Can you put garlic in baby food

6 Amazing Health Benefits Of Garlic For Babies

Explore the goodness of garlic through its nutrients chart and delicious recipes.

Research-backed

MomJunction believes in providing reliable, research-backed information to you. As per our strong editorial policy requirements, we base our health articles on references (citations) taken from authority sites, international journals, and research studies. However, if you find any incongruencies, feel free to write to us.

Image: Shutterstock

“A nickel will get you on the subway, but garlic will get you a seat.” – Unknown.

Garlic is a pungent-tasting kitchen ingredient that adds flavor and aroma to food. While it is considered safe for adults, some parents wonder if garlic for babies is a safe choice. Knowing this will help you introduce it to your baby’s diet at the right age and in age-appropriate ways.

It is interesting to know that the flavor of garlic seems to appeal to babies before they start consuming solids. Research shows that babies nurse better when their moms have consumed garlic (1). Further, garlic possesses several medicinal properties that can benefit their health.

Read on to learn when babies can consume garlic, its possible health benefits, and some tasty garlic recipes you can make for your baby.

Related: 10 Causes Of Vomiting In Babies, Remedies & When To Seek Help

When Can Babies Have Garlic?

You can begin giving garlic to babies from six to eight months of age. However, some babies might find it difficult to digest or could develop an allergy. Also, the garlic should be fresh and given in limited quantities.

The reaction to garlic can manifest in the form of cramps, swelling, vomiting or diarrhea. Visit a pediatrician if you observe any of these symptoms. Seek medical advice right away if your baby has breathing trouble or severe reactions.

Nutritional Value Of Garlic

Garlic is a good source of vitamin B6, manganese, selenium, potassium, and iron. It is also known to have anti-bacterial, anti-fungal and anti-protozoal effects, which could help protect the baby from infections (2).

Nutrient	Unit	Value per 100 g
Energy	kcal	149/td>
Protein	g	6.36
Carbohydrate, by difference	g	33.1
Fiber, total dietary	g	2.1
Calcium, Ca	mg	181
Iron, Fe	mg	1.7
Sodium, Na	mg	17
Vitamin C, total ascorbic acid	mg	31.2
Vitamin A, IU	IU	31.2
Cholesterol	mg	0

Source: https://fdc.nal.usda.gov/fdc-app.html#/food-details/169230/nutrients

Health Benefits Of Garlic For Babies

Here are some ways garlic could be beneficial to your baby.

1. Here are some ways garlic could be beneficial to your baby.

The antibacterial and antiviral properties of garlic protect your baby from common cold. Garlic soup could reduce the severity of cold. The volatile oils in garlic help open up the respiratory passages and relieve the condition.

Quick tip

Anecdotal evidence suggests putting a few garlic cloves in mustard oil and heating the oil. Rubbing the oil (when lukewarm) on a baby’s chest and feet can relieve congestion.

2. Antimicrobial properties regulate infections

Image: iStock

Phytochemicals present in garlic could be effective in killing bacteria in the colon and small intestine. However, garlic is harmless on the probiotic microbes residing in the baby’s digestive system.

The antimicrobial properties also help heal wounds quickly. You may mix the fresh juice of garlic cloves in fruit or vegetable juice and feed the concoction to your baby (3).

Related: Signs Of Bacterial Infections, Causes, Diagnosis, & Treatment

3.

Kills harmful intestinal worms in babies

When intestinal worms such as tapeworms enter the baby’s body in the form of eggs, they settle in the intestines and feed on the nutrients, eventually leading to infections and ailments. Garlic can act as an effective anthelmintic drug to kill the intestinal worms (4).

4. Anti-inflammatory effect supports immune system

Image: Shutterstock

Garlic stimulates cell types such as macrophages, lymphocytes, natural killer (NK) cells, dendritic cells, and eosinophils, thus building your baby’s immune system. Also, it regulates cytokine secretion, which could help in the treatment or prevention of obesity, metabolic syndrome, as the baby grows (7).

When we say garlic is good for your baby, we mean a limited quantity of it. Give him the right amount to enjoy the benefits of this food.

Did you know?

Garlic contains sulfur and its overconsumption may make your baby’s pee smell foul (10).

