pushing against the skin. Avoid an overly ripe and mushy avocado.

Also, if you can afford it, I’d recommend using 100% organic ingredients for your baby’s food. That way you can leave the peels on most fruits and veggies (e.g. you won’t have to peel apples and pears before pureeing them), and it’s much more nutritious for your baby.

How To Cut An Avocado

Cut fresh avocados in half with a sharp knife, gently twisting to separate the two halves. Remove the pit either with your hands, or by carefully hitting your knife into it, and then twisting to remove the seed from the flesh. Scoop the avocado flesh out with a spoon.

You do not have to cut the avocado any further since you’ll be mashing or blending it. For more detailed recommendations on how to prepare avocado for baby, keep scrolling to my FAQs.

How To Season Avocado For Baby

If you want to season the avocado purée, be sure to start out with very light seasoning. You can try a small dash of lemon juice or a small pinch of garlic powder or cumin powder. For other ideas on how to prepare avocado for babies, keep reading!

How To Serve Avocado Puree To Baby

If you prefer a clean space with minimal clean up, you will want to spoon feed your baby. However, if you are opting for baby led weaning, you can place the puree in front of your little one and let them explore on their own terms. Here are some of the different ways of how to feed avocado to baby:

How you serve this homemade avocado baby food will vary by age, as well as your child’s preference.

Avocado puree for 4 month baby: Super simple avocado is a perfect first food for babies! I recommend feeding a puree / mashed avocado for baby from 4 months and up. Place puree in a bowl and feed it to your baby with a spoon. Once they get a little older you can explore different textures and shapes.
Avocado puree for 6 month old baby: If you are exploring baby led weaning, you can give thick strips of avocado. Place avocado on their high chair tray and let them experiment. To help with gripping, leave part of the skin on or roll the avocado slices in hemp seeds.
Avocado puree for 9-10 month old baby: At this age your baby can enjoy more finger food. Try putting cubed avocado in baby’s bowl and let them naturally explore the taste and feel.

Ultimately, there are so many suggestions on how to feed a baby avocado. Go with what works best for you and your little one!

📖 Avocado Baby Food Combinations

Avocados are a great first food for babies, and because of their mild flavor, they pair really well with a variety of other fruits, veggies, and grains to create delicious and nutritious baby food purees! Here are a few healthy avocado puree ideas for baby to get you started:

Avocado Puree Pairings

Soft Fruits And Veggies: If you aren’t sure of what to mix with avocado puree for baby, start with foods similar in texture like bananas, apples, or sweet potatoes puree.
Other Fruits: Mangoes, peaches, blueberries, pineapple, and strawberries all taste great with pureed avocado.
Green Veggies: Try other pairings like mixing with spinach, broccoli, zucchini puree or pea puree.
Root Veggies: Veggies like potatoes, butternut squash and carrots all mix well with avocado food for baby.
On Its Own: When your baby is little, mashed avocado on its own is great!
With Grains: You can put the smooth puree on small sticks of toast or teething crackers. You could also mix in to baby oatmeal or baby cereal.
With Dairy Or Plant Based Protein: Try mixing baby puree avocado with yogurt or cottage cheese! You can also puree it with chickpeas, lentils, or white beans for an avocado “hummus.”
Different Spices: Try a pinch of lemon juice, cumin, coriander, or even curry powder.
Avocado Puree Ideas For Toddlers: As your baby gets older try adding avocado puree to smoothies, avocado toast, guacamole, or on top of Mexican food! You can pair avocado with small pieces of chicken breast, or if you are vegan, substitute tofu. There are so many avocado recipes you can try out!
Baby Friendly Guacamole: Try experimenting with different flavors by blending avocado with lime juice, olive oil, kosher salt, and 1 garlic clove. This is perfect to pair with Mexican recipes or Spanish recipes, and the whole family can enjoy it too!

Other Ways To Use Avocado Puree

Use this baby food avocado recipe as a dip for fruits and vegetables
As a spread for sandwiches or avocado toast with honey (note: don’t use honey for babies under 1 year of age)
In avocado quesadillas or this healthy guacamole
As a sauce for pasta
Mixed with pressure cooker quinoa, couscous, or brown rice
As a topping for pizza
Add this baby avocado recipe as an ingredient in smoothies (like this avocado peanut butter smoothie), muffins, or even healthy cookies!

