Feeding baby bananas at 5 months

How to Serve Babies Banana During Baby-Led Feeding — Malina Malkani

Starting SolidsBaby-Led WeaningPediatric Nutrition

Jan 10

Written By Malina Malkani

Have you ever wondered…

…how to feed babies banana during baby-led weaning? Babies tend to love bananas, which, when ripe, are an ideal texture for new eaters. There are many simple ways to serve babies banana as a finger food during baby-led feeding, and bananas also work well for babies when served mashed or pureed on a pre-loaded spoon or used as an ingredient in mixed dishes.

In the following blog post, we’ll explore the nutrition-related benefits of bananas for babies, baby-friendly ways to prepare bananas, and recipes for babies and toddlers that include bananas.

Are bananas nutritious for babies and toddlers?

Ripe bananas are a common and convenient first food for babies, as the texture is easy for babies to mash and swallow with gums, regardless of whether they have teeth. Bananas are high in potassium and fiber, quite nutrient-rich overall, and a great source of antioxidants, phytonutrients, vitamins and minerals including vitamins C and B6.

Luckily, most babies love the taste of ripe bananas, because babies are born already accustomed to sweet flavors, given that breast milk, formula and even amniotic fluid are slightly sweet.

Bananas do not commonly cause an allergic reaction in babies and are not among the top 9 most allergenic foods, nor are they a common choking hazard for babies and toddlers, however it’s always important to supervise when serving bananas (and any other food or beverage) to babies during meals and snacks.

Can babies and toddlers eat too many bananas?

It’s easy to serve babies and toddlers bananas often – even daily – given how easily accepted, affordable, portable, and delicious they are. I happen to also love that bananas come with their own recyclable packaging, making them easy to take with you when you and your baby are on the go.

Six month old fabulous fellow munching on a banana. Thank you to his wonderful parents for allowing permission to share.

That being said, it is important for parents and caregivers to prioritize offering babies and toddlers a diverse diet with a wide variety of foods so that they can receive all of the different nutrients they need to thrive and grow. If you find yourself offering banana on a daily basis, try to limit to once per day and work on building more variety into the rotation.

A common concern about bananas is that eating them is a risk factor for constipation, and while some studies do support this, other studies suggest that bananas may help keep things moving through the digestive tract. How the body reacts to bananas actually depends on the banana’s level of ripeness – the more ripe the banana, the less it may lead to constipation, and the more unripe (or green) the banana, the opposite, as greener bananas contain more prebiotics, which are types of dietary fibers that support the growth of friendly bacteria in the gut and promote colon health gut.

In any case, constipation in babies and toddlers is usually dependent on several different factors (such as liquid intake, activity level, toileting habits, etc.) as opposed to overdoing it on one particular food, so be sure to reach out to your pediatrician or dietitian if you have questions or concerns about your child’s bowel health.

How to prepare bananas during baby-led feeding

Banana is perfect for babies from the age of about 6 months, once the baby is ready for solid foods. If you prefer not to start with finger foods, peel, then mash the banana and serve on a preloaded spoon, or serve bananas mashed and mixed with baby cereal.

If you prefer to introduce banana via baby-led weaning, cut the banana in half widthwise, then peel halfway down so that you have created a "handle" that your baby can easily grip while taking bites from the banana flesh. Just keep in mind that if you offer banana to your baby with any part of the peel, it’s important to wash the skin well before serving in case it gets licked! If your baby eats down to the peel or drops some on the floor and wants more, remove the peel first before offering.

Example of a 6 month old little one eating a banana with the peel partially on for grip. A thank you to his parents for granting permission to share this little guy!

It’s also fine to offer adult pinky finger sized strips of ripe banana - if the strips are too slippery for baby to grasp, try rolling them in some ground flax seeds, ground nuts or chia seeds for better gripping as well as a bonus nutrient boost and some extra omega-3 fatty acids. The texture of hemp seeds, bread crumbs and shredded, unsweetened coconut are all viable options for this as well.

As babies and toddlers grow, you can continue to offer banana whole and partly peeled or start to experiment with offering banana cut into small bites. A small piece of banana offers a great way for toddlers to start mastering the skill of spearing foods with a little fork.

A six month old eating a banana! I would like to thank his parents for allowing permission to share this little cutie!

Banana recipes for babies and toddlers

If you’re looking for some additional ways to serve bananas to babies and toddlers, here are some of my favorite baby-friendly, toddler-friendly banana recipes. A little tip for you to remember as you are getting ready to serve banana or use it as a recipe ingredient - if you’re concerned that the texture of your bananas are not soft enough for your baby to manage, place the banana in a paper bag overnight which will help hasten ripening considerably.

Mascarpone Peanut Butter Melts

Banana Smash Cake

Banana Protein Pancakes

Pumpkin Cookies for Babies

Baby-Led Weaning Blueberry Muffins

Easy Blender Banana Pancakes for Babies

Baby-Led Weaning Valentine Cookies

Baby-Led Weaning Banana Hazelnut Muffins

If your baby will soon be starting solids, make sure to download my FREE Baby-Led Feeding Essentials Checklist, which provides my favorite versions of the few things you really need during this process and none of the fluff you don't. Plus, you'll get my top 12 tips for successful baby-led feeding meals as a part of the download.

More importantly, if your baby is ready to start solids and you’d like for someone you trust to map out the entire first 12 weeks of your baby’s solid food feeding journey, check out my new Safe & Simple 12 Week Meal Plan! This guide includes over 30 recipes, weekly shopping lists, tons of balanced baby meals, a complete plan for top allergen introduction, & lots of guidance (with photos) on how to safely serve each food. Download your meal plan here.

Malina Malkani

Banana for Baby Food Recipes. Easy ways to Make Banana for Homemade Baby Food with Age for Introducing or Feeding Homemade Bananas

Bananas are an excellent source of nutrition and as such, are another perfect fruit to be one of baby’s first foods.

The Goodness of Bananas for Your Baby

Bananas are often called one of nature’s perfect foods because they are said to contain many of the nutrients that a person needs to survive. One of the most important nutritional components of Bananas is that they contain potassium and fiber. Bananas are also high in Vitamin B6, Vitamin C and Vitamin B2.

The Potassium in bananas often gets a bad rap due to the confusion with sodium (salt). Potassium contributes to healthy blood pressure as well as healthy heart functions. Some studies have suggested that people who consume bananas and other foods high in potassium are less likely to develop atherosclerosis and high blood pressure.

Bananas are also known as one of nature’s own antacids. They are known to help protect against stomach ulcers and ulcer damage. The reason for this seldom known and almost odd fact is that bananas contain “mucilaginous bulking substances”. The help the intestines with producing a mucousy lining and are very very easy to digest.

Please be aware that bananas are also know to cause constipation when eaten in large quantities.

Nutrients in 1 cup of mashed Bananas
VITAMINS:Vitamin A – 144 IUVitamin C – 19. 6 mgFolate (important during pregnancy) – 45 mcgVitamin B6 – .82 mcgNiacin – 1.49 mgPantothenic Acid – .31 mg Vitamin E – .22 IU	MINERALS:Potassium – 806 mgMagnesium – 61 mgPhosphorus – 50 mgCalcium – 11 mgIron – .58 mgAlso contains trace amounts of zinc, manganese and copper

When can I introduce Bananas to my baby?

Bananas may be introduced to your baby as early as 4 months old. Please remember that the recommended age to begin introducing solid foods is between 4-6 months old, with 6 months being the idea age.

Bananas have been associated with Latex allergies and sensitivities so ask your pediatrician about introducing bananas to your baby if there is a history of Latex issues. As always we recommend you consult with your pediatrician about introducing solid foods to your baby.

The Best Convenience Food

Besides all of the above fantastic healthy qualities, bananas are the one of the best convenience foods. They come in their own jackets and there is no need to wash them; simply peel & eat. This gives the banana a big thumbs-up for parents; when it comes time for and travel, take out a banana and feel great knowing that you and your children are indulging in one of nature’s perfect foods.

Selecting and Storing Bananas

Many think that bananas are highly contaminated with pesticides however this is not true. According to the EWG, bananas are not one of the “dirty dozen” foods that are most highly contaminated with pesticides – purchasing organic is a personal choice.

Tasty Banana Baby Food Recipes

Mashed Bananas

1 Ripe Banana – Bananas do not need to be cooked
Water, Formula or Breast Milk as needed

Step 1: Peel and cut a ripe banana into small dices

Step 2: Mash with a fork

There should be no need to use a machine as bananas, just like avocados, will have a very soft consistency and texture.

Depending on your baby’s age and stage, you may not need to add any liquid to the mashed banana. You may purée the banana in a food processor or blender if desired

Banana-Cado

Avocados and Bananas do not need to be cooked.

1 ripe banana
1 ripe avocado

Step 1: Peel and pit a ripe avocado

Step 2: Cut “meat” out and mash with a fork

Step 3: Peel and mash 1 banana

Step 4: Place in a blender or food processor and puree until desired texture is achieved.

Banana “Custard”

2 ripe bananas
3 egg yolks
1/2 cup milk or formula
pinch of ginger or cinnamon or nutmeg – you choose

Step 1: Place all ingredients in a blender or food processor and blend until smooth but not runny and thin – or simply hand whip the ingredients together if you prefer.

Step 2: Pour mixture into custard/ramekins and bake at 350F for approximately 20 minutes.

Step 3: Check every 10 minutes as the time can vary depending on how thick/thin you made the mixture. This will begin to split like a pumpkin or custard pie does when finished.

Step 4: Test with a clean knife inserted into the center; it’s done when the knife comes out clean.

This can also be made by scrambling in a frying pan on low heat, with a bit of olive oil.

Bananas & Tapioca

½ Cup Water
1/3 Cup Quick-cooking Tapioca
1 Banana
½ Cup plain or vanilla Yogurt

Step 1: Bring water to a boil in a saucepan.

Step 2: Gradually add tapioca, stirring constantly.

Step 3: Reduce heat to low & cook 5 minutes, continuing to stir constantly.

Step 4: Separately puree the banana & add to the mixture.