How Much Garlic Is Safe For Babies?

Initially, serve one garlic clove a day. Treat garlic as a new food and follow a 3-5 day wait rule to rule out any allergic reaction. If they do not show any reactions, you may gradually increase the quantity but remember a baby cannot eat garlic like an adult does.

How To Select, Store And Use Garlic?

Use fresh garlic rather than the paste or powder. Select the one that is juicy and white. Peel off the skin, mince or crush and add it to the diet. Chopping or crushing helps secrete OSCs.

Keep crushed garlic aside for 10 minutes before cooking. This would allow OSCs to develop completely.

Serve garlic soup to your little one, by adding a pinch of sugar to camouflage the strong flavor. Store garlic in a warm, dry place.

Don’t give a whole clove to your little one as it is hard to chew and may pose a choking hazard. Instead, add it to the various recipes that you make for them by finely slicing or crushing it.

Related: 21 Healthy Finger Foods For Toddlers

Garlic Recipes For Babies

Here are some simple recipes containing garlic:

1.

Chicken-garlic soup

Image: iStock

Preparation time: 40 minutes

You will need:

50 gm boneless chicken

1/2 tsp ginger (grated)

3-4 garlic (chopped)

5 cups water

1 small onion (finely chopped)

Pepper

Salt

How to:

Transfer all the ingredients to a pressure cooker and cook on slight flame for 10 minutes and low flame for 15 minutes.

Strain the broth after cooling it down and serve warm.

2. Tomato

rasam (Indian recipe)

Image: iStock

Preparation time: 40 minutes

You will need:

3 tomatoes

2 garlic cloves (chopped)

2-3 black peppercorns

1 cup water

1/2 tsp cumin seeds

salt for taste

1/2 tsp oil

How to:

Heat oil, add cumin seeds, garlic, and peppercorns. Sauté.

Add water and tomatoes. Boil for 10 minutes. Remove off the flame and let it cool.

Mash well. To remove the tomato skin, strain the mixture.

Add the sautéd mixture.
Feed it as soup or serve with mashed rice.

3. Garlic bread (10 months)

Image: iStock

Preparation time: 15 minutes

You will need:

1 garlic clove

1 ciabatta (Italian white bread)

50g softened butter

1tsp fresh parsley (chopped)

How to:

Add butter, parsley, and crushed garlic clove in a bowl and mix well.

Spread the mix as a thin layer on both sides of the bread.

Bake the bread in a preheat oven at 200 degrees C/Gas mark 6 for five to 10 minutes.

Bake both sides until brown.

Quick tip

Sauteing crushed garlic in butter gives an excellent flavor when added to pasta sauces or simple purees.

1. Does garlic cause gas in babies?

It has been reported in many cases that garlic has caused gas in some babies. However, on the other hand, some babies have also shown no symptoms of gassiness after consuming garlic (8).

2. Does garlic cause colic in babies?

Studies have suggested that the ingestion of garlic by the mother has increased the reports of a colicky breastfed baby (9). However, there is no definitive evidence that feeding garlic to a baby can cause colic.

Parents are excited to introduce garlic to babies due to its multiple health benefits. Although it is safe, you must take care when introducing it and choose the right age. Check with your pediatrician first if your baby could start consuming garlic. Then, introduce fresh garlic in minimal quantities and follow the three-day wait rule. Stay vigilant for any side effects and report any to your doctor. If unsure of how to introduce this condiment, we are sure our tasty garlic recipes for babies will be helpful.

References:

1. Julie A. Mennella and Gary K. Beauchamp;Maternal Diet Alters the Sensory Qualities of Human Milk and the Nursling’s Behavior;AAP News & Journals;American Academy of Pediatrics (1991)
2. Leyla Bayan et al.;Garlic: a review of potential therapeutic effects;National Centre for Biotechnology Information (2014)
3. Some Common Spices and Plants with Antimicrobial and Therapeutic Properties;Hawaii.edu
4. Ayaz E et al.;Evaluation of the anthelmentic activity of garlic (Allium sativum) in mice naturally infected with Aspiculuris tetraptera.;National Centre for Biotechnology Information (2008)
5. Omar Syed Haris;Garlic and Cardiovascular Diseases;Natural Products;researchgate.net (2013)
6. Georgia Schäfer and Catherine H. Kaschula;The Immunomodulation and Anti-Inflammatory Effects of Garlic Organosulfur Compounds in Cancer Chemoprevention;National Centre for Biotechnology Information (2014)
7. Rodrigo Arreola et al.;Immunomodulation and Anti-Inflammatory Effects of Garlic Compounds;National Centre for Biotechnology Information (2015)
8. What’s causing gas in my breastfed baby?; Texas Children’s Hospital
9. Garlic; National Library Of Medicine
10. Urine Smell: What Does It Mean?; Cleveland Clinic

