Is banana a good first food for baby
Banana Puree for Babies - Eating Bird Food
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Banana puree is a great first food when introducing solids to babies and can be made easily by mashing or blending fresh ripe bananas.
It seems like only yesterday we were starting our little one on solids! Bananas were one of her favorites foods, which was great because they’re so easy to serve to baby because there’s no need to cook the bananas before mashing or pureeing!
I know there are outliers but most babies tend to love bananas because of their sweetness so hopefully your babe will enjoy this banana puree too!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Bananas are widely available and inexpensive.
- Banana puree is a great stage 1 food for babies because it’s sweet and has a smooth consistency.
- They are low on the allergy scale so they’re often a safe choice to start baby on.
- There are two easy ways to make banana puree and it’s also easy to meal prep and store in the freezer!
Bananas Make a Great First Food For Babies
Bananas are a great first food to introduce to babies because they’re naturally soft and mushy, easy to digest and loaded with vitamins and minerals. You can also easily mix bananas with rice cereal or oatmeal to add a little natural sweetness or just serve bananas straight up – mashed, pureed or you can serve larger spears or halves of a banana if you’re following a baby led weaning approach.
How to Make Banana Puree
Option 1: Mash
Mashing a banana is super simple and all you need is a fork! Place your banana on a plate and mash with a fork until the banana is the consistency you desire. Use in desired recipe or serve to baby as is.
Option 2: Blend/Puree
Blending the bananas in a food processor or blender makes for a smoother puree, which is perfect when you’re just introducing babies to solid foods and need thinner purees.
Simply add 2 bananas into a food processor or blender and process until the bananas are smooth and creamy. You can make the puree thinner by adding a little breast milk or formula, if needed. Once you’ve made the puree, serve to baby as is or mix with another puree to make a new flavor.
See some ideas below.
Foods That Pair Well With Banana Puree
Banana puree pairs well with so many things, especially veggies because its natural sweetness will make them more palatable to baby! Here are some ideas:
- Green veggies – kale, spinach, avocado, zucchini, peas
- Orange veggies – sweet potato, butternut squash, carrot
- White veggies – cauliflower
- Other fruit – mango, strawberries, peaches, apples, kiwis,
- Dairy – yogurt, cottage cheese, ricotta cheese
- Grains – quinoa, oats
- Legumes – chickpeas, lentils
- Seasonings and spices – curry, ginger, mint, nutmeg, cinnamon
Banana Baby Food Combo Ideas
Here are some banana baby food combos that might be fun to try:
- Banana, peach and strawberry
- Banana, cinnamon and oatmeal
- Apple, banana and strawberry
- Banana, zucchini and spinach
- Yogurt and banana
- Avocado and banana
- Peas, banana and kiwi
Olivia also loved the combo of banana, blueberry, quinoa and flax that I shared in my baby food combinations post.
This one has a lot going on so it’s best for stage 2 eaters.
Banana Puree for Toddlers
For toddlers, banana puree can be used as a mix-in to sweeten up yogurt or baby oatmeal, as a dip for baby pancakes or put into reusable pouches for an easy, mess-free snack.
Bananas and Constipation
One thing to note is that bananas can slow digestion and in turn cause constipation. I know there were a couple times when we first started solids that Olivia dealt with constipation. Whenever it happened we tried to cut back on bananas knowing that they wouldn’t help the situation. If your baby does deal with constipation, I recommend limiting bananas and trying to add in more foods with fiber like pea puree or prune puree or juice. We used prune juice a couple times and it worked!
How to Store
Fresh banana baby food should be stored in the fridge and used within 3-4 days. For longer storage, I recommend freezing the puree! I like using silicone ice cube tray or freezer safe jars because they make it easier to thaw smaller amounts for serving to babies.
How to Thaw
I recommend thawing frozen banana puree in the fridge the night before you want to use it, but you can also thaw it with a warm water bath. It thaws quickly if you’re defrosting a small amount to serve to a baby.
Banana Puree FAQ
Can I use frozen bananas?
Yes! Using frozen bananas is an easy way to save ripe bananas before they go bad. Check out my tips on how to freeze bananas.
How can I tell if a banana is ripe?
Look for a banana that is yellow with some brown spots. Typically you will find green bananas or overly ripe bananas at the grocery store, so it’s best to buy them a few days before you want to use them. Using a banana that is ripe will result in a slightly sweet flavor. If the banana is too brown it will be mushy and overly sweet.
Can I use a green banana?
Using a banana that is ripe is the most ideal, as it will result in a slightly sweet flavor.
If the banana is too brown it will be mushy and overly sweet. Too green and it won’t be very sweet.
Are bananas healthy?
Yes! Bananas are loaded with full of vitamins and minerals like potassium, vitamin B6 and vitamin C.
Can you quickly ripen bananas?
Bananas not ripe yet? There are a few things you can do! Start by keeping the bananas together, they will ripen faster when close together, and store them in a warm or sunny spot.
