Breast milk is bundled with nutrients that increase the immunity of babies. When infants enter the weaning phase, either self-weaned or otherwise, it is essential to make sure that they maintain adequate nutrients. It is preferred to include the best fruits for babies. Banana for babies is a necessary and easy-go fruit offered by mothers.
Are you confused about whether it is the right time to introduce bananas to your baby? Is banana good for them? Worry not. We will discuss in-depth the health benefits of bananas for infants, their nutritional value, and the risks associated. We also have some simple recipes to try out.
In This Article
- Introducing Bananas to Babies
- Nutritional Value of Bananas
- Health Benefits of Giving Bananas to Babies
- Ways to Give Bananas to Your Infant
- Giving Bananas When Infants Have Cough and Cold
- Side Effects of Giving Bananas to Babies
- How Many Bananas Can Mothers Give?
- Banana Recipes for Babies
- FAQ’s
Introducing Bananas to Babies
Can infants eat Bananas? Yes, bananas can be ideally introduced at six months to babies. At first, you can offer mashed or pureed ripe bananas without any lumps. Once the little one gets comfortable with it, you can start including them in other food items like cereals and porridge.
Nutritional Value of Bananas
Banana is a tropical fruit with high calories. The in-depth analysis of the nutritional value of banana fruit (Musa acuminata Colla) per 100 grams is discussed as below:
- Bananas contain a good amount of carbohydrates, a considerable amount of protein, relatively less fat, and absolutely zero cholesterol.
- This fruit is rich in dietary fiber.
- Bananas are enriched with Vitamin A, Vitamin C, and Vitamin B6.
- It also contains a considerable amount of iron, sodium, and potassium.
- Bananas are rich in carotene. It contains Carotene-alpha, Carotene Beta, and Lutein-Zeaxanthin.
Health Benefits of Giving Bananas to Babies
You will be surprised to know the following ten banana benefits for babies
- Bananas are an excellent combination of essential nutrients.
- Having bananas helps in proper bowel movements.
- The calcium in bananas improves bone health.
- Vitamin C in this fruit helps to boost immunity and energy level.
- The high fiber helps in weight gain and regularizes bowel movement.
- The potassium levels help maintain brain and heart health
- Vitamin A is good for the development of proper eyesight.
- The rich iron content protects against Anemia.
- Potassium content keeps the skin healthy and moisturized.
- High fiber content regularizes bowel movement and prevents the incidence of urinary tract infections in babies.
Ways to Give Bananas to Your Infant
Bananas can be given in different ways depending upon the baby’s age:
- For six months old babies, you can mash the bananas well with a fork or back of a spoon without lumps and feed.
- You can either offer it in mashed or chunks form for babies who are nine months of age.
- You can also give boiled bananas.
For babies who are one year old, you can peel the banana to the middle and encourage them to eat by holding the banana with a grip.
Though bananas are baby-friendly, it is necessary to know the preventive measures before feeding them this fruit:
- The bananas should be ripe but not raw. Raw bananas are hard to digest.
- Make sure the mashed or pureed bananas are without any lumps. Unseen lumps may cause choking.
Giving Bananas When Infants Have Cough and Cold
Bananas are an all-seasonal fruit. There is no problem giving bananas to your babies even if they have a cold and cough.
Side Effects of Giving Bananas to Babies
It is usually said, “Too much of anything is good for nothing.” Similarly, bananas should be given in moderation. Eating one banana a day surely does not bring any problems to your baby.
How Many Bananas Can Mothers Give?
The most common question is how many bananas can a 6-month-old baby eat? Babies can have one small banana every day in proper form. Those infants eating the fruit every day have better health and bowel movements. Sometimes, they may love the flavor and tend to have more of it. However, it is essential to keep control over it because the pectin fiber may result in constipation.
Banana Recipes for Babies
Let us look at delicious and easy banana baby food.
1. Banana Mash
Mashed or pureed banana is the best first food for babies who are six months old. You can even cook and mash the banana if you wish to. Bananas should be well-mashed with no lumps to avoid the risk of choking.
2. Banana Milkshake
Banana Milkshake is one of the best and easiest ways of preparing banana food for your infant. It tastes out of the world, and the little one will love the magic of the combination of banana and milk.
3. Banana Sheera
Banana Sheera is yet another Indian delicacy. The banana flavor infused into suji is a delicious dessert, and your baby will gulp it easily.
4. Ragi Banana Porridge
Ragi Banana porridge has lots of nutrients. It is one of the most loved healthy food for babies. The sweetness of ragi and banana explodes in their mouth and they will want more of it once they begin.
Bananas are one of the easily available and healthy fruit. The nutritional values and benefits of this fruit are amazing. Just follow the portions of control, and your baby is very safe. Let us give a healthy weaning phase for our kids. Happy parenting. Stay safe and healthy.
FAQ’s
1. Can I give a Banana to my 6-Month Baby?
Of course, you can.
2. Can we give Red Bananas to Babies?
Yes. Babies can consume red bananas. It is one of the best choices to begin the weaning phase.
3. What are the Benefits of Red Banana?
Red bananas are rich in nutrients and help prevent constipation.
4. Can we give Yelaki / Elachi Banana for Babies?
Yes, we can give the Yelaki / Elachi bananas to babies. Though they are smaller than the other bananas, this small banana benefits them greatly
5. Is Nenthran Banana suitable for Babies?
Yes. It is suitable for babies to consume Nenthran bananas. But, make sure you boil them well and remove the black seeds.
Read Also: Avocados For Babies: Health Benefits And Recipes