🥑 How To Store Avocado Puree

Storing this homemade baby food is simple! And if you’ve been wondering – can you freeze pureed avocado for baby? Yes! You totally can!

To Store In The Fridge

You can choose to store extra puree in an airtight container in the fridge for the next day. Try finding small food storage containers that leave less room for air, and help evenly portion this avocado baby food stage 1 puree! You can add a squeeze of fresh lemon juice or lime juice to the exposed part of the puree to prevent browning, if desired.

To Freeze

Divide the prepared avocado for baby evenly into an ice cube tray. Wrap tightly with plastic wrap or use a freezer storage bag. You can also find baby food container trays that come with lids to cover like these Mumi & Bubi

ice cube trays. I love them because they come with a cover, a recipe book, and the cubes are super easy to get out. One ice cube is equal to 1 tablespoon or 1 ounce of food.

Once the cubes are frozen (takes about 4-6 hours), pop them out of the ice cube trays and transfer them to a ziptop freezer safe bag for easy storage.

To Reheat Or Thaw Avocado Puree Baby Food

When you are preparing avocado for baby, let it thaw in the fridge the night before use. You can also thaw by putting the puree cube in a small bowl over another bowl of hot water. Let it sit to defrost. Once defrosted, mix with breastmilk, formula or water to reach desired consistency.

❓Recipe FAQs

Is avocado puree healthy?

Absolutely! This baby food avocado puree recipe calls for just one ingredient- avocados! You can also add extra nutrients with breast milk or formula, but there are so many benefits of this avocado for baby recipe in itself!

Avocado baby puree is one of the healthiest first foods you can give to your baby. Avocados contain 20 different vitamins and minerals including folate, potassium, vitamin B, vitamin C, vitamin E, and iron, along with dietary fiber and healthy fats to nourish baby’s brain and nervous system development. Since they are high in monounsaturated fat, baby will also feel satiated and have a happy belly!

When can babies have avocado puree?

You may be wondering – When can you introduce avocados to baby? This will depend on their own personal development and when they are ready to start solid foods, but typically it’s around 4-6 months of age.

Pay attention to gross motor skills for an indication that your baby is ready! This could include having strong neck and head control, sitting, and lifting objects to the mouth. Starting with a stage 1 avocado puree is a great option to get them used to a new texture and taste.

Is avocado easy for babies to digest?

Yes, avocado contains soluble fiber and enzymes making it very easy to digest! This mashed avocado baby food is also high in fat, similar to the fat content of breastmilk, making it both filling and gentle on tummies.

Is avocado a common allergen for babies?

No, avocado is not considered to be a common allergen for babies! However, if this is your first time giving avocado to baby I recommend starting off with a smaller portion of baby avocado puree and waiting for 2-3 days to observe for any signs of an allergic reaction such as a rash or upset stomach.

Can I mix avocado with breastmilk?

Can I mix puree avocado with milk for baby? You sure can! For an avocado stage 1 baby food try mixing with breastmilk, mixing with formula, or mixing with regular milk for a very soft and smooth avocado purée. The key is to only mix with breastmilk or formula right before serving. Never mix with breastmilk or formula and store it, as your puree will only be good for about 1-2 hours once it’s been mixed.

Can you steam avocado for baby food?

While technically you can steam avocado mash for baby, you don’t have to! There isn’t any need to steam or cook avocado for baby food since it is already so soft and creamy! Making avocado baby food is super easy and you do not have to worry about extra steps like you might with other produce. Simply cut, scoop, and mash for an easy creamy purée.

🥣 More Healthy Recipes For Baby Food!