If you need them to ripen faster, you can place them in a brown paper bag with another high ethylene producing fruit, such as another ripe banana, an apple, potatoes, peaches, pears, avocados or blueberries. Fold the bag over a few times to trap the ethylene in the bag and allow the bananas to ripen. This will take about 1-2 days.
Other Ways to Use This Puree
Banana puree is great for babies, but there are so many other ways for older kids and adults to enjoy it too.
Here are some ideas:
- Topping for pancakes and waffles – level up your breakfast or brunch by topping pancakes or waffles with this puree. Try it on my almond flour pancakes!
- Serve over ice cream – mix banana puree into your favorite ice cream or simply serve over top of ice cream or frozen yogurt for an extra touch of sweetness that packs in some nutrients!
- Swirl into oatmeal, yogurt or chia pudding – add a boost of flavor and nutrition by adding banana puree to oatmeal or chia pudding. It’s perfect for my banana bread overnight oats.
I also have a ton of banana recipes that require mashed or pureed bananas! Highly recommend my vegan banana bread or oatmeal chia cookies.
More Baby Food Purees
- Sweet Potato Puree
- Butternut Squash Puree
- Peach Puree
- Avocado Puree
- Carrot Puree
- Pea Puree
- Pumpkin Puree
- Applesauce
More Recipes and Resources
- Oatmeal For Babies
- Healthy Smash Cake
- Banana Pancakes For Babies
- Baby Yogurt Melts
Be sure to check out my full collection of banana recipes as well as all of the baby food recipes here on EBF.
- ▢ 1-2 ripe bananas
Smooth Banana Puree
Add 2 bananas into a food processor or blender and process until banana is smooth and creamy. Serve to baby as is or make the puree thinner by adding a little breast milk or formula.
Chunky Mashed Banana Puree
Place banana on a plate and mash with a fork until the banana is the consistency you desire. Use in desired recipe or serve to baby.
Serving: 4ounces | Calories: 53kcal | Carbohydrates: 13g | Protein: 1g | Sodium: 1mg | Potassium: 211mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 7g
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
food processor
Additional Info
Course: Baby Food
Cuisine: American
Keyword: banana baby food, banana puree
Did you make this recipe?Mention @eatingbirdfood and tag #eatingbirdfood!
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How to Serve Banana to Baby
Home » Feeding Style » Baby Food Purees » Stage Two » How to Serve Banana to Baby
Bananas make a great and versatile first food for babies. They can be made into a baby food puree, mashed into a chunky puree, used as a finger food for baby, or prepared for baby-led weaning. These 8 banana baby food ideas are also simple, healthy, and quick to make. This guide is perfect for babies 4-6 months and up!
Medically reviewed by Jamie Johnson, Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RDN)
Bananas For BabyBananas are loaded with essential nutrients for a growing baby and are one of the top first foods for babies!
This guide will give you 8 easy ways to incorporate bananas 🍌 into your baby’s diet.
You can serve them as a baby food puree, smashed, finger food for baby-led weaning, made into 3-ingredient pancakes, or even as a simple baby-friendly smoothie. These recipes are great for babies 4-12 months old!
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!
Banana for Baby Video
Watch this video to see how to make serve bananas to your baby!
Benefits of Banana For BabyBananas are a great first food for babies because they are loaded with essential nutrients for a growing baby.
They are a good source of fiber, vitamin C, manganese, and potassium, and they are high in vitamin B6.
- Good Source of Potassium: Potassium is a crucial nutrient for active babies as it acts as an electrolyte that manages hydration levels, helps nutrients reach cells, removes waste from cells, and helps maintain a normal heartbeat. It’s also important for muscle contraction.
- Great for Digestion Health: Banana fiber helps prevent constipation, bloating, and other unwanted digestive issues in babies.
- Boosts Mood: Bananas also contain the amino acid tryptophan and vitamin B6 that may help boost your baby’s happy hormones, and there is nothing better than a happy baby!
Whether you are starting your baby on purees or doing baby-led weaning, bananas are an amazing 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 at or after 6 months for baby-led weaning.
Some of the developmental milestones your baby need to reach in order to start solids include: if your baby has solid control of their head and neck, if your baby has doubled their birth weight, and if your baby is reaching for or opening their mouth when you eat (see my guide here). Before you start your baby on purees, you should consult with your pediatrician to make sure your child is developmentally ready.
No. Since bananas are inherently soft, they are not typically included among the foods that are a common choking hazard for babies. However, if the banana is not ripe and ready to eat, the flesh will be harder and pose a higher choking risk for your baby. Therefore, it is best to serve your baby strips of banana or mashed banana. When selecting a banana for baby, look for one that is ripe, soft (but not mushy), and has a few small brown spots. As with any food, make sure you supervise your baby while they are eating.
While the most popular option is adding cinnamon to a banana baby puree, you can also add a pinch of cloves, nutmeg, cardamom, fresh mint, fresh basil, freshly grated ginger, or even allspice. If you’re serving baby chunks of banana, you can sprinkle a small pinch of cinnamon, nutmeg, or cloves on top.