The following two tabs change content below.

Reviewer
Author

Eating Rice During Pregnancy: Safety, Health Benefits, And Side Effects
Eating Rice During Pregnancy: Safety, Health Benefits, And Side Effects
7 Proven Health Benefits Of Coconut Oil During Pregnancy
7 Proven Health Benefits Of Coconut Oil During Pregnancy
10 Delicious Plum Recipes For Your Baby
10 Delicious Plum Recipes For Your Baby
When Babies Can Have Soy Milk, And Myths About Soy Formula
When Babies Can Have Soy Milk, And Myths About Soy Formula
Oranges For Babies: Right Time To Introduce, Benefits, And Recipes
Oranges For Babies: Right Time To Introduce, Benefits, And Recipes
Post Pregnancy Diet: 20 Must-have Foods For New Moms
Post Pregnancy Diet: 20 Must-have Foods For New Moms
Sweet Potato During Pregnancy: Nutritional Value And Health Benefits
Sweet Potato During Pregnancy: Nutritional Value And Health Benefits
9 Proven Health Benefits Of Eating Cabbage During Pregnancy
9 Proven Health Benefits Of Eating Cabbage During Pregnancy
Mango For Babies: Nutritional Value, Benefits, And Recipes
Mango For Babies: Nutritional Value, Benefits, And Recipes

Nutritional Value, Health Benefits & Recipes

Garlic is a popular ingredient in cooking; its strong taste adds flavour to any recipe. Hence, a dish prepared without garlic seems to lack flavour. Garlic also has high medicinal value. Your grandmother must have raved about the medicinal properties of garlic and how it helps in treating the common cold and boosting immunity. Of course, garlic has many health benefits, but is it good for a baby? Many new mothers are not sure about giving garlic to their babies, therefore, we have incorporated all the necessary information to help you decide if you can give it to your baby or not. Find out if garlic is safe for babies and when you can introduce garlic in your baby’s diet.

Is Garlic Safe for Babies?

There’s no harm in feeding garlic to babies if it is given in a safe manner. Garlic allergies do exist, but their occurrences are quite rare. The strong and pungent flavour of garlic could be a little too much for your baby, so it is best to introduce only a tiny amount in the beginning.

When to Introduce Garlic in a Baby’s Diet

There is no specific time as such to introduce garlic into your baby’s diet. Some moms may choose to introduce garlic in very small quantity from as early as 6 months of age, while others may choose to wait for a year or so. Doctors usually recommend introducing any kind of solids, and especially the strong ones like garlic, once the baby turns 10-11 months.

Nutritional Content of Garlic

The constitution of garlic is quite interesting to observe since it has one of the most peculiar combinations of ingredients that make it healthy. In 100g of garlic, the distribution can be observed as follows.

Constituent	Quantity
Fibre	2.1 g
Carbohydrates	33.1 g
Protein	6.4 g
Calories	149
Sodium	17 mg
Iron	1.7 mg

Source – http://nutritiondata.self.com/facts/vegetables-and-vegetable-products/2446/2

What Are the Health Benefits of Garlic for Infants

The reason most people tend to include garlic in their baby’s diet is due to the numerous benefits it offers to the child, which can be temporary as well as long-lasting.

1. Strengthens the Immune System

Garlic is known to boost the immune system of a baby by stimulating the cells of the body, namely eosinophils, dendritic cells, natural defence cells, and lymphocytes. Furthermore, it even stimulates the secretion of cytokine that improves metabolism and keeps any possibility of obesity in check.

