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When to feed baby banana


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

Starting SolidsBaby-Led WeaningPediatric Nutrition

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

Bananas for Babies - When Can Babies Eat Bananas?

When can babies eat bananas?

Bananas may be introduced as soon as a baby is ready to start solids, which is generally around 6 months of age.

Need ideas for the best first foods for babies? See our guides.

Background & origin of the banana

How did banana become one of the most consumed fruits in the world? It started in the tropics of Asia, where the plant originated and still grows wild. There, one can enjoy a bevy of banana and plantain varieties in different sizes, shapes, and colors, from red to orange to pink to purple, with a taste that ranges from starchy to sweet. Yet despite its incredible biodiversity (more than 1,000 known varieties exist), just one—the Cavendish banana—dominates the world market. This cultivar has a sturdy peel that protects the fruit while it travels long distances, a competitive advantage over tender types that are eaten quickly after harvest. The Cavendish has become a major global export in Africa and the Americas, where colonizers introduced similarly durable varieties that led to commercial plantations that supply the world today. If you live in Europe, Canada, or the United States, the Cavendish is mostly likely the banana at your local grocer. Fun fact: the whole banana plant can be put to use, from its edible flowers, shoots, and roots to its sturdy medicinal leaves. Even the peel is edible!

Are bananas healthy for babies?

Yes. Bananas are packed with carbohydrates to energize the body and essential nutrients that babies need to thrive, like folate, vitamin B6, vitamin C, and potassium. Together these nutrients support the nervous system, skin health, iron absorption, and blood pressure. A bonus: bananas contain more antioxidants than many berries, herbs, and vegetables!1

Nutrients vary by ripeness. For example, all bananas contain a good amount of fiber to build a healthy digestive system, but less-ripe bananas contain more prebiotic fiber than ripe bananas, which contain more soluble fiber.2 3 No matter the stage of ripeness, bananas are a great addition to a child’s diet and an excellent snack when paired with a healthy protein or fat, such as nut butter that has been thinned with yogurt to reduce the choking hazard for kids.

Despite its nutritional benefits, banana is not without flaws. Conventionally grown bananas are heavily sprayed with pesticides, which can harm the environment and health of the people who grow and eat the food.4 5 Thankfully, peeling and discarding the banana skin can minimize exposure to pesticides—and there is growing demand for more sustainably cultivated, equitably sourced bananas.6 7 For those who prefer to eat the peel (yes, it is edible!) and food products made from it (like banana peel flour), consider purchasing organic or treating these as “once-in-a-while foods”—and be sure to wash the peel thoroughly before cooking to remove pesticide residue.

★Tip: Bananas are affordable and easy to serve—an ideal fruit when pressed for time, which, let’s face it, can happen every day. If you’d like to cut back on a daily banana habit, try treating the fruit as a backup food for on-the-go moments with children.

Do bananas cause constipation? Can bananas ease diarrhea?

Despite popular perception, the evidence for bananas causing constipation is weak. 8 In fact, there’s research that suggests that bananas can help promote regular bowel movements. The belief that bananas cause constipation may come down to differences in ripeness.

Unripe green bananas are higher in resistant starches and soluble fibers, which help feed gut bacteria (great for regularity), while also containing tannins. Tannins are a type of polyphenol that makes unripe bananas suck the moisture out of your mouth. When tannins are consumed in excess, they can be associated with constipation; despite this, green bananas may still help support regular bowel movements.9

If you’re worried bananas are causing constipation, explore offering ripe bananas. As bananas become riper, the starch and tannin decrease, and the natural sugar content increases, which may be more helpful for an already constipated child.10 11 12

That said, constipation is complicated. There’s usually more to it than just bananas—like other foods in a baby’s diet, a baby’s medical history, and the natural shift in the gut microbiome with the introduction of solid food. If you have any concerns about constipation, be sure to talk to your pediatric health care provider.