Prune Puree Baby Food
Butternut Squash Baby Puree
Pear Puree Baby Food
Green Bean Puree
Carrots For Baby
Baby Lentil Recipe
Vegetable Puree for Baby

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Avocado Puree: Baby’s First Food

Creamy avocado puree is a great first food for your baby! Avocados are super healthy, packed with essential nutrients for growth and development. This simple recipe requires no special equipment and is ready in less than 5 minutes! Avocado baby food is one of the easiest purees you can make for your baby, and will quickly made your list of favorite baby food recipes! And the best part? Babies love it!!

Prep Time5 mins

Total Time5 mins

Course: Baby Food

Cuisine: American

Diet: Gluten Free, Vegan, Vegetarian

Servings: 4 servings

Calories: 80kcal

Author: Anjali Shah

▢ 1 avocado mashed

If Serving Fresh / Immediately

▢
Mash the avocado with a fork or blend it in a food processor.
▢
Mix with breastmilk, formula or water to reach desired consistency.

If Freezing

▢
Mash the avocado with a fork or blend it in a food processor.
▢
Divide into ice cube trays, wrap/cover, and freeze.
▢
Thaw in the fridge the night before use, or thaw by putting the ice cube in a bowl over a bowl of hot water on the counter to defrost.
▢
Once defrosted, mix with breastmilk, formula or water to reach desired consistency and serve immediately.

Use ripe avocados that are soft and easy to mash.
Store the puree in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or in the freezer for up to 3 months.
If you are making this puree to store in the fridge or freezer, do not add breastmilk or formula before storing it. Only add breastmilk or formula right before serving.
Each ice cube = 1oz of food. Also, as your baby gets used to solids, you don’t have to thin out the avocado at all.

How to Serve Avocado to Baby

Home » Feeding Style » Baby Food Purees » Stage One » How to Serve Avocado to Baby

Learn how to prepare avocado for baby in 4 delicious and easy ways! As yummy superfoods, avocados are ideal as the first food for babies – 6 months and up. Serve them as a baby food puree, mashed, or as finger food for baby-led weaning.

Medically reviewed by Jamie Johnson, Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RDN), and Lauren Braaten, Pediatric Occupational Therapist (OT).

Avocado Baby Food

Avocados 🥑 are one of my all-time favorite foods for babies!

Whether you are making all of your baby food or have tapped out in life and only want to make one homemade recipe for your baby, avocados would be my first and only recommendation.

Besides being affordable and easy to find, avocados are among the top healthiest foods for babies, if not the number one. You can easily have them blended into a smooth puree, smashed into a chunky puree, sliced into finger food, and cut into pieces with an easy-to-grip handle for baby-led weaning.

So, no matter what style of feeding you are doing with your little one, avocados have got you covered. 👍

Plus, after you are done making your baby an easy avocado meal, you can also slice some for your own snack! And in my opinion, every time avocado is involved in a meal; the day just gets better.

First time making homemade baby food? Then, I would suggest that you start by reading my very in-depth Guide on how to Make Homemade Baby Food – which goes over all the important information such as the best cooking tools to have on hand, safe storage, how to know when baby is ready for solids, how to introduce purees, the best first foods for baby, and more! If you are doing Baby-Led Weaning, then be sure to check out my Complete Guide to Baby-Led Weaning – which covers what exactly is baby-led weaning, to every parent’s concern of baby-led weaning and choking, this guide goes over it all. I will also share how to know when baby is ready for BLW, the top 10 best first foods, a helpful sample blw feeding schedule, helpful tools to have on hand, and much much more!

Want more information? Then make sure to check out my best-selling cookbook for even more information and recipes!

Avocado for Baby Video

Watch this video to see how easy it is to serve avocado to your baby!

Top Reasons to Serve Avocado to Baby

Avocados are beyond healthy for babies – they contain healthy fats that help your baby’s brain grow!
They are fast – you can make and serve avocado to your baby in 30 seconds flat!
They work for all feeding styles — puree, chunky puree, finger food, or baby-led weaning. How versatile!

Benefits of Avocado for Baby

Avocados are one of the most nutrient-dense foods on the planet, and I’m not exaggerating!