2. Lowers the Risk of Cancer

The properties of garlic that protect an individual from bacteria, viruses, and oxidants are enhanced when it is in the crushed form, as it contains a higher amount of organosulfur compounds. All of these work together in stimulating the immune system to react against inflammation and protects the baby from various types of cancer, like oral, colon, renal.

3. Keeps Heart Health in Check

The collection of cholesterol along the lines of arteries begins from a young age and the presence of bad cholesterol needs to be kept in check from the start. Garlic helps in reducing the levels of cholesterol in the blood, which lowers the risk of hypertension and the chances of heart attacks in future.

4. Fights Against Worms in the Intestine

Worms may enter a baby’s stomach and intestine through food or their eggs might find their way within the intestine which leads to infections and other diseases. Garlic is one of the best ways to kill these worms.

5. Protects from Microbial Infections and Cold

The intestinal tract contains both good bacteria as well as bad bacteria. Any medication to fight infection usually ends up killing all the bacteria without discrimination. However, garlic contains phytochemicals, which effectively helps in removing the harmful bacteria alone. Furthermore, these help in promoting the healing activity within a child as well. Climate changes and extreme weather conditions can lead to cold and cough in babies. Garlic is very effective in treating cough and cold. The oils in garlic work in returning the respiratory tract to a normal level, whereas the antimicrobial properties fight against the viruses and bacteria causing the illness.

How Much Garlic is Safe for Infants

When introducing garlic to a baby, do it properly. As with any new food item, it is necessary to check for chances of allergies. Therefore, give only a small clove of garlic at first. If there doesn’t seem to be any problem for a few days, then you can give him the same amount or a little more gradually, but not as much as an adult may have.

Measures to Be Taken While Giving Garlic to a Baby

There are a couple of things that need to be kept in mind before introducing garlic to a baby in any form. Here is what you must note before giving garlic to a baby:

1. Choose the Right Garlic

Choose a clove that is clear, white, and juicy. Add it to the food of your baby while cooking. Avoid giving it in the raw form.

2. Control the Strong Flavour

If your baby seems to react adversely to the smell or taste of garlic, pair it with a little sugar a few times in the beginning. Don’t give him too much.

Delicious Recipes Containing Garlic for Babies

There are a few interesting ways you can make garlic a part of your baby’s diet once he gets started on solids.

1. Garlic Roti

Give garlic roti to your baby once he turns one, and not before that. This will have him munching on the flavour with zest.

Ingredients

Coriander
Butter
Roti
Garlic

How to Prepare

Crush the garlic clove and put it in a bowl along with coriander and butter.
Mix them all together and lay the mixture on the roti.
Toast it on a pan at high temperature for about 10 minutes until it emits flavour.

2. Indian Rasam

The absolute classic preparation that is known for its nutrition as well as a soothing effect.

Ingredients

Oil
Salt
Cumin seeds
Water
Black pepper
Garlic
Tomatoes

How to Prepare

Sauté black pepper, garlic, and cumin seeds in a pan with some oil. Keep it aside.
Boil water and tomatoes for about 8 minutes and then allow it to cool.
Mash all the ingredients properly and strain it to separate the tomato skin. Add the sautéed preparation to it and give it in the form of a soup or with some rice to your child.

4. Garlic Soup With Chicken

Give garlic soup with chicken to your baby at dinner time.

Ingredients

Salt
Pepper
Onion
Water
Garlic
Ginger
Chicken, boneless

How to Prepare

Place all the ingredients inside a pressure cooker. Let it cook on a medium flame for about 8-10 minutes. Later, reduce the flame and let it cook for another 15 minutes on it.
Once done, use a strainer to acquire the broth and let your baby have it while it is warm.

Any healthy food provides benefits when it is consumed in the appropriate quantities. The same goes for garlic as well. Your baby will have the best of it when it is introduced in the right form.

Also Read: Is Cinnamon Good for Babies?

Garlic in baby food - Telegraph

Feature : good disinfectant. In the diet of a child, it is recommended to use after a year.

Garlic came to us from Central Asia. The main distinguishing feature of garlic is its pungent smell. In the old days, many peoples believed that it drives away evil spirits.