★Tip: Store green bananas in a brown paper bag to speed up the ripening process. Once ripe, peel and pop them in an air-tight container in the freezer—where they’ll keep for a couple of months.

Are bananas a common choking hazard for babies?

No. Bananas are not a common cause of choking, but they are a common cause of gagging, as they may stick to the inside of baby’s mouth. However, processed banana (such as dried banana and banana chips) certainly can be. To minimize the risk, serve fresh banana and refrain from offering fried or dried preparations until closer to the second birthday. As always, make sure to create a safe eating environment, stay within arm’s reach of a baby at mealtime, and check out our age-appropriate serving suggestions.

For more information on choking, visit our sections on gagging and choking and familiarize yourself with the list of common choking hazards.

Are bananas a common allergen?

No. Although bananas are not considered a common allergen, reactions to banana have been reported.13 14 Individuals with ragweed allergy, latex allergy, or oral allergy syndrome (also called pollen food allergy syndrome) may be sensitive to bananas.15 16 17 Oral allergy syndrome typically causes mild, temporary itching, tingling, or burning in the mouth, which usually resolves on its own. Cooking banana before serving can minimize oral allergy symptoms. Individuals with oral allergy syndrome are also unlikely to react to banana-flavored foods.

Banana can be a trigger food for babies and toddlers who have FPIES (Food Protein-Induced Enterocolitis Syndrome), a type of delayed allergic reaction that can result in vomiting, diarrhea, low blood pressure, and dehydration a few hours after ingesting the food.18 To learn more about FPIES, see our Allergies page.

As you would when introducing any new food, start by offering a small quantity during the first couple of servings. If there is no adverse reaction, gradually increase the amount served over future meals.

How do you prepare bananas for babies with baby-led weaning?

Every baby develops on their own timeline, and the suggestions on how to cut or prepare particular foods are generalizations for a broad audience. Your child is an individual and may have needs or considerations beyond generally accepted practices. In determining the recommendations for size and shape of foods, we use the best available scientific information regarding gross, fine, and oral motor development to minimize choking risk. The preparation suggestions we offer are for informational purposes only and are not a substitute for child-specific, one-on-one advice from your pediatric medical or health professional or provider. It is impossible to fully eliminate all risk of a baby or child choking on any liquid, puree, or food. We advise you to follow all safety protocols we suggest to create a safe eating environment and to make educated choices for your child regarding their specific needs. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read or seen here.

6 to 9 months old: You’ve got options! Offer one half of a whole, peeled banana on its own. Serve spears from a banana that has been split lengthwise into thirds. Or mash banana and pre-load a spoon for baby to try to pick up or grab from you. Remember, babies oftentimes gag on banana because it is soft and sticky. If you notice banana is sticking to the roof of baby’s mouth causing an intense gag, consider lengthwise spears of banana instead of a whole peeled banana. Unlike other foods that when served big give the inside of the mouth a lot of sensory feedback, the soft, squishy nature of banana doesn’t tend to provide the same type of input.

9 to 12 months old: Banana spears are a great option at this age. If a baby is stuffing and shoveling food into the mouth, try serving smaller, bite-sized pieces broken off from a banana already split into spears, which will make the pieces easier to pick up and less slippery. Slices of banana are great for pincer grasp practice, and can also be added to yogurt, oatmeal, and porridge.

12 to 18 months old: Offer bite-sized pieces—or if you feel comfortable, serve spears or even a whole banana. The exact size is up to you, though certain sizes may yield more consumption depending on the child’s eating skills.

18 to 24 months old: This is a great time to move back up in size by offering the whole banana. Try teaching how to peel a banana—a fun activity for toddlers.

Banana spear made from splitting banana in thirdsBite size banana pieces

How often should you offer solids? See our sample feeding schedules for babies of every age.

