All parents are concerned about the nutritive value which the child gets from the consumption of fruits and vegetables. One more very important ingredient that should go into the nutritive list for the baby is dry fruits as they help in inclusive growth and development. How beneficial are dry fruits such as dates for babies? Dry fruits are a powerhouse of proteins as well as minerals. There are a plethora of choices like almonds, raisins, walnuts, pistachios, peanuts, cashew nuts, and dates.
Dry fruits are densely loaded with benefits, but care should be taken to offer them in moderation as overeating can lead to problems. It is highly advisable to consult a doctor before starting them. We will discuss the importance of dates, the time to offer them, the quantity to offer to babies, the method, benefits, and a few recipes.
In This Article
- Are Dates Good For Babies?
- Importance of Dates For Baby’s Growth
- 12 Amazing Benefits of Dates For Babies
- When to Introduce Dates in Baby’s Diet?
- How Many Dates Can You Give Babies Per Day?
- How to Give Dates to Babies?
- Precautions to be Taken When Giving Dates to Your Baby
- Date Recipes For Babies
- FAQ’s
Are Dates Good For Babies?
Dates are vital for a healthy heart and they have a good nutritive value as well, which is why it is important to include them in a baby’s diet. The nutritive value in them aids in the growth of the baby. They even add extra nutritive value which milk alone cannot provide.
Importance of Dates For Baby’s Growth
Dates are an excellent source of fiber as well as sugar. The presence of fructose and dextrose in the ripened dates yields instant energy. The nutrients help in balancing the diet of a small baby and even enhance the nutritive value which the baby gets from the mother’s milk.
The nutritive value of dates can be seen as per the table below:
| Nutrients | Value |
| Folate | 1.5Ug (micrograms) |
| Niacin | 1.6 mg |
| Pantothenic Acid | 0.8 mg |
| Pyridoxine | 0.24 mg |
| Riboflavin | 0.06 mg |
| Thiamine | 0.05 mg |
| Vitamin A | 149 IU |
| Vitamin K | 2.70 Ug |
| Iron | 0.90 mg |
| Magnesium | 54 mg |
| Phosphorus | 62 mg |
| Zinc | 0.44 mg |
| Beta Carotene | 89 Ug |
| Lutein Zeaxanthin | 23 Ug |
12 Amazing Benefits of Dates for Babies
Dates are nutrient-dense and abundant in vitamins as well as minerals that are crucial for the growth and development of your baby. Some health benefits of dates include
1. Stronger Bone Development
Since dates have excellent calcium and magnesium levels, they are ideal for bone development.
2. Accentuates the Brain Development
Dates have a good amount of potassium which helps with the cognitive development of a baby.
3. Prevention of Indigestion
Dates are known to reduce the bad bacteria and help in producing good bacteria for the intestines and so it helps with indigestion issues.
4. Protects the Liver
Babies are prone to have harmful effects on the liver due to an infection that arises due to bacteria and viruses. The consumption of dates reduces the occurrence of diseases such as jaundice, typhoid, etc., as they protect the liver.
5. The Cure For Gastric Ulcers
Some babies have acute issues with ulcers and acidity. Intake of dates lessens these issues. However, you must consult your baby’s doctor before giving dates to your baby when they have the above stomach issues.
6. Help With Stronger Teeth
Dates assist with dental growth, making the gums and teeth stronger and are ideal for teething babies.
7. Facilitate Weight Gain
If your baby needs to gain weight, feeding them dates will solve the issue. Dates are rich in calories and one glass of yummy date milk shake can help your little one gain weight.
8. Offer Nourishment During Fevers and Smallpox
Dates are known to speed up the recovery process if the baby is suffering from fever or smallpox. You can add dates to milk before offering it to your little one.
9. The Solution For Dysentery
Due to bacterial infection, it is common for babies to develop dysentery and this can be regulated by offering the pulp of sweet dates.
10. Help With Constipation
Since dates have a good amount of fiber, they regulate the digestion process, aid in the absorption of water, and also help with bowel movement.