100 grams of garlic contains 149 kcal

vitamins

0022

Macronutrients

Microelements

Vitamin PP - 1.2 mg

Vitamin B1 (thiamine) - 0.08 mg

Vitamin B2 (riboflavin) - 0.08 mg

Vitamin B5 (pantothenic) - 0.596 mg

Vitamin B6 (pyridoxine) - 0. 6 mg

Vitamin B9 (folic) - 3 mcg

nine0002 Vitamin C - 10mg

Vitamin E (TE) - 0.3 mg

Vitamin K (phylloquinone) - 1.7 mcg

Vitamin PP (niacin equivalent) - 2.8 mg

Choline - 23.2 mg

Calcium - 180 mg

Magnesium - 30 mg

Sodium - 17 mg

Potassium - 260 mg

Phosphorus - 100 mg

Chlorine - 30 mg

Iron - 1.5 mg

Zinc - 1.025 mg

Iodine - 9 mcg

Copper - 130 mcg

Manganese - 0.81 mg

Selenium - 14.2 mcg

Cobalt - 9 mcg

Composition and nutritional properties of garlic

100 g of garlic contains:

Proteins - 6.5 g
Fats - 0.5 g
Carbohydrates - 29.9 g
Dietary fiber - 1.5 g
Organic acids - 0.1 g
Water - 60 g
Unsaturated fatty acids - 0. 1 g
Mono- and disaccharides - 3.9 g
Starch - 26 g
Ash - 1.5 g
Saturated fatty acids - 0.1 g

Category

Health and care nine0108

Publication date: 17 October 2012, 17:25

Useful product. Garlic

Health benefits of garlic

Garlic has antibiotic properties, diuretic and diaphoretic, analgesic, wound healing, antimicrobial, antihelminthic, antitoxic properties, lowers blood pressure. nine0007

Garlic is rich in such useful substances as potassium, sodium, calcium, magnesium, nitrogenous substances, phosphoric, silicic, sulfuric acids, vitamins D, C, B, extractives, phytosterols, essential oils, phytoncides. Garlic strengthens the immune system.

Experts say that garlic increases testosterone levels. That is, if you eat two cloves of garlic twice a day, it is likely that the growth of muscle tissue will accelerate.

Contraindications for use

Do not consume garlic in large quantities. They tend to accumulate in the body. And this is fraught with inflammation of the mucosa, colitis and gastritis. It is also not recommended to use garlic for people with kidney disease, anemia, stomach ulcers, intestinal ulcers. It is strictly forbidden to use garlic for nursing mothers. Because of the garlic in the milk, a specific aroma and flavor may appear.

Category

Publication date: July 16, 2010, 00:00

Dill and parsley in baby food

Garlic in children's diet

Garlic is very useful for the child's body, and it is necessary to introduce it into the diet. But this must be done very carefully. After a year, you can add a creeper to mashed potatoes, soups. Up to four years of age, garlic can be present in baby food no more than 2-3 times a week in small doses. Older children can add garlic to main dishes.

Cooking and consistency

After a year, give your child garlic in soup or mashed potatoes. Garlic is useful not only to eat, but also to inhale its smell to prevent colds. When the child is two years old, you can try offering him a clove of garlic with bread. nine0007

Garlic recipes for children

Broccoli Buns (from 3 years old)

Ingredients:

Broccoli - 4 inflorescences
Butter - 40 g
Sugar - 0.5 tsp
Salt - 1/3 teaspoon
Egg - 1 pc.
Sour cream - 1 tbsp. spoon
Baking powder - 0. 5 tsp
Cheese - 30-40 g
Sesame
Garlic

Cooking:

First you need to boil the broccoli in boiling water for about three minutes. Drain the water, wait until the broccoli cools down and dries. Then you need to beat the butter with sugar and salt, then add the egg and sour cream and beat again. Pour flour, baking powder and grated cheese into this mass and mix. Then you need to take a silicone mold, put one tablespoon of dough there, put a broccoli inflorescence, and on top another tablespoon of dough. Sprinkle with sesame seeds, and then squeeze out the garlic. It will give the buns a characteristic smell and light taste. Bake for approximately 25 minutes at 180 degrees. Garlic can also be added immediately after the buns are baked. nine0007