Recipe: Banana with Cinnamon Sunflower Seed Dip

Yield: 1/2 cup (64 grams)
Cooking Time: 5 minutes
Age: 6 months+

Ingredients

  • 1 medium banana
  • 2 tablespoons (28 grams) unsalted, unsweetened sunflower seed butter
  • 1 teaspoon (5 milliliters) warm water or more as needed
  • ¼ teaspoon (1. 5 grams) ground cinnamon

Directions

  1. Cut the banana in half crosswise. Peel one half and store the other half in its peel for a future meal.
  2. Separate the peeled half into spears. An easy way to do this: gently push your index finger into the cut side of each half to separate them into spears. See a video here.
  3. Whisk the sunflower seed butter, water, and cinnamon in the child’s bowl (a bowl that suctions to the table works well in this instance!) until smooth with no clumps. The dip should be saucy; add more water as needed to reach the desired consistency.
  4. Serve and let the child self-feed with hands. Demonstrate how to dip and allow the child to dip the banana spears (or fingers!) on their own. If you wind up with a mess of dip and bananas, scoop it all into the bowl and mash it all together, then load the mash onto a spoon and hand it in the air or rest it next to the bowl for the child to try to pick up.

To Store: Store leftover dip in an air-tight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.

Flavor Pairings

Banana tastes sweet and starchy—a versatile flavor that pairs well with tropical fruits like guava, lychee, mango, and papaya and juicy berries like blackberry, blueberry, strawberry. Try pairing banana with hearty nuts like almond, cashew, coconut, peanut, or walnut; creamy dairy products like kefir, ricotta cheese, or yogurt; starchy vegetables like carrot, pumpkin, or sweet potato; and nutty grains like amaranth, quinoa, or rice.