11. Help to Bring Down the Fever
It is common for babies to catch a fever. Intake of dates helps in reducing uneasiness that arises due to rising body temperature. Consuming dates help with the speedy recovery from fever and provides extra nourishment as well.
12. Increases Hemoglobin Levels in Blood
Dates are recommended for all who need to increase their iron intake and have issues with hemoglobin. For babies, it helps the same way. Along with that, it even stimulates healthy hair growth and offers nourishment to the skin.
[Read: Apricot For Babies]
When to Introduce Dates in Baby’s Diet?
Offering the right amount of nutritive value and creating a balance in the baby’s diet is vital for the complete growth and development of the baby. Dates should be supplemented with the foods as the baby grows older, so that it takes care of his nutritive needs.
Dates can be offered to babies at the age of six months or more, the time when they are ready to eat solid or semi-solid food. Initially, though, you must offer them in small quantities to check for possible reactions and allergies in the baby. Once you find that your baby is well-adjusted, you can gradually increase the quantity.
How Many Dates Can You Give Babies Per Day?
You should begin with one date with a medley of other dry fruits so that the baby can relate to the taste of it. You can offer the same in mashed or steamed form. Start with one date a day and gradually increase to 2-3 per day
How to Give Dates to Babies?
Babies should be given steamed dates so that the baby can chew them easily as they become soft and tender. Ensure that the seed is removed. Dates can be mashed as well as pureed for smooth consumption. Never offer boiled dates as boiling can kill away all the nutritive value present in them. Raw dates should only be offered to babies when they are able to chew.
[Read: Cranberries For Babies]
Precautions to be Taken When Giving Dates to Your Baby
In spite of its benefits, there are several factors taken into consideration before giving dates to your baby.
- Your baby has a delicate digestive system. Never introduce a new food (alone) all of a sudden to your baby.
- To start with, mix it thoroughly with the usually given food or give a small portion. If your baby likes the taste and shows no signs of allergies, you can gradually increase the quantity.
- Dates have hard textured skin. Your baby will not be able to chew it. Therefore, start with steamed and mashed dates.
- Never feed unripe dates as it can bring about stomach upset.
- For older kids, always chop dates into the size of a raisin before giving them. This will prevent any choking risk.
- As the dates tend to glue to the teeth of the baby and pave the way for tooth decay, give your baby some water soon after eating the dates.
Dates Recipe For Babies
Dates are rich in nutrients. There are two recipes which are listed below that help the child with the consumption of dates in a smooth manner.
1. Date Puree
- Offer dates to baby in a pureed form
- Soak dates overnight in a bowl of water.
- Strain the water and set aside the water.
- Puree the dates in a mixer or a blender.
- Add the leftover water to make a thin paste.
- Date puree is now ready to feed your little one.
2. Date Juice
- Add dates to a small bowl of warm water for about 30 minutes.
- Remove the dates and discard the water.
- Add the dates to a high-speed blender with fresh and filtered water with lemon juice.
- Blend till smooth and add water as per the desired consistency.
Dates are an excellent source of various nutrients that assist in the overall growth and development of the baby. One should be cautious to offer small quantities and start the process gradually so that the baby develops a taste and has no choking hazard issues.
[Read: 6 Health Benefits Of Raisins For Babies]
FAQ’s
1. Can Eating Dates Prevent Anemia in Babies?
Dates are a rich source of iron. Eating them regularly can prevent anemia. However, check with your pediatrician for the recommended quantity.
2. Can I Give My 7-Month-Old Dates?
7-month-old babies can’t chew well. You can puree the dates with other foods and give. You can even use dates as a natural sweetener.
3. Will Dates Give My Baby Cavities?
Yes, it can. If your child does not chew them well, it can stick to the teeth. Brushing the teeth can prevent this.
4. Can I Add Dates to My Baby’s Milk?
Yes, you can. For a baby above 1-year-old who has started cow’s milk, this can be added for flavor. You can even add this to porridge.
Read Also: Figs for Babies: Benefits and Precautions
