Pineapple For Babies: Health Benefits, And Risks

Pineapples are bright yellow-colored juicy fruits belonging to the citrus variety. One can do so much with a pineapple apart from just enjoying the fruit fresh, as it is. So, when it comes to pineapple for babies, how safe it is? At what age is recommended? When is the ideal time to introduce this delicious fruit to your little one?

Pineapple is Infant Friendly

The fruit is perfectly safe for infants. However, it is a citric food that can be quite acidic for a baby to digest. Though they are very nutritious, many babies might not be able to digest this fruit.

Giving Pineapple to Your Baby

Pineapple, just like any other food, can be introduced when your baby reaches the 6 months mark. However, some babies are more sensitive than others when it comes to citric food items. If your baby is unable to digest the pineapple well, wait for a few more months and try giving it again. Some babies might need time till they are one year or older, to be able to digest this acidic fruit.

Nutritional Benefits of Pineapple for Babies

Some of the pineapple nutritional benefits your baby stands to gain by including this in their diet are:

The fruit is rich in Vitamin C thus acting as good immunity-boosting food.
They are a good source of Vitamin B1, which aids muscle function and the development of the nervous system.
Pineapples are rich in dietary fiber, thus helping in proper digestion.
It is also a good source of folic acid and manganese.

Pineapple for Babies- Risks Involved

While pineapple is very nutritious for a baby, it comes with its own set of risks, just like any other food item. Here are a few things to watch out for when you are feeding your baby pineapple:

Acidity

Is pineapple acidic? Pineapple is a citrus fruit, thus making it quite acidic. This might result in:

Irritation in the stomach due to an increase in acidity
Rashes around the mouth
Diaper rash
Irritation in the upper palate of the mouth

Choking Hazard

The center part of the fruit is quite hard and dry. A baby cannot chew it and might choke on it. Always cut out the core before feeding it to your baby.

Allergy

If your child shows any allergic reaction after consuming pineapple, check with your doctor immediately.

Choose the Perfect Pineapple for Your Baby

We all want to give the best to our babies. When you are on the lookout for the perfect pineapple for your baby, keep these points in mind:

The pineapple must be ripe before you can skin it, else it will not ripen uniformly.
Unripe ones are not safe for a baby.
Choose a pineapple that is heavy for its size.
When you are buying canned pineapples, check if the pieces are soaked in the juice of the fruit itself rather than syrup. The syrup is artificially sweetened and not generally recommended for a small baby.

Fresh Vs. Canned Pineapple

Pineapple is a seasonal fruit and cannot be found all year round. Any fruit is best when eaten fresh. If you live in a tropical region, you will have easy access to fresh pineapples during its season.

However, if you do want to give your baby this fruit during its off-season, you can opt for the canned variety. Canned pineapples are less acidic when compared to fresh ones. It can be a good option for babies who are unable to digest fresh ones.

Buying Organic Pineapple

This is a completely personal choice. The pineapple’s skin has to be removed before eating, thus removing the risk of consuming any pesticides sprayed on them.

Tips to Prepare Pineapple for Baby

When you prepare any food for your baby, you need to be extra cautious; especially, if it can choke or hurt them while eating.

Peel the skin of a ripe pineapple that smells sweet and strong.
Core the pineapple.
Cut out rough bits at the end of the slice if any.
Offer thick slices that are easy to hold for a 6-9-month-old.
Thinner slices will be ideal for babies with a better grasp (9 months+).
Once your baby can chew and has teeth, you can offer small pieces but ensure they don’t choke on them.

Pineapple Recipes for Your Baby

Pineapple is a versatile ingredient that can be used to make both sweet and savory dishes. Here are some easy-to-make recipes to include pineapple in your baby’s diet:

Pineapple Puree

This is the easiest way to feed pineapple to a small baby with no teeth. The puree is easy to digest while it retains the full flavor of pineapple.

Pineapple Yogurt

Yogurt is very healthy for babies. If your baby is tired of eating plain yogurt every day, you can switch up the menu with some pineapple cubes.

Pineapple Smoothie

This is quick and easy to make. It can also help in increasing the liquid content in a baby.

Pineapple for babies is a good option when there are no side effects or allergic reactions. Also, remember to check the label for added sugar if you are planning to give pineapple juice to your baby.

Pineapple For Babies: Health Benefits, And Risks

Pineapple is Infant Friendly

Giving Pineapple to Your Baby

Nutritional Benefits of Pineapple for Babies