Reviewed by

J. Truppi, MSN, CNS

V. Kalami, MNSP, RD

K. Grenawitzke, OTD, OTR/L, SCFES, IBCLC, CNT

S. Bajowala, MD, FAAAAI. Board-Certified Allergist & Immunologist (allergy section)

R. Ruiz, MD Board-Certified General Pediatrician and Pediatric Gastroenterologist

  1. Singh, B., Singh, J.P., Kaur, A., Singh, N. (2016). Bioactive compounds in banana and their associated health benefits – A review. Food Chemistry, 206, 1-11. DOI:10.1016/j. foodchem.2016.03.033. Retrieved May 18, 2021.
  2. Holscher H.D. (2017). Dietary fiber and prebiotics and the gastrointestinal microbiota. Gut microbes, 8(2), 172–184. DOI:10.1080/19490976.2017.1290756. Retrieved May 17, 2021.
  3. Zhang, P., Whistler, R.L., BeMiller, J.N., Hamaker, B.R. (2004). Banana starch : production, physiochemical properties, and digestibility—a review. Carbohydrate Polymers, 59(4), 443-458. DOI:10.1016/j.carbpol.2004.10.014. Retrieved May 17, 2021.
  4. Barraza, D., Jansen, K., van Wendel de Joode, B., Wesseling, C.. Pesticide use in banana and plantain production and risk perception among local actors in Talamanca, Costa Rica. Environ Res. 2011 Jul;111(5):708-17. DOI:10.1016/j.envres.2011.02.009. Retrieved May 17, 2021.
  5. Barraza, D., Jansen, K., van Wendel de Joode, B., Wesseling, C.. Pesticide use in banana and plantain production and risk perception among local actors in Talamanca, Costa Rica. Environ Res. 2011 Jul;111(5):708-17. DOI:10.1016/j. envres.2011.02.009. Retrieved May 17, 2021.
  6. Amini Khoozani, A., Birch, J., Bekhit, A. (2019). Production, application and health effects of banana pulp and peel flour in the food industry. Journal of food science and technology, 56(2), 548–559. DOI:10.1007/s13197-018-03562-z. Retrieved May 17, 2021.
  7. Gomes, H.O., Menezes, J., da Costa, J., Coutinho, H., Teixeira, R., et al. (2020). Evaluating the presence of pesticides in bananas: An integrative review. Ecotoxicology and environmental safety, 189, 110016. DOI:10.1016/j.ecoenv.2019.110016. Retrieved May 17, 2021.
  8. Müller-Lissner, S.A., Kaatz, V., Brandt, W., Keller, J., & Layer, P. (2005). The perceived effect of various foods and beverages on stool consistency. European journal of gastroenterology & hepatology, 17(1), 109–112. DOI:10.1097/00042737-200501000-00020. Retrieved May 18, 2021.
  9. Falcomer, A. L., Riquette, R., de Lima, B. R., Ginani, V. C., & Zandonadi, R. P. (2019). Health Benefits of Green Banana Consumption: A Systematic Review.  Nutrients, 11(6), 1222. DOI: 10.3390/nu11061222. Retrieved June 21, 2021.
  10. Falcomer, A. L., Riquette, R., de Lima, B. R., Ginani, V. C., & Zandonadi, R. P. (2019). Health Benefits of Green Banana Consumption: A Systematic Review. Nutrients, 11(6), 1222. DOI: 10.3390/nu11061222. Retrieved June 21, 2021.
  11. Zhang, P. Whistler, R.L., BeMiller, J.N., Haymaker, B.R. (2005). Banana starch: production, physicochemical properties, and digestibility—a review. Carbohydrate Polymers, 59(4), 443-458. DOI: 10.1016/j.carbpol.2004.10.014. Retrieved May 18, 2021.
  12. Bae S.H. (2014). Diets for constipation. Pediatric gastroenterology, hepatology & nutrition, 17(4), 203–208. DOI:10.5223/pghn.2014.17.4.203. Retrieved May 18, 2021.
  13. El-Sayed, Z.A., El-Ghoneimy, D.H., El-Shennawy, D., Nasser, M.W. (2013). Evaluation of banana hypersensitivity among a group of atopic egyptian children: relation to parental/self reports. Allergy, asthma & immunology research, 5(3), 150–154. DOI:10.4168/aair.2013.5.3.150. Retrieved May 17, 2021.
  14. Grob, M., Reindl, J., Vieths, S., Wüthrich, B., Ballmer-Weber, B.K. (2002). Heterogeneity of banana allergy: characterization of allergens in banana-allergic patients. Annals of allergy, asthma & immunology: official publication of the American College of Allergy, Asthma, & Immunology, 89(5), 513–516. DOI:10.1016/S1081-1206(10)62090-X. Retrieved May 17, 2021.
  15. American Academy of Allergy Asthma & Immunology. (2020). Oral Allergy Syndrome (OAS) or Pollen Fruit Syndrome (PFS). Retrieved October 27, 2020.
  16. Mayo Clinic. (2019). Food Allergy. Retrieved October 27, 2020.
  17. Anaphylaxis Campaign. (2018). Banana. Retrieved October 27, 2020.
  18. Blackman, A. C., Anvari, S., Davis, C. M., & Anagnostou, A. (2019). Emerging triggers of food protein-induced enterocolitis syndrome: Lessons from a pediatric cohort of 74 children in the United States. Annals of allergy, asthma & immunology : official publication of the American College of Allergy, Asthma, & Immunology, 122(4), 407–411. DOI: 10.1016/j.anai.2019.01.022. Retrieved June 15, 2021.

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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Bananas in baby food - Encyclopedia Baby food

Levchuk Victoria ©

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) Small bright yellow fruits up to 7.5 cm long, called baby banana or finger banana, are also imported into our country. 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 mainly 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 food 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. etc. 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 baby'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 canned, although I don't see the point, since a banana is 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) When eating a large amount of bananas, an excess of vitamin K is possible. This vitamin provokes 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 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 way of consuming bananas in baby food

Bananas are 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 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 about how to cut a banana into long, thin pieces that are equal to the thickness of a finger and can easily fit in 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 bananas are soft, so the first time you eat finger food, everything will be covered in bananas. 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 prepackaged baby food

Prepackaged baby food manufacturers offer many 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.

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