DO BANANAs CAUSE CONSTIPATION?Yes and No! Super clear answer, I know 😉. Unripe green bananas are high in resistant starch, which are resistant to digestion and may cause constipation in babies. But ripe yellow bananas with a few brown spots actually have the opposite effect due to higher sugar content and may even help your baby go to the bathroom. Just remember to serve bananas in moderation to your baby, as too much fiber can plug your baby up.
STORING Homemade BANANA baby FoodYou can store baby purees in the fridge for 2 days and in the freezer for up to 2 months. It helps to add a small squeeze of lemon juice into the puree before storing it so the puree doesn’t turn brown.
Handheld bananas for baby-led weaning will have to be discarded after serving.
There are several ways to prepare bananas for baby. Here are 8 of my favorite ways:
- Smooth Baby Puree (4-6+ months)
- Chunky Baby Puree (6+ months)
- Baby Cereal with Banana & Cinnamon (4-6+ months)
- Broken into Chunks (6+ months)
- Handheld Banana (6+ months)
- Banana Strips with Hemp Seeds (9+ months)
- Banana Smoothie (9+ months)
- Easy Banana Pancakes (6-9+ months)
Looking for more easy baby-led weaning and puree recipes? Then be sure to check out my favorite ways to serve apples and avocados to baby!
Smooth Banana PureeThis is an easy, 10-Second Stage One puree recipe for your baby!
Instructions: Place a banana or two into a blender and puree until smooth and creamy.
If you want to freeze, add a small squeeze of lemon juice into the puree to help keep it from browning.
Add a little baby cereal and a pinch of cinnamon to the pureed banana for an effortless yet tasty meal!
Instructions: Pour some pureed banana (see above) into a small bowl and add a few ounces of premixed or homemade baby cereal. Mix until combined. Add a pinch of cinnamon before serving.
Chunky Banana PureeThis is an easy-peasy way to expose your baby to small chunks of food that you can control the size of. This yummy recipe is perfect as a Stage 3 puree to get your baby ready for finger foods. You can also serve this when you think your baby is ready to try self-feeding.
Instructions: Place the banana on a cutting board and mash it with the back of a fork until mashed but still chunky. Spoon into a baby bowl and serve.
When you break the banana up into chunks instead of cutting with a knife, the chunks will not be as slippery, and your baby will have an easier time holding onto them. If your baby is getting frustrated trying to pick up the pieces of slippery banana, hand them the banana chunks and let them continue feeding themselves. You can also try rolling the banana in breadcrumbs or crushed Cheerios to help your baby handle it better.
Instructions: Peel a banana, and using your fingernails, break the banana into chunks along the seem of the banana. It should easily break into chunks.
Handheld BananaThis handheld version of a banana is an ideal way for your baby to have a handle for the banana as they eat the other end.
Instructions: Cut a 4-5 inch section of banana off from the top. Cut around the peel, leaving roughly 1-2 inches of exposed banana. Do not cut all the way through the banana, just the peel.
Then you can peel the peel away and hand the banana to your baby.
This recipe is a fun way to let your baby explore different textures and tastes. You can roll strips of banana in hemp seeds, crushed cheerios, puffs, or breadcrumbs.
Instructions: Cut the banana into strips and roll them in a little bit of toppings.
Banana SmoothieThis simple smoothie is perfect for babies that are drinking from a sippy or baby cup. It is filled with banana, ice, and a small amount of formula or breast milk.
Instructions: Place a banana, a couple of ice cubes, and 1/4 cup of liquid into a blender. You can add in a pinch of cinnamon or 1/2 teaspoon of nut butter in there as well if you want. Blend until the texture is just right. You don’t want it too thick, or your baby might have a hard time drinking it. Transfer to a sippy or baby cup and serve.
Easy Banana PancakesThese 3-ingredient pancakes are great for babies, toddlers, as well as kids! It’s the perfect food to have on hand if you are doing Baby-Led Weaning, as you can serve them plain or with a smear of cream cheese, avocado, or nut butter on top.
Instructions: In a medium bowl, mix mashed banana, an egg, and whole wheat flour. I also like adding a pinch of cinnamon or pumpkin pie spice for some extra flavor. Cook as you would any pancake and serve.
Tips- Picking Bananas: When selecting a banana for your baby, look for one that is ripe, yellow, soft (but not mushy), and has a few small brown spots on it. Do not serve your baby green or underripe bananas.
- Freezing Banana Puree: You can freeze pureed or mashed bananas. The key is to freeze the bananas right away and add a few drops of fresh lemon juice to help prevent them from getting discolored.
