Bananas for children: at what age can I give?

With replenishment in the family, parents are anxious about what is included in the basic nutrition of their crumbs. As a rule, bananas are considered the best complementary foods, along with apples and zucchini. But there are restrictions in terms of the age of the baby and his individual characteristics. Very often, a child's premature intake of this fruit leads to the most unpredictable consequences. Let’s take a look at it step by step so that you can make your own opinion.

The effect of banana on the child's body

1. It is no secret that the tropical fruit is very nutritious in its chemical composition. Besides the fact that the child likes to feast on banana puree, his body is saturated with necessary substances. Banana is a hypoallergenic fruit, which is why it is considered ideal for introduction into complementary foods from an early age.
2. The basis includes vitamins belonging to the B-group. They positively affect the psycho-emotional background of the child, form the central nervous system. Calcium with phosphorus is responsible for the development of bone tissue, it becomes strong due to the filling of microvoids.
3. Banana improves mood, makes the baby less moody, contributes to a comfortable sleep. An extensive mineral and vitamin list is simply necessary for infants to develop in accordance with the age category.
4. Potassium and magnesium are needed by the heart muscle, and iron is needed to improve blood composition and prevent anemia. Due to their high nutritional value, bananas are included in the diet to prevent rickets.
5. The basis of the presented fruits includes amino acids and starchy compounds, the latter being given more than 1/5 of the total volume of the product. Thanks to starch, the fruits are fully absorbed and normalize the activity of the digestive tract.
6. Often the flesh is combined with warmed milk, after which such a cocktail is given to the baby who is sick with cough or bronchitis. The cocktail also has everything that allows the brain to function properly and develop.

Banana allergy

1. If you follow the averaged statistics, an unexpected reaction rarely occurs on the introduction of the presented fetus into the diet. For this reason, experts allow the addition of banana to complementary foods, starting from six months of age.
2. These recommendations apply to those babies whose mothers consumed the fruit before conception and throughout the gestation period. This means that the child’s body is ready for the assimilation of all substances present in this product.
3. Despite the positive results of the introduction, you must take into account possible allergies. She, as a rule, makes itself felt in violation of the conditions of storage and processing of fruits. If the bananas are soaked in chemistry for better transportation, it will fall to the pulp through the peel. It is chemicals that lead to negative consequences.

When can I enter the menu

1. The opinion of experts on this subject varies. Some argue that it is permissible to give fruit to children from 5 months, while others advocate treating the child after 7 months. Therefore, the average and relatively safe age is considered to be the period after six months.
2. It is worth saying right away that the first banana is not introduced into the diet. Superiority is given to apples or zucchini. The fruit under discussion will act as a supplement, otherwise the baby’s body will not perceive its composition.
3. When you harvest and treat the child with this fruit, you need to start from the preferences of the little gourmet. Children from six months give 1 tsp. in the form of rare mashed potatoes. Gradually, the amount rises to 2 tbsp. l
4. After 8 months of age, it is allowed to give crumbs from 3 tbsp. l., slowly bringing the volume to half the fruit of a small size. Closer to 10 months, the child is treated with almost a whole fruit, chopped into slices.

Features of selection and storage

1. The basis of green fruits includes tannins, which are responsible for increased gas formation and other unpredictable reactions from the gastrointestinal tract.
2. Overripe specimens should also be discarded; they can provoke constipation and allergