Guava For Babies: Health Benefits and Recipes

Q: Can I Give my Baby Guava?

Yes you can. Guavas are very rich in nutrients and can add to the overall health of your baby. Babies may take time to get used to the texture.

Q: Can my Baby Choke on Guava Seeds?

Yes guava seeds are a choking hazard for very small babies. Do not give the seeds if your baby is yet to start chewing properly. Also, eating too many seeds can be hard to digest.

Q: Can I Give Guava Pieces to My Baby?

Yes you can. If your baby is able to hold and eat their food, you can give them guava pieces. Cut the fruit into thin long pieces and give without the seeds.

The best time for introducing solid food to babies is at around the six-month mark. At this time, your baby is growing and developing by leaps and bounds and only a liquid diet does not suffice for the baby. They need some vital nutrients for the proper growth and development, which solids can provide. Fruits are high in nutrition and form important early food for your little one. Having said that, you may wonder if all fruits can be safely introduced. When introducing fruits like guava to babies, you may want to be doubly sure that they are safe for your little one.

Nutritional Value of Guava

Guava is both a tropical and subtropical fruit and is also a nutritionist’s delight. It is rich in minerals and vitamins. We list the nutritional components of this fruit.

Guava is an excellent source of vitamin C, A, B2, and E. In fact, the vitamin A and C content present in guava are in much more quantity when compared to fruits such as oranges or lemons.
The fruit consists of other nutrients like copper, potassium, calcium, manganese, and phosphorus, and all these minerals play a vital role in the development of bones and cartilage, protecting cells from damage, and helping in regaining energy.
It is also rich in folic acid, which is crucial for the overall growth of the baby. Folic acid is also good for the circulatory system and helps in the development of the nervous system of babies.
This fruit is rich in lycopene which is why the inner pulp appears pink and this helps in minimizing the growth of cancer cells in the area around the mouth.

Is Guava Safe for Babies?

Guava has many tiny seeds, which are hard to bite and difficult to digest for babies. In case the baby is eating guava and feels any sort of discomfort, it is best to stop feeding them for some time. After a gap of a few days, try and feed the same fruit in order to let them get used to the taste.

When to Introduce Guava for Babies?

Guava can be introduced to the baby at the age of six months, but it is advisable to always consult a doctor. Always start off with small quantities initially for a couple of days and check for any side effects or reactions. You can gradually increase the quantity depending on your little one’s tolerance.

How to Introduce Guava for Babies?

You can start by feeding your baby puréed guava. You can blend guava purée with other fruit purées to enhance taste and flavor. Remember, the consistency of the purée depends on you. Make it as smooth as you can.

How to Make Guava Puree?

Making guava puree is easy.

Wash guava thoroughly.
Peel them and cut them into slices.
With a spoon, scoop the seeds off (you can have it, it is loaded with vitamins and minerals).
Slice it and boil it with adequate water for about 5 minutes. You can poke with a fork to make sure it is well cooked.
Put it in a blender. Purée it thoroughly without any lumps.
Purée is ready.

Side Effects of Guava for Babies

Allergies due to guava are extremely uncommon in babies. However, it is best to practice caution while feeding guava to babies. Never feed your baby with guava leaf extracts and other guava supplements.

Following are some side effects of guava for babies:

Avoid feeding your little one guava before bedtime, as it increases energy levels and can result in disturbed sleep.
A baby can choke on raw guavas. Therefore, guavas, especially firm ones, must be skinned, de-seeded, and cooked until they are soft before feeding.
Guava should only be given to babies twice a week as its acidity can cause diaper rash in babies.

Are Guava Seeds Harmful to the Babies?

Even in the case of adults, eating guava seeds alone may cause stomach disorders. However, eating fruit seeds along with their flesh will not cause any harm. When it comes to babies, even if they gulp down with the flesh, guava seeds can be hard on their delicate digestive system.

What are the Benefits of Guava for Babies?

On account of the nutritional properties, guava qualifies as being called the “superfood”. Consumption of guava is beneficial in many ways.

1. Enhances Baby’s Eyesight

Regular consumption of guava is good for the baby’s eye health as it is loaded with vitamin A.

2. Combats Infection

Guava is excellent in vitamin C and helps in relieving congestion and cold. It also helps to prevent Scurvy (a disease caused due to vitamin C deficiency, which can be fatal if untreated).

3. Prevents Cancer

This fruit is also loaded with antioxidants that help to prevent the development and growth of cancer cells.

4. Increases Immunity

Being the richest source of vitamin C, Guava helps to boost the immunity of the baby.

5. Prevents Nervous Issues

Guavas also consist of folic acid and other vitamins that greatly help in the growth of the baby’s nervous system and prevent against any neurological deformities.

6. Improves the Brain Development

This fruit is a good source of vitamin K, B3, and B6 and is loaded with Pantothenic acid, thiamine, riboflavin, and folate and plays a vital role in enhancing the development of the baby’s brain.

7. Facilitate Digestion

Since guava is loaded with fibre it enhances the digestion process.

What are the Points to Keep in Mind While Feeding Guava for Babies?

Restrict feeding guava purée to a maximum of two days per week. Remember, this fruit is acidic and overconsumption can bring about diaper rash in babies.

Always use fresh and ripe Guava.
Give fresh purée to the baby. Avoid using freeze purée.
It is always better to boil it before making purée. This way it will get soft and becomes easy to digest for your little one
Start with a couple of spoons and eventually increase the quantity.

Guava Recipes for Babies

Here are some delicious and easy to prepare Guava recipes for your little one:

1. Guava-Kiwi Purée

Make a purée of half a guava. Now peel and grate half a kiwi. Sieve the kiwi mixture to remove all seeds. Now mix both the guava and kiwi purée. Offer the baby a delicious new and tempting flavor.

2. Guava-Pear Delight

Make a purée of half a guava. Now peel the pear and grate ¼ of it. Sieve the pear and remove all seeds. Mix the pulps of the two fruits and serve. Babies love this yummy purée.

Guava has many key nutrients that are essential for the growth and development of infants. For this reason, introducing this fruit at the right time is crucial. In the initial stages, babies may be reluctant to try out new foods. You must show patience and consistency when feeding your little ones. Your babies need solid foods from six months of age, and you will need perseverance and time to get your little ones to accept and enjoy solid foods such as guava.

FAQ’s

1. Can I Give My Baby Guava?

Yes, you can. Guavas are very rich in nutrients and can add to the overall health of your little one. Babies may take time to get used to the texture.

2. How Much Guava Can I Give my 9-Month-Old?

Moderation is key for any food. Eating too many guava seeds can lead to indigestion. Limit the intake to twice a week. Limit the quantity to half a fruit at first and increase intake slowly.

3. Can my Baby Choke on Guava Seeds?

Yes, guava seeds are a choking hazard for very small babies. Do not give the seeds if your baby is yet to start chewing properly. Also, eating too many seeds can be hard to digest.

4. Can I Give Guava Pieces to My Baby?

Yes, you can. If your little one is able to hold and eat their food, you can give them guava pieces. Cut the fruit into thin long pieces and give without the seeds.