- Roasted Banana + Rosemary Puree
- No-Cook Banana Peach Baby Food Puree
- Peanut Butter Banana Baby + Toddler Melts
- Sweet Potato, Banana + Cinnamon Baby Food Puree
- Banana, Cherry + Beet Baby Food Puree
- 5-Minute Banana, Blueberry + Avocado Baby Food Puree
- Blender or Food Processor
- Freezer Tray
- Storage Containers for Fridge
- Banana
- Hemp seeds
- Nut butter
- Whole wheat flour
- Cinnamon
Smooth Baby Food Puree
- 1-2 bananas
Baby Cereal with Bananas & Cinnamon
- 1/4 cup pre-made baby cereal (from a box or homemade)
- 1/2 banana
- 1 pinch cinnamon
Chunky Baby Food Puree
- 1/2 banana
Chunks of Banana
- 1/2 banana
Handheld Banana
- 1/2 banana
Banana Strips Rolled in Hemp Seeds
- 1/2 banana
- 1 tbsp hemp seeds, crushed cheerios, puffs or breadcrumbs.
Banana Smoothie
- 1 banana
- 4-5 ice cubes
- 1/4 cup liquid (breastmilk, formula or water)
- 1/2 tsp nutbutter (optional)
- 1 pinch cinnamon (optional)
Easy Banana Pancakes
- 1 banana, mashed
- 1 egg
- 2 tbsp whole wheat flour
- 1/8 tsp cinnamon
Smooth Baby Food Puree
Place the banana into a blender or food processor and puree until smooth and creamy, roughly 60-90 seconds, scraping down sides if needed.
If the puree is too thick, add in some liquid (breastmilk, formula or water) in tablespoon increments until you have your desired consistency. If you want to freeze the puree, add a small squeeze of lemon juice into the puree to help keep it from browning.
Baby Cereal with Bananas & Cinnamon
On a cutting board, mash a banana. In a small bowl, add the mashed banana to the made baby cereal. Add a pinch of cinnamon to the top and serve.
Chunky Baby Food Puree
Place the banana on a cutting board and mash with the back of a fork until mixed but yet still chunky. Spoon into a baby bowl and serve.
Chunks of Banana
Peel half of a banana and using your fingernails, break the banana into chunks along the seem of the banana. It should easily break into chunks
Handheld Banana
Cut a 4-5 inch section of banana off from the top. Cut off the peel, leaving roughly 1-2 inches of exposed banana.
Do not cut all the way through the banana, just the peel. Then you can remove the peel away and hand the stem of the banana to baby.
Banana Strips Rolled in Hemp Seeds
Banana Smoothie
Place banana, ice cubes and liquid into a blender. Add in cinnamon and nut butter, if using. Blend for 60 seconds and serve. If the smoothie is too thick, add in additional liquid as you don’t want it too thick or baby might have a hard time drinking it.
Easy Banana Pancakes
In a medium bowl mix together mashed banana, an egg, whole wheat flour and cinnamon. In a large non-stick skillet preheated on medium heat, pour 1/8 cup of batter into the skillet. Let cook roughly 3 minutes on the first side, flip and cook for 2 more minutes or until golden brown.
Age: 4 months and up
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Bananas in baby food - Encyclopedia Baby food
Viktoria Levchuk© For the last 20 years, bananas have been sold in any store.
Once an expensive fruit, it is now inexpensive and already considered a local product. Since the banana is available all year round and does not have to be prepared for a child, it has won the love of many parents.
In our article you will find out when a banana is introduced into complementary foods, whether a banana can be given to children and at what age, how to introduce it into complementary foods, etc. Bananas in baby food are an excellent source of vitamins and minerals, perfect for baby's first complementary foods at 8-10 months.
What are bananas?
Contents:
Banana is a perennial herbaceous plant that belongs to the Banana family. Edible in a plant is its fruit with the same name.
There are about 500 varieties of bananas. But not all are known, and some varieties are not cultivated. The most famous varieties of bananas:
1) The most common variety is Cavendish. The fruits are 15 to 25 cm long, their peel is yellow, sometimes greenish.
When the banana peel is completely yellow with brown spots, the banana has reached its maximum maturity. The black skin, soft texture of the fruit is a sign of overripeness. Worldwide consumption of bananas of this variety is much greater than that of any other fruit from the tropics. This variety is mainly imported to Russia.
2) Also imported into our country are small bright yellow fruits up to 7.5 cm long, called baby banana or finger banana. These babies have a rich sweet taste, excellent aroma, creamy texture. They are eaten raw, baked, used in salads and other dishes. This variety of bananas is much more expensive than the others.
3) Banana Barro square, yellow skin, cream colored flesh. Can be eaten fresh or used in cooking.
4) Java Blue Banana or Ice Cream Blue Banana. This banana is small, thick, with a blue-green skin, and has a sweet, creamy taste.
5) Manzano banana or apple banana has a rich strawberry-apple flavor. Its fruits are short and plump.
6) Plantain banana is an elongated fruit with a thick skin. Depending on the stage of ripening, the peel of this banana changes shades from light green to black. The flesh of Plantain is light pink. It is used for cooking and is not edible raw. In the Caribbean and Mexico, it serves as a substitute for potatoes. Plantain is fried or stewed, and when the fruit is fully ripe, it can also be used to make desserts.