Zucchini pancakes with herbs and garlic (from 3 years old)

Ingredients:

Zucchini - 1 pc.
Eggs - 2 pcs.
Flour - 8-10 tbsp. spoons
Garlic - 1-2 cloves
Salt, dill
Vegetable oil

Cooking:

First you need to peel the zucchini from the skin and grind in a blender to a puree state. Then add eggs, salt, finely grated garlic, chopped dill and flour to the puree. Mix the dough. Heat the vegetable oil and fry the pancakes over low heat on both sides until cooked. nine0007

Chicken legs with vegetables (from 2 years old)

Ingredients:

Chicken legs - 2 pcs.
Potatoes - 2 pcs.
Red pepper (sweet) - ½ pc.
Carrots (coarsely grated) - 1 tbsp. spoon
Bulb - 1 pc.
Garlic
Salt
Greenery
Olive oil

Cooking:

First you need to cut the onion into half rings and stew with carrots in olive oil, and you can immediately add garlic. Then add diced potatoes and peppers. Put chicken legs on top of vegetables, salt and add greens. Pour one glass of water, let it boil and reduce the heat. Simmer covered for 30 minutes.

Bon appetit!

For more recipes, see Baby Food

About when to introduce new foods into the baby's diet, about the beneficial properties of these products and how to diversify the baby's menu with new dishes, read the Encyclopedia of Baby Food

Can children have garlic, from what age

Contents

This spicy root crop is useful for children from an early age, but in small quantities. It is required to include it in the diet carefully, in combination with other products. And only on condition that the baby does not suffer from inflammatory diseases of the digestive tract. nine0347

Properties of garlic

Many people remember eating spicy cloves with rye bread in kindergarten. Fresh garlic was offered to children not by chance. The caustic "delicacy" contains a complex of organic acids, microelements, essential oils and other health enhancing substances. Allicin, to which the fruit owes a spicy taste, stimulates the release of antibodies to harmful microbes.

Fresh garlic juice accelerates bile secretion, increases appetite, prevents fermentation in the intestines and the development of diarrhea. Volatile compounds tone blood vessels, improve heart function. Regular consumption of dishes with the addition of garlic helps protect the body from chemical and biological toxins, infections, normalizes the secretion of insulin, stimulates the synthesis of cartilage tissue, and overall metabolism. nine0007

But it is important to remember that garlic is not an independent product, but a hot seasoning for food. It should not be abused by healthy people either, and with pathologies of the urinary system of the stomach, pancreas, liver or intestines, this fruit causes serious harm. Irritating the mucous membranes, garlic compounds increase the release of digestive enzymes, and can provoke heartburn or colic.

Garlic for children: from what age and how much

Raw root vegetables should not be offered to babies under 3 years old. Even in the absence of a tendency to allergies, it can cause redness of the oral mucosa, a burn of the esophagus. Not to mention the fact that babies are not able to fully appreciate the pungent smell and burning taste. nine0007

For healthy babies, grated garlic or juice from it is allowed to be added to hot dishes during their preparation. Toddlers 1-2 years old: no more than 1 medium clove per day, no more than 2 times a week. The crushed fruit should be added to meat, fish dishes, soups, vegetable stews, having previously peeled completely from the peel and films.

From the age of 3 it is allowed to give up to 2 cloves once. At will, grown-up children can be given to gnaw garlic with bread, sprinkle sandwiches, put in fresh vegetable salads: with cabbage, cucumbers, tomatoes. nine0007

Children under 5 years of age should not add any other hot spices such as onion, pepper or vinegar to dishes with garlic. This increases the risk of indigestion and allergies. It is recommended to combine the root crop with starchy foods and neutral-tasting vegetables. Including: with potatoes, zucchini, cauliflower, cereals on the water, meat and vegetarian broths, non-acidic sauces. Dishes with garlic are useful in the morning and lunch hours. In the evening, this fruit is better not to eat because of the tonic effect.

Caution when using

Do not consume more than 2 cloves of garlic at once, even if the child strongly desires. A loading dose of essential compounds can negatively affect your well-being, blood pressure, provoke insomnia, and headaches.