Super Nutritious – Avocados are full of 20 different vitamins and minerals, most notably vitamin K, folate, vitamin C, potassium, vitamin E, magnesium, and vitamins B-5 and B-6, along with a good amount of fiber and heart-healthy fats.
Health Benefits – They improve heart health, support eye, skin, and hair health, fight cancer cell growth, enhance digestive health, boost one’s mood, keep the nervous system healthy, provide healthy fats for brain growth, and are good for gross motor skills.
Boosts Immunity – Avocados are loaded with antioxidants, anti-inflammation, and antimicrobial properties, which help prevent your baby from getting sick.

Ingredients

Avocado: you will need half of ripe avocado for these recipes. Because avocados don’t keep well, I recommend making these recipes on-demand so the puree or solid food is fresh and free of any browning.
Spices or Herbs: you can certainly add in a pinch of spice or herbs to your avocado puree. A pinch of freshly chopped cilantro, chives, parlsey, or mint would be tasty or you could add in a pinch of garlic powder, cumin, paprika, mild chili powder or a squeeze of lemor or lime juice.

Avocado Picking Tip: when shopping for an avocado, you want one that is darker in color and yields to firm gentle pressure. A ripe avocado will feel soft to the touch but not “mushy” when you press on it. You can store unripened avocados in the fridge until you are ready for them. You will want to take them out of the fridge and place them on the counter 1-2 days before you need them.

Tools Needed

highchair
suction bowl or baby bowl
baby spoon
open lid cup
bib with catch pocket
sleeved bib
splat mat to cover the floor
knives
blender or food processor

Frequently Asked Questions

When can you introduce avocados to baby?

Whether you’re starting your baby on purees or are doing baby-led weaning, avocados are a wholesome and enjoyable first food for your baby! When a baby can start on solids is determined by their own rate of development, which generally comes between 4-6 months of age for purees and or after 6 months for baby-led weaning. Some of the developmental milestones your baby needs to reach in order to start on solids include: if your baby has solid control of their head and neck, if your baby has doubled in weight, and if your baby is reaching for or opening their mouth when you eat (see my guide here). Before you start baby on purees, you should consult with your pediatrician to make sure your child is developmentally ready.

Are avocados a choking hazard for babies?

Avocados are usually soft and easy for babies to chew. However, if an avocado is not ripe and ready to eat, the flesh will be harder and more of a risk to your baby. That said, it is best to serve mashed or small strips of avocado. When selecting an avocado for your baby, look for one that is ripe, soft (but not mushy), and has skin that’s easy to press your finger into. A ripe avocado will typically be darker green in color and have bumpy skin.

Is avocado a common allergen for baby?

No, avocado is not a common allergen, however, as with any food, start with a small portion and be aware of any signs that might be an allergic reaction after introducing it.

Does avocado cause constipation for babies?

No, avocado is not known to cause constipation in babies, and it can actually help relieve constipation in babies due to the high fiber content that makes it easier on your baby to pass stools.

Feeding Tips

Follow your baby’s lead – when feeding purees from a spoon, sometimes there’s a tendency to keep offering bites past the point of your baby being full. Always follow baby’s cues for when they are done eating. Turning away from the spoon, closing her mouth, or pushing food away are all signs that baby is finished with the meal.
Try adding a little seasoning or spice to purees – babies like flavor! Or consider changing the temperature of purees from time to time, to slightly warmed or slightly chilled. Varying these aspects adds to the sensory experience!
Place a small amount of puree on the tray during spoon feeding – so that your baby can dip their fingers or hands in the puree. Allowing baby to explore foods in this way helps them learn to self-feed and can help them be more willing to try new textures and foods in the future.

How to Serve Avocado to Baby

There are a variety of ways to prepare avocados for your baby. Here are 4 of my favorite ways:

Mashed – This is a quick and easy way to make a chunky or smooth puree, ideal for babies 4-6+ months old.
Sliced with Some Peel Left – When you leave the peel on half of a slice of avocado, you are making a little easy-to-hold handle for your baby. They can hold (or palmar grasp) the peel and then eat the peeled portion. It’s perfect for baby-led weaning (6+ months) or finger foods (9+ months).
Smooth Puree – When blended with half of a banana, avocado becomes mouthwateringly smooth. This is great for babies 4-6+ months old who love smooth and creamy purees. Plus, it only takes 40 seconds to make.
Slices Rolled in a Coating – This is another excellent alternative for babies who want to eat with their fingers but need a little help getting a good grip on the avocado slices since avocados can be a little slippery. You can do this option with slices or diced avocados. They’re also ideal for baby-led weaning (6+ months) or finger foods (9+ months).

