Babies show an attraction to colors and crunchiness, and so parents should offer all different types of fruits and vegetables as a part of their diet. Produce of different colors has different nutrients that are vital for the growth and development of babies. For this reason, you must include foods of all colors. So, how about Kiwi for babies? We decode the various facets of feeding this fruit to your little ones.
Kiwis are an excellent source of fiber, vitamin C, and various other nutrients. The fruit protects from diseases and provides many health benefits due to the presence of ample vitamins and minerals as well. Since it has so many benefits, let us study its nutritional value, the right time to introduce it to the baby, the preventive measures to be taken, benefits, selection and storage procedure, and some yummy recipes as well.
In This Article
- Kiwi For Babies: Know the Nutritional Facts of Kiwi
- When Can I Introduce Kiwi to My Baby?
- Do Kiwi Seeds Need to be Removed?
- How to Select and Store Kiwis For Babies?
- Benefits of Kiwis For Infant
- Measures to be Taken While Giving Kiwi to Your Baby
- When to Avoid Offering Kiwis For Baby?
- What are the Symptoms of Kiwi Allergy?
- Kiwi Recipes For Baby Food
- FAQ’s
Kiwi For Babies: Know the Nutritional Facts of Kiwi
Kiwi is a powerhouse of nutrients, but it has few acidic properties due to the presence of vitamin C which might result in loose bowel movements for the baby or a stomach ache. Some babies, even spit it up if they do not like its taste.
Some Interesting Nutrition Facts About Kiwi
- Kiwis are loaded with vitamins, fiber, folate, and antioxidants.
- They help in boosting the immune system of the babies and aid in the quick healing of wounds.
- Additionally, they also help in relieving constipation issues and even help in preventing diseases.
- Kiwis help in fighting cancer.
- They help in lowering fat levels in the blood and help in the prevention of asthma.
- Kiwis are a powerhouse of calcium, iron, chromium, copper, potassium, magnesium, and zinc.
Given below is a table depicting the nutritional value of the Kiwi:
| Nutrients | Value |
| Carbohydrate | 14.7 g |
| Protein | 1.1 g |
| Fat | 0.5 g |
| Fibre | 3 g |
| Water | 83.1 g |
| Vitamin A | 0.26 mg |
| Vitamin C | 92.7 mg |
| Vitamin E | 1.5 mg |
| Vitamin K | 40.3 ug |
| Niacin | 0.3 mg |
| Vitamin B6 | 0.1 mg |
| Folate | 25 ug |
| Calcium | 34 mg |
| Iron | 0.3 mg |
| Magnesium | 17 mg |
| Phosphorous | 34 mg |
| Potassium | 312 mg |
| Sodium | 3 mg |
When Can I Introduce Kiwi to My Baby?
Kiwi should only be introduced when the child is in the age bracket of 8th and 9th months. In case the baby develops a stomach ache or any diaper rashes, the consumption should be stopped at that time and repeated after a lapse of some months. Always start with a small serving and see the reactions. Once the baby starts relishing, only then add it to the regular intake.
[Read: Introducing Solids to Your Baby? 10 Things You Need to Know]
Do Kiwi Seeds Need to be Removed?
The seeds of this fruit need not be removed as they are edible, tiny, and do not pose a choking threat. Moreover, the seeds are an excellent source of nutrients, vitamins, folate as well as potassium. They are rich in fiber as well as antioxidants.
How to Select and Store Kiwis For Babies?
Opt for organic kiwis if you have access. Kiwis do not get contaminated with pesticides like other fruits. Never pick a kiwi with patchy and dry skin. Always choose a firm kiwi and wait for it to ripen.
Always place unripe kiwis in a paper bag with other fruits like banana, apple, pear. This way, Kiwi will ripen in about two days. You can store kiwis in the refrigerator for three to four weeks and for almost a week in your pantry.