7) A red banana is sweeter than a yellow one. Ripe fruits are maroon and purple, the flesh is pink.
Banana season
Although in Russia bananas are considered to be predominantly winter treats, bananas do not have a specific season. In warm countries, it bears fruit all year round.
The climate in Russia is not suitable for growing bananas. Therefore, all bananas come through the import of these fruits. However, in the south of Russia, in Sochi and its environs, this plant is grown. The fruits do not have time to ripen, as the air temperature in winter is below 0C.
Therefore, in the south, primarily bananas are grown as ornamental plants.
History of the banana
Banana is a plant known since ancient times. Its geographical origin was first determined by Academician Vavilov N.I. in his work Centers of Origin of Cultivated Plants. The banana is native to the Malay Archipelago. Initially, Malaysians ate the fruit of this plant along with fish.
Malaysians took these fruits with them on their travels in the Pacific Ocean. So this delicious delicacy has become widespread. In the XVII-XI centuries BC. in the monument of Indian culture, the Rig Veda, there are references to the banana. These are the earliest records of this plant in written sources. Since the cultivation of bananas in Russia was not possible, it was possible to taste the fruits of this plant only through its import into the country.
However, bananas do not tolerate long-term transportation: the process of fruit rotting begins at t above 14C. And only in the 19th century, when cargo ships equipped with refrigeration units appeared, did a Russian person taste a banana for the first time.
But still, this exotic fruit was not available to the masses, and among those who could afford it, it was not particularly popular. Obviously, during the First World War, as well as during the Civil War, there was no time for bananas. Large quantities of bananas began to be purchased under Stalin, who fell in love with these fruits. Under him, this sweet fruit became widespread throughout the USSR.
Benefits of bananas in baby food
Bananas contain so many important nutrients that it can be considered one of the most perfect foods.
Bananas are an excellent source of the key electrolyte potassium, which is used by muscles and regulates blood chemistry and supports cardiovascular and kidney health. It also supplies the baby with vitamin A, vitamin B6, vitamin B2, vitamin C, calcium, magnesium, sodium, copper, iron and zinc. B vitamins support the health of the immune system, nervous system, hormonal levels, perform basic metabolic functions of the body, and are also necessary for the normal development and functioning of the brain.
Babies love bananas because they have a natural sweetness that intensifies as they ripen, providing kids with plenty of energy for growth and development. In addition, ripe bananas contain pectin, a soluble fiber that aids the digestive system and prevents constipation.
However, it is important to remember that unripe bananas often have the opposite effect and can cause constipation.
Fully ripe bananas are better for the baby because they contain more antioxidants than unripe fruits.
If a child is suffering from a nasty bout of diarrhea, bananas can be helpful in replacing lost electrolytes. Bananas are also included in the Brat diet to improve the condition of the child during diarrhea. Therefore, with constipation, it is best to exclude bananas from the diet.
Food allergies are due to certain amino acids that cause food intolerance or indigestion in some people. Bananas contain simple or benign amino acids that are always digestible.
This makes bananas an ideal food for babies due to their easily digestible function.
And if these benefits weren't enough, then remember that bananas are excellent nutrition for children, since their consumption improves the body's absorption of calcium, which regulates bone growth and skeletal development, and plays an important role in the production of certain hormones. Bananas also contain magnesium and phosphorus, which are necessary for the skeletal health of the child, because magnesium is an extremely important element in regulating energy production within the cell, and phosphorus works closely with calcium to help build strong bones and teeth. Iron and copper, on the other hand, are essential for good blood and hemoglobin levels.
Bananas are also known as natural antacids. They are known to help protect the body from stomach ulcers and gastritis. The reason for this rare and almost unexplored fact is that bananas contain "mucilaginous oily substances" that boost natural mucus production.
When is a banana introduced into complementary foods? The most common question among parents. American pediatricians advise introducing a banana after 6 months, but our Russian pediatricians adhere to an age of 8-10 months, i.e. a banana as the first complementary food is introduced after 8 months. This is explained very simply, firstly, the banana does not grow in Russia, and is considered an exotic fruit, so an allergic reaction is possible. Secondly, the fruit belongs to the sweet fruits.
If the baby tries a tender, sweet and airy banana, then you can forget about the introduction of broccoli or zucchini into the diet, fresh food will be much more difficult than sweet. Therefore, many pediatricians advise introducing vegetables or cereals first, and only then introduce the baby to less sweet and allergenic fruits, such as a green apple.
In Indonesia, the most popular first food for a baby is a banana.
Many exotic fruits in baby food are introduced after 12 months, but bananas are an exception.
Their wonderful nutritional composition, as well as easy digestion by the child's stomach and incredible ease of preparation, are especially liked by all parents. Moreover, parents like a banana for children as a first food because the fruit can be sucked, crushed, licked, swallowed without chewing. For this reason, a banana is introduced into complementary foods after 8 months, but before the child is 12 months old. However, if the child is prone to allergies, then the fruit is introduced after 12 months.
The first time a banana for children must be boiled, i. it is necessary to acquaint the baby with thermally processed fruit, for better absorption by the body. After the introduction of the processed banana into complementary foods without allergic reactions, you can introduce the baby to banana puree from fresh fruit.
Banana puree is introduced into the diet as a regular product, first the child is given a taste of ¼ of a teaspoon, then ½ tsp. and so on. Complementary foods are introduced about 4-7 days.
The daily dose of a banana at 8 months is about 80 grams, after up to 12 months about 90-100 grams, the average banana weighs about 126 grams, so you can give your child half a banana for up to a year. It is not worth giving a banana often, especially at first, so the consumption rate is 2-3 times a week.
By the age of 1.5, a child can eat one medium banana per day, which is about 120-150 grams. From 3 years old, you can give 1 large banana about 200 grams per day and feed up to 5 times a week, from 6 years old you can feed your child 2 bananas per day, which is about 300 grams.
An interesting fact is that if you feed bananas to a child with a cough or cold, the symptoms of the disease increase.
For baby food, it is best to choose a ripe banana, which is more beneficial for digestion, as an unripe banana contains a lot of starch.
The Best Complementary Food
In addition to all the fantastic health benefits of the banana, it is the most favorite natural processed food for children.
Fruit in the peel, which does not need to be washed, just peeled and eaten. Therefore, bananas are very popular with parents who travel often, who have little time to prepare a full-fledged second breakfast or afternoon snack. The product takes up little space in the bag, but will fill the baby's tummy by 100% and allow the baby to hold out until a full meal.
Banana Allergy
Banana is a food with a moderate degree of allergy, so it is necessary to introduce it into the child's complementary foods with caution.
Banana allergy is a hypersensitivity reaction to proteins present in the banana. An allergic reaction when eating a banana can be mild or life-threatening.
If you develop any unpleasant symptoms after taking a banana or food with a banana as a supplement, you should immediately consult a doctor.
Allergy to bananas is acceptable due to the presence of protein chitinase. The human body is unable to destroy chitinase, and this forces the immune system to work, which produces antibodies to allergens.
These antibodies additionally produce histamine, which acts on various areas of the body, such as the eyes, nose, gastrointestinal tract, lungs, and skin, to cause unwanted symptoms. Such a reaction is a type 1 allergy, a type of hypersensitivity created by the immune system. Banana protein is also present in avocados and kiwis, so it's not uncommon for those who are allergic to bananas to not respond well to them.
Pollen is another possible cause of banana hypersensitivity. If the baby has an allergic reaction to birch pollen, the chances of a banana allergy are much higher. In some cases, banana allergy occurs when a child comes into contact with fresh fruit. Although cooking a banana may reduce the risk of an allergic reaction in some children.
The surprising fact is that latex can be a trigger for those who are allergic to bananas. This is due to the natural level of chitinase in the rubber tree, the sap of which is used to make latex.
Many people confuse banana allergy with banana intolerance.
However, these two concepts are not the same, although the symptoms they cause are very similar. It should be noted that banana intolerance symptoms are usually milder than banana allergy symptoms. Under normal circumstances, banana intolerance can take a few days to show up. What's more, banana allergies are more associated with a weakened body's immune system, while intolerance is associated with a weak digestive system.
Interestingly, not all people are allergic to green and ripe bananas. Some may only be allergic to green bananas and enjoy the delicious taste of ripe bananas without any problem. There are quite a few people who are allergic to both types of bananas. In some cases, people have also been found to outgrow allergic reactions at some point in their lives, but this is not the case for everyone. It's always best to check with your doctor to see if your child can continue eating bananas despite some allergy symptoms.
If a child vomits after eating a banana, this is a fairly important sign of anxiety.
Banana allergy in babies also causes rashes. Or, you may find that the skin around the baby's mouth is unusually reddish after eating a banana.
Urticaria, eczema or reddish spots may also appear. The sensation of itching is also often possible in infants. Sometimes the tongue becomes inflamed, and the mouth and face swell. In many cases, symptoms may appear unambiguously or additionally as problems with the gastrointestinal tract. Keep track of how your baby feels for a few hours after eating bananas. Some common symptoms are nausea, abdominal pain, diarrhea, increased gas and vomiting.
Some children may experience respiratory symptoms after eating bananas, such as shortness of breath, chest tightness, moodiness, wheezing, congestion or runny nose and cough. In severe cases, fainting is also possible.
Cooked bananas are said to be less allergic than raw bananas. When introducing bananas into complementary foods, it is necessary to follow the rule of waiting for 4-7 days.
How to choose and store bananas
In order to choose quality bananas, first of all, you need to pay attention to the appearance of the fruit: it should be smooth and matte, the color of a ripe banana is bright yellow. Black dots on the banana peel indicate that the fruit has ripened and is ready to eat. However, the presence of black spots on the peel indicates the onset of rotting of the fetus. Also, do not buy bananas with damaged peels. A grayish skin tone can be found in bananas that have undergone hypothermia.
Bananas should not be stored in the refrigerator as they darken quickly there. The optimum temperature for storing fruits is from 7 to 13 degrees. For faster ripening, the fruits need to be placed in a warmer place. Bananas are best preserved as a whole bunch. Depending on the stage of maturity, bananas keep up to one month. In winter, you should buy bananas in stores, supermarkets, hypermarkets, and not in markets, as there is a risk of finding frozen fruits in open outlets.
Pesticides and bananas
Bananas are usually labeled with manufacturer's name. In addition, bananas often have stickers with numbers on them, which can say a lot about the way bananas are grown. So, codes 4011 and 94011 indicate that these fruits are organic, without chemistry. This should be considered when buying bananas for a child. If the fruit has a sticker of five numbers that starts with the number "8", then it is genetically modified bananas. And if the beginning of the code is the number "3" or "4", then the plant was fertilized with chemical reagents and pesticides.
A shipment of bananas is treated with benzimedazole before being sent to its destination. This substance has a dual effect: it does not allow fungal infections to multiply in bananas and does not allow the fruits to ripen ahead of time.
To ripen bananas that are picked while still green and not ripe, they are treated with the so-called banana gas. Banana gas components are high purity ethylene and nitrogen.
Temperature and gas push the fruits to ripen. This gas is harmless and similar to the substance that is released during the natural ripening of a banana.
Freezing bananas
I don't know why it is necessary to freeze bananas. They can be purchased at any time in any store at the best price. Although it is possible to freeze a banana, and when the child grows up, then it is necessary. To make natural popsicles, you need a frozen banana cut into small pieces.
It is best to freeze a banana cut into pieces without peel. When defrosted, it may darken slightly and have a runny consistency. You can store a frozen banana for no more than 3 months. Before freezing, you need to decide what the frozen fruit will be used for. If for baking, then it is better to peel and freeze the banana whole, if for ice cream, then peel and cut the banana into small pieces, then freeze, so it will be easier to whip it with a blender.
Banana puree darkens when exposed to air for a long time, so for freezing it is necessary to add a little lemon juice to it (if lemon is included in the child's diet).
You can freeze in ice molds. You can store banana puree for no more than 1 month. You can use banana puree mixed with other fresh fruits.
Dried bananas
Dried bananas and banana chips are available at the store. Dried bananas are a dried whole product in a special way. Banana chips are a product cut into round pieces that have been dried in a fast way. Dried bananas are high in calories and high in sugar. This must be taken into account when choosing this dried fruit. Dried bananas and banana chips are great substitutes for candy, but should be given in limited amounts, especially to children under 3 years of age.
Canned bananas
In general, bananas are preserved, although I don't see the point, since bananas are available all year round in stores. But you can make jam, jam, marmalade, candied fruit, marshmallow, banana puree from a banana (sugar is used in the recipe).
Contraindications
1) Babies under three years of age should be given a banana with caution, as it is difficult for the digestive system to absorb such a product, and there is also a risk of developing allergies.
2) Eating too many bananas can lead to an excess of vitamin K. This vitamin causes kernicterus and hemolytic anemia.
3) With varicose veins, thrombophlebitis, people who have had a heart attack or stroke, bananas are contraindicated. They can lead to blood clots in people who have thick blood.
4) Since ripe bananas contain a large amount of sugar, this product is not recommended for people suffering from diabetes.
5) Bananas are not recommended for bile flow problems, as they are slowly digested.
6) Bananas can also cause increased gas and flatulence due to slow digestion.
How to cook bananas
Bananas in baby food are consumed fresh, only at the beginning of complementary foods it is given in cooked form before the product is introduced into the child's diet.
Fresh: Banana must be peeled, cut into pieces, beaten with a blender, served on the child's table.
Cooking: Peel the banana, cut into pieces, boil the banana in water or steam for 3-5 minutes, beat with a blender or mash with a fork, invite the child to try.
Baking: Put the peeled banana on a baking sheet and bake at 200 C for 20 minutes, beat with a blender, serve.
Proposed method of consuming bananas in baby food
Banana is offered fresh, at first the baby eats banana puree, later pieces of bananas, by 12 months the baby can be given a whole banana, which he will eat with pleasure.
A banana is an ideal snack for a child, which can be done on the street, in line, on a journey when it is impossible to eat fully.
The fruit is also very good for breakfast, as it provides a natural boost of energy. You can also add a banana to smoothies, cocktails, sweets, ice cream, pastries, sweet cereals, berry and fruit salad. This fruit makes an interesting sauce for meat and fish dishes.
Finger food
Banana is great for finger food. It is soft and turns into a porridge in the mouth, which is easy to swallow. At first, you can give small pieces of a ripe banana, as the child grows older, you can offer larger pieces.
As a result, by 12 months, the child will eat a whole ripe banana.
I draw your attention once again, we offer the child a soft ripe banana, as he can choke on an unripe product. And also when introducing a banana as a finger food into the diet, adults should always be present and help the baby if he does choke.