Looking for more easy baby-led weaning and puree recipes? Then check out my favorite ways to serve apples and bananas to babies!

Mashed Avocado – Smooth or Chunky

Smashed avocado is a hassle-free yet superb way to make a quick chunky or smooth puree. You can serve this to babies 4-6 months and up!

For baby-led weaning, I love to add this rich and thick puree to a slice of toast, pancake, or waffle for babies to self-feed. You can also serve it to them on a self-feeding spoon.

Instructions: Simply peel a quarter or half of a ripe avocado, place it on a cutting board, and mash it with the back of a fork. Mash until just chunky or until smooth. I have found that adding a small teaspoon of breast milk or formula helps make it incredibly creamy.

Avocado for Baby-Led Weaning

There are several ways you can serve avocado to your baby if you are doing baby-led weaning depending on your baby’s age.

6-8 months: cut avocado into thick slices and leave half of the peel on (see photo above) so your baby has an easy-to-grip handle.

8-10 months: slice the avocado into thin slices without the peel.

10-12 months: cut the avocado into small chunks so your baby can practice their pincer grasp.

Avocado Puree with Banana

When you blend avocado and half of a banana, it becomes super-duper smooth. This is ideal for babies who love a rich, smooth, and creamy puree. Plus, it only takes 40 seconds to make!

Instructions: Place half an avocado and half a banana into a small blender or food processor and puree until smooth, adding a tablespoon of breast milk, formula, or water if needed.

Coated Avocado Slices

These coated avocado slices are another healthy option for babies that want to eat with their fingers but need a little help getting a good grip on the avocado slices since avocados can be a little slippery. You can opt for slices or diced avocados as well once your baby has developed their pincer grasp.

Instructions: Slice and peel avocado and roll in hemp seeds, whole wheat bread crumbs or crushed baby puffs.

Or watch a shortened version of this video here.

MASHED AVOCADO – SMOOTH OR CHUNKY

1/4 avocado
1 tsp breast milk, formula or water (optional)

SLICE OF AVOCADO FOR BABY-LED WEANING

1/4 avocado

AVOCADO PUREE WITH BANANA

1/2 avocado
1/2 banana

COATED AVOCADO SLICES

1/4 avocado, sliced and peeled
2 tbsp hemp seeds, breadcrumbs or crushed baby puffs

MASHED AVOCADO – SMOOTH OR CHUNKY

Place the avocado on a cutting board, and taking the back of a fork, smash until you get your desired consistency. For a smooth puree, add in the liquid and smash until smooth.

SLICE OF AVOCADO FOR BABY-LED WEANING

Cut a slice of avocado with the peel on. Using a sharp knife, cut the peel 1/3-1/2 the way up the side of the avocado until you get to the flesh. Do not cut all the way through the avocado slice. Take the peel off and serve the avocado slice to baby with them holding the peel that is still on the avocado.

AVOCADO PUREE WITH BANANA

Place the avocado and banana in a small blender or food processor. Puree for 1 minute or until smooth, adding in liquid if needed.

COATED AVOCADO SLICES

Take the sliced and peeled avocado and roll in the hemp seeds, breadcrumbs or crushed baby puffs.

Age: 4-6 months for purees, 6+ months for baby-led weaning

Yield: 1 serving

Storage: If saving any leftover avocado or avocado puree, since it’s likely baby will not eat the entire avocado, squeeze a few drops of lemon or lime juice on the avocado to prevent it from turning brown. Avocado puree or strips will last 1-2 days in the fridge. Avocado puree can be frozen with a little lemon or lime juice mixed in for up to 2 months.