Step 5: Blend tapioca with yogurt & banana.

Fried Bananas

2 bananas
butter
cinnamon or ginger

Step 1: In a small frying pan, gently heat 2 tbs of butter.

Step 2: Slice the bananas into thin slices or dices.

Step 3: Add bananas to the pan and sauté.

Step 4: Sprinkle with spices if desired and mash if needed.

Banana Rice Pudding

1 cup cooked brown rice
1/2 cup banana purée
1/2 cup plain whole milk yogurt
1/2 teaspoon vanilla
dash of cinnamon and/or ginger

Step 1: Combine ingredients and warm gently in a sauce pan. Stir frequently.

Step 2: Remove warmed pudding to a food processor or blender and blend as needed for a texture your baby will enjoy. Do not blend if serving to an older baby who can handle texture. Save some for yourself too. Yum.

A Few Foods Good to Mix With Bananas

Cereals
Avocado
Blueberries
Kiwi
Peaches
Pears
Apples
Sweet Potatoes
Yogurt

Resources and Learning More:

American Heart Association -Importance of Potassium
Harvard School of Public Health – Heart Disease
Lebombo – Banana Information

Remember, always consult with your pediatrician regarding introducing solid foods to your baby and specifically discuss any foods that may pose allergy risks for your baby.

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When can a child be given a banana: from how many months, baby, complementary foods

Tips for mothers

From how many months

Pediatricians agree that this fruit can be given from 8-9 months. It should not be given very first, otherwise the child will get used to sweets and may refuse other useful things - vegetables and cereals. In no case should you give a banana before 6 months. Because of this, a serious malfunction in the fragile digestive system can occur.

When can a child be given a banana so as not to harm his digestive system

Photo: Getty

First, give your baby a mashed banana. Ready-made puree can be bought at the store, but it is very easy to make it at home, just mash a ripe banana with a fork. Please note that this fruit is very sweet, so it should not be given to children who are gaining weight faster than normal so that they do not become obese.

Bananas as baby food

The main advantage of the banana is that although it is an exotic fruit, it almost never causes an allergic reaction in children. In very rare cases, infants are allergic to serotonin, a chemical found in bananas. It is sweet and tasty, but most importantly, incredibly healthy.
That's why you should choose bananas as an early food.

Potassium, magnesium, sodium, iron and fluorine are found in the banana. They contribute to the normal formation of bone and muscle mass, normalize the circulatory system, and are useful for the brain.
Banana 20% is starch. It is easily absorbed by the child's body. After splitting, starch turns into glucose, which is also needed by children.
In terms of vitamin C content, banana is not inferior to citrus fruits.
It also contains a lot of B vitamins. They are needed for the nervous system and normal sleep, for strong hair and good skin.
In a smaller amount, but also contains vitamins PP, E, K.
Banana fiber provides energy, which is very important for an active growing organism.
In general, bananas improve attention and improve mood.

Try to keep your child's diet as varied as possible. Although he can still eat a limited number of foods, alternate and combine them in different ways. So the baby will be able to receive the maximum amount of vitamins and minerals.

Babies usually enjoy eating bananas, but if your little one refuses, don't force him to. Think about what you can replace the banana in the children's diet.

Yulia Ionina

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From how many months can a child be given a banana and in what form, so that this fruit will benefit the baby?

More than 500 varieties of bananas are known, but only two are the most popular - representatives of the Cavendish variety 15–25 cm long with a yellow peel and baby bananas up to 7. 5 cm long. These fruits do not have a clear seasonality, and in hot countries they ripen all year round ^[1] .

Useful properties of bananas

Bananas contain carbohydrates - a source of energy for growth and development. Pods also contain potassium, which is necessary for proper metabolism and muscle function.

Bananas also contain fiber, which helps the baby’s gastrointestinal tract work.

Place of fruit in baby's diet

In accordance with the recommendations in force in the Russian Federation and in the states that are members of the Customs Union, it is possible to include monocomponent and multicomponent vapor products with the inclusion of bananas in the diet of children over the age of 6 months ^[2] . But the exact age when you can give a banana to a child will be prompted by a specialist at an individual consultation.

Like any product, it can cause an allergic reaction, which, however, does not happen so often, since bananas are not included in the list of highly allergenic foods.

Basic rules for introducing complementary foods

In the nutrition of a young child, industrial banana puree should be used.

You can start your acquaintance with monocomponent purees, for example, FrutoNyanya banana puree, and then you can introduce multicomponent products, for example, FrutoNyanya apple and banana puree. In this case, parents do not have to worry about the ripeness of the fruit or its origin, since the factory puree is made under strict quality control. In the future, you can expand the baby's diet and offer him a dessert of apples, bananas and strawberries, and when he gets older - mashed apples, bananas and pears with cookies.

If the parents do not observe any allergic reactions in the baby, you need to continue to get acquainted with the fruit in the same way as with other products - gradually increasing the portion during the week.

When not to introduce a banana into complementary foods

Despite the fact that the product is not highly allergenic, like any other type of food, a baby can have an individual allergic reaction or a food intolerance reaction to a banana.