Many parents think how to cut a banana into long, thin pieces that are as thick as a finger and fit easily into a child's hand. This is easy to do. We remove the peel to half the banana, remove the black circle from the top of the banana, put our finger in the center and press, as a result, the banana is divided into three equal parts, we get three banana sticks equal in thickness to an adult's finger.
Keep in mind that the banana is a soft product, so the first time finger food will be in the banana. Do not worry, the baby will learn to eat it carefully, but a little later.
Banana drink
Pure banana juice is not made.
Banana is mostly used in milkshakes or smoothies as banana puree combined with milk or water.
Banana ready-made baby food
Manufacturers of ready-made baby food offer a lot of banana products for babies. Basically, pure banana puree is rarely sold, as lemon juice, vitamin C, water, cream, and milk are added to the banana.
Therefore, when buying baby puree, it is necessary to carefully read the composition, if the child is allergic to dairy products or lemon juice, or if these products have not yet been introduced into the diet, then this ready-made food should not be given. I draw your attention to the fact that in Gerber, where it says “Only Banana” on the jars, there is citric acid, vitamin C and water.
Citric acid or lemon juice is needed to keep the banana puree from darkening. However, lemon belongs to citrus fruits, so it is introduced into the diet after 12 months. An allergic reaction is possible to it.
Pure banana juice is also not found, mainly this banana pulp is diluted with water and seasoned with lemon juice or acid.
As a standard for all manufacturers of baby food, there are products such as banana puree, banana nectar and apple and banana puree. As it turned out, such a combination is offered by such well-known manufacturers as Frutonyanya, Babushkino Lukoshko, Spelenok, Agusha, Umnitsa, Agu-Agu, Gerber, Heinz, Hipp, Semper, as well as little-known ones - Toptyzhka, Bibikol, Belakt, Little happiness, etc.
Manufacturers also tried and offer many interesting mixes of children's mashed potatoes, cereals, cookies, dairy products and juices:
- Puree apple-Banan-Bannoi Frutonyanya
- Puree apple-Banan-Banan-club 9000 Frutonyanya 9000
- pureur Banana-Carrot Frutonyanya
- Juice Apple-Banana-Cherry-Raspberry Frutonyanya
- Milkshake Apple-Banana-Pear with cookies Frutonyanya Kasha-Apple-Ban 002 Frutonyanya
- Apple-Banan-Banan-Torog Babushkino Lukoshko, Auh-Agu
- Purean Banana Malin with cream Rolls
- Puree apple-Banan-Perci with creams Swan-ban.
gerber - Banana-Lesnaya berries Gerber
- Puree apple-Banan-Banan-Banan-apricot gerber
- apple-Banan-Persik-mango 9000 Heinz
- PURE-BANCA0005
Complementary foods started well, and even grandparents, who were skeptical about self-feeding, relaxed when they saw how eagerly the child eats bananas, sweet potatoes and vegetable puree. But two months later, the author realized that she was terribly tired: “I spend hours making banana pancakes and tiny children's omelettes, and that's not counting the time for cleaning! It is easy to wash a child, but there is also a bib, a table, a chair, and a floor. You need to constantly monitor the safety of the child, and if her hand is again empty because she threw away food, I will scream.
A young mother has decided to take a break from solid foods: "I'm sure things will be much better when I get back to resourcefulness, but right now I'm more excited than ever to be able to breastfeed my baby," she wrote.
"I'm still convinced that breastfeeding is easier than figuring out how to feed a baby, and he's already a year and a half old," writes violanut. Thepinkfreudbaby agrees that introducing solid foods through the precepts of self-feeding is energy-consuming: “Everyone says: feed the same as you eat yourself! But what if we are eating much less healthy food? Self-feeders seem to have a lot of free time to prepare meals. "Hi all! Today is just a normal Tuesday. We eat smoked salmon, fried asparagus and homemade rye seed buns!’”
“I have never been so grateful for my dog as I was during the introduction of solid foods. I don't know how people with small children find time to mop the floors after every meal. Sometimes, when I feel like I'm exhausted, I just wipe the table and shake off the rest on the floor. The dog eats everything. Sometimes she even manages to lick her son if I didn’t wipe his face right away,” writes thr0w4w4y528.
“Once we sent our dog to his parents for a week and it was the hardest week in the whole weaning. I hated cleaning the floor!” — confesses stupid-says-what.
“I don't like to screw things up, but my baby is a year and four months old and it's still exhausting. But it's good that we removed all these bottles and the sterilizer! I still breastfeed him in the morning, but the child eats lunch and dinner from the common table, it's just a breath of freedom.
The decision to slow down with complementary foods is commendable in terms of keeping the mother sane, but such an approach would not be approved by the WHO: complementary foods are important not only for the diversity of the diet with micro- and macronutrients, but also for the development of vital motor skills, such as the ability to chew.Self-feeding is a system of introducing a child to solid food, in which he is given the opportunity to independently regulate "communication" with new types of food.