Grabease Utensil

Tripp Trapp High Chair

Bumkins Baby Bowl

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Avocado: is it possible for children to eat it - the expert answered

Avocado is a healthy and tasty product that everyone can and should eat, unless, of course, there is an allergy. The fruit goes well with fish, vegetables, salt, pepper, bread, and is also an ideal ingredient for healthy smoothies and desserts.

The founder of the largest Ukrainian-language group on Facebook about complementary foods, baby food expert Viktoriya Stelmakh, exclusively for FoodOboz, told whether children can eat avocados.

Can avocados be given to children under 6 months of age?

Video of the day

"Avocado is a great choice for a baby's first solid food. It's actually a great choice for anyone, but especially for babies. Avocado can be offered as soon as the baby is ready for solid foods - complementary foods, 6 months . Therefore, there is no reason why you cannot give your child an avocado," Victoria said.

The expert noted that avocados are indeed one of the best foods you can offer your baby from the very beginning of weaning!

"Ripe avocados are soft and nutritious, making them an excellent first food. For example, in the US, avocados are the TOP 1 food to start with. Most pediatricians around the world rank them #1 on their list. 10 Best Fruits for Babies because avocado nutrition is good for baby development,” the expert explained.

How to cook avocados for children?

"The avocado is a popular first food not only in the US for babies, but all over the world, and it's easy to see why. The fruit is easy to prepare rich in fiber and healthy fats that babies need to support digestion and brain development, zinc to support immune health. The healthy fats in avocados also make them a good option for making butter, which appropriately has a high smoke point - better for frying. Contrary to what you may have heard, they do not contain a lot of protein, however, they are a rich source of poly- and monounsaturated fats, "said Victoria.

"Infants and young children require more fat, not only do they contribute to the normal development of the brain and nervous system, they also help their body absorb important vitamins such as A, D, E and K. This is one of the reasons why avocados are included in conditional list 10 foods for low weight babies recommended by many nutritionists and pediatricians If your child's pediatrician has ruled out medical causes of slow weight gain, such as heart or digestive problems, consider feeding babies high-calorie whole foods after 6 months. , which can promote healthy weight gain," Victoria explained.

The expert added that avocados are also included in the list of auxiliary products for children's constipation.

"That's because it's a source of both soluble and insoluble fiber, which can help relieve constipation. In addition, a 2019 study found that replacing carbohydrates with fat and fiber from avocados increased satiety. Another study found that children who regularly ate avocados were 9% less likely to become overweight or obese over a period of 4 to 11 years compared to those who did not consume avocados regularly," the expert said.

Health benefits for baby (MUFA):

- Infants require more fat in their diet than adults.

"Actually, 50% of their energy supply should come from fat (as opposed to 30% for adults), avocados are high in fat compared to other foods, so are great for giving your child more bang for your buck," Victoria explained.

- avocados are high in oleic acid, a type of healthy fat from the group of monounsaturated fats (omega-9).

"It is also the main type of fat in breast milk. Oleic acid is important for the growth and development of the nervous system and brain. It is best known for its role in reducing the risk of heart disease and reducing inflammation in the body," the expert said.

- Avocado's fat content also helps your child absorb fat-soluble vitamins A, D, E and K and phytonutrients more efficiently.

- In addition to monounsaturated fats, avocados also contain some polyunsaturated fats (omega-6) and a few saturated fats.

"In general, this is a really nutritious food that should be included in your child's diet," summed up Victoria.

How to choose an avocado?

Avocado is not a canned baby food, so store fresh avocado is best.

Avocado is not on the list of dangerous foods for children with a high risk of choking .

When an avocado ripens, it has a very soft, creamy texture, although in theory a person can choke on any food - even water. All you need to do is make sure you create a safe eating environment, serve the product in a safe serving way, and stay within arm's reach of your child while eating.

How common is avocado allergy in children?