Benefits of Kiwis For Infant
The fruit is loaded with nutritional benefits and tastes good too and is one of the best fruits you can give to your baby. They offer the following benefits for your child:
- Kiwis are packed with vital minerals for the healthy development of your little one. It is rich in calcium, iron, chromium, copper, potassium, magnesium, and zinc.
- Since it has a high vitamin C value, it helps to boost the immune system.
- As they are a good source of fiber, they prove excellent for relieving constipation issues. Kiwis offer 16% of the RDA for fiber
- You can count on the kiwi fruit for your baby’s 10% of the RDA for folic acid and 10% RDA for Vitamin E.
- Kiwi is rich in phytonutrients,, and therefore it can provide protection to the baby from some kinds of cancer.
- These fruits are excellent for skin health.
- Kiwi helps babies sleep better. Proper sleep promotes healthy growth and development.
- A rich source of vitamin C, kiwi aids iron absorption.
- Your baby may be less likely to develop asthma, high blood pressure, kidney stones, and obesity if you include kiwi in their diet. Kiwi may also reduce the risk of blood clots in later life.
Measures to be Taken While Giving Kiwi to Your Baby
Certain measures that one must keep in mind before offering kiwi to the baby are as follows:
- In case the baby shows any reactions to the consumption of fruits like papaya, pineapple, there are chances that kiwi will have the same reaction as well.
- Symptoms of kiwi allergy in babies include symptoms such as fever, swollen lips, and face, vomiting, breathing problems as well as wheezing.
- When introducing kiwi fruits, start with small quantities and observe for side effects and allergies.
- You can speak with your baby’s pediatrician prior to introducing any new fruit or food.
When to Avoid Offering Kiwis For Baby?
Never give Kiwi to your baby if they have:
- Hay fever
- Sensitive tummy
- Acid reflux issues
- Rashes
Also, never introduce Kiwi to the baby has prior known allergies to:
Somehow the birch pollen allergies, cedar allergies, and latex allergies are linked with kiwi fruit as well.
[Read: Benefits of Oranges For Babies]
What are the Symptoms of Kiwi Allergy?
The symptoms of kiwi allergy can show within two hours after eating this fruit. The symptoms involve:
- Swelling of face, tongue, and lips
- Vomiting
- Sore mouth
- Wheezing
Kiwi Recipes For Baby Food
Kiwi is slightly acidic, so you can combine it with some other fruit to feed the baby for the first time. For example, you can mix kiwi purée with banana purée. This combination helps to develop taste and your baby will love to eat it.
Some nutritious and fresh kiwi recipes beneficial for the baby are given as below:
1. Yummy Kiwi Purée
In order to make the kiwi purée, peel the kiwi and blend it in a mixer to get the right consistency. You can purée with other fruits and blend to make a mixed fruit purée.
2. Kiwi Salad For Infants
Take 1 peeled and diced kiwi, 1 peeled and finely chopped pear, and ½ peeled and diced banana to a bowl. Now add some crushed cereal over it. Put it in the blender and add yogurt at the end just to season.
Kiwis, though small, pack a punch in terms of nutritional and health benefits. They have all the essential vitamins as well as minerals that offer a nutritional boost and lead to healthy development.
[Read: Strawberries For Babies]
FAQ’s
1. Can Kiwi Help Relieve Constipation in My Baby?
Kiwi is rich in fiber. It also retains more water than other fruits. This can help with constipation in babies.
2. Can I Give Kiwi With Skin to My Baby?
Yes, kiwi skin is edible and can be given to babies. It can in fact help them hold the slippery fruit better. If your child doesn’t like the hair texture, you can remove it.
3. How to Offer Kiwi in BLW?
You can offer the fruit with skin for better grip. Since this fruit can be slippery, cut them up in bite-sized pieces while retaining the skin, so your baby can hold and eat on their own.
4. Which Type of Kiwi Should I Give My Baby?
You can give both green and golden kiwi. Green kiwi has more fiber than its golden cousin. The golden kiwi is packed with Vitamin C.
Read Also: Pineapple For Babies: Health Benefits, And Risks