Avocado allergy is rare because avocado is not on the list of allergens and allergy to it is not common, it is more individual and cross-reactions. Avocado allergies are more common in people who are already allergic to bananas, chestnuts, or kiwis, and those who are allergic to latex or certain types of pollen may be allergic to avocados or suffer from oral allergy syndrome . Oral Allergy Syndrome usually results in a transient itching or burning sensation in the mouth and is unlikely to lead to a dangerous reaction,” the expert explained. you can just cut an avocado in half, pull out the big ankle in the middle, and then scoop up the green avocado fruit with a spoon. A good avocado has the consistency of butter. If you have chosen mashed baby food, you can mash it with a fork, or use a blender. If your child is on self-feeding (BLV), then cut it into safe slices - slices, make notches on it. Or cut it with a curly knife so that it is convenient for the child to take it with the handles, "said Victoria.

Avocados are best given to children in small portions

"As with any new food for a child, start with a small amount for the first few servings. If there is no adverse reaction, gradually increase the amount at subsequent meals," the specialist explained.

Victoria added that the main changes occur in the nutrition of infants and toddlers during the first two years of life. Exposure to certain foods and nutrients in the first two years may affect their future health through metabolic programming or the development of specific tastes.

Infants and toddlers should be offered nutritionally and physico-chemically ideal complementary and transitional foods on a regular basis to ensure their optimal health and enhance their taste preferences and perceptions of nutrient-dense dietary options.

"The avocado is unique among complementary foods and baby food," the expert concluded.

at what age can it be given and how?

Reading time: 5 minutes

Avocado is one of the most unusual fruits, it is rich in calories, fat and contains many nutrients. Recently, this fruit has become available in our country, so many are wondering if avocados can be given to children. Is it really that bad for kids? When can you start using it? Is it acceptable to give babies up to a year? Let's figure it out.

1 When can avocados be given to a child and how much

1.1 At what age can avocados be given

1.2 How and how much to give the baby avocado

1.2.1 Useful properties

1.2.2 possible harm

1.3 Recipes of delicious dishes

1.4 How to choose

1.5 We draw conclusions

1.5.1 Similar notes:

From what age can you give avocados

It is recommended to add exotic fruits to a child after 3-5 years.

Children under one year of age can only be given avocados if the mother consumed these fruits during pregnancy and breastfeeding, and neither she nor the child had an allergic reaction.

But avocado is a dietary product, it is easy to digest, very nutritious and has a mild taste. And the tender pulp allows you to give this fruit even to babies, since it is easy to make puree from it. Therefore, many give it already from 7-8 months and even add it to the first complementary foods at 5-6 months.

It is allowed to add avocados to complementary foods from 6 months if the baby is breastfed, but is already familiar with many foods if he has never had allergies, good digestion.

Doctors disagree on the age at which avocados can be given to children. Some believe that not earlier than 3 years old, British scientists recommend introducing the baby to this fruit only at 5-6 years old.

Dr. Komarovsky in many of his articles notes that it is better for a child to add fruits that grow in the area where the family lives in complementary foods. He does not consider avocado a very healthy fruit, so he recommends not rushing to introduce it into the diet of babies under one year old. Check out the video in which Komarovsky tells his opinion (beginning 1:24):

Avocado is bad for the environment / Sniffing / Opinion about an Irishman

Watch this video on YouTube

How and how much to give your baby an avocado

It doesn't matter when an avocado appears in your baby's complementary foods. Always start with half a teaspoon. After that, 2-3 days you need to observe the child. No new foods should be introduced during this time. Otherwise, if an allergic reaction starts, it will not be clear what it is for. Children who have not developed rashes, diarrhea, or other side effects can include avocados in their diet.

The question of whether it is possible to give an avocado to a baby and at what age should be decided individually. It depends on the characteristics of digestion, the presence of allergic reactions, the nutrition of the mother during pregnancy. But do not abuse it, it is better for a child to use such fruits no more than 2-3 times a week.

Avocados are very fatty and nutritious and can cause stool disorders and flatulence.

You also need to know how much pulp you can give. If a child does not have pathologies of the digestive system, a healthy liver and intestines, from 3-4 years old he can eat a quarter of fruit a day. After 7 years, half of the fruit is allowed, and for teenagers - a whole avocado. But we must remember that it is not recommended to consume more than 250 g of pulp per day - due to the high fat content, this is a big burden on the liver.

Benefits

This fruit, also known as the alligator pear, is a fruit. But in terms of taste and nutritional value, it is closer to vegetables. It contains a large amount of fatty acids. This fruit is a source of many nutrients. In 100 g of pulp, there are almost 15 g of fat, and the calorie content is 150 Kcal. There are also vitamins B, K, A, PP, E, magnesium, phosphorus, potassium, iodine, iron, silicon.

The presence of many useful substances makes avocados a valuable product that can be

to give to children. When used correctly, it has the following effect on the child's body:

strengthens blood vessels, normalizes heart rhythm;
improves digestion, relieves constipation, prevents weight gain;
improves appetite;
ensures the correct formation of the skeleton, strengthens the teeth;
soothes, normalizes sleep;
helps to cope with stress, prevents irritability;
improves kidney and liver function;
normalizes the composition of the blood, increases the level of hemoglobin;
strengthens the immune system, helps fight infection, protects against viruses and fungi;
improves memory, attention, increases the ability to learn.

Potential harm

But avocados should be introduced into the diet of children with caution. After all, it can cause an allergic reaction.

It is especially dangerous to give it to babies with citrus intolerance, latex allergy. In this case, for the first time, you can give the child a taste of this fruit at 5-7 years old.

The use of avocados may cause the following side effects:

urticaria, itching, skin rash;
abdominal pain;
nausea, diarrhea;
flatulence.

When eating avocados, be aware that the pit and skin are poisonous. It is necessary to carefully clean the fetus, remove the smallest particles of the bone.

Recipes for delicious meals

This fruit is popular for complementary foods because it is soft, has a delicate taste, is easy to digest, and does not need to be chewed. When giving avocados to babies, they first mash only from it. Then you can combine it with other products. It goes well with apples, bananas, peaches, as well as cottage cheese, kefir.

You can use it to make desserts, smoothies, soups, give it as a puree. Just keep in mind that after heat treatment, less nutrients will remain in the pulp, and it can be bitter. Before cooking, the fruit must be washed in hot water. Then peel the skin from it, cut it lengthwise and pull out the bone. If there are scales from it, clean them well. The flesh should be yellow or light green in color, dense. Loose overripe fruits should not be given to children.

When cooking, try to do everything quickly, as the avocado darkens after a few minutes. Therefore, prepare everything in advance, find out how many products you need.

The simplest meal for a baby is mashed potatoes. You need to mash a piece of pulp with a fork or beat in a blender. It is not recommended to add sugar, it will turn out sweet anyway. For babies, you can mix the fruit with breast milk.

You can purée courgettes and avocados later. To do this, boil the zucchini, grind it into a puree, add the alligator pear puree.

Lettuce is made to children after 5 years. For him, you need to cut the cabbage, rub the apple and avocado, mix everything, pour over the lemon juice. Add green onions, dill and a little olive oil.

Instead of butter, a child can spread this fruit puree on bread. To do this, the crushed pulp is mixed with lemon juice.

As a dessert, avocado and kiwi puree is made for the baby. Fruits are ground, then mixed. It is better to rub the kiwi through a sieve to remove the seeds.

The soup is based on chicken broth. It is necessary to grind the pulp into a puree, mix with the broth and bring to a boil. Serve with herbs and croutons.

Avocado soup: video recipe - Doctor Komarovsky

Watch this video on YouTube

How to choose the right one

It is important to choose the right avocado in the store. The peel should be uniform in color, shiny, without spots or damage. You need to press on it with your finger - there should not be dents. If the peel is pressed through, the fruit is overripe, rotting processes could already begin in it. Such fruits should not be given to children, they can cause poisoning.

It is better to choose a slightly unripe fruit, it will ripen in 3-5 days at room temperature. But in order not to take a completely green one, which will be tasteless, you need to shake it near your ear. You should hear the tapping of the bone.

Drawing conclusions

Whether it is possible to give a child or not, and also when it depends on many factors and on the parents themselves. Opinions differ, it is recommended to follow a simple rule that you can give avocados to a child: from 1 to 3 years we try, but carefully from 3 years we give (no more than 2-3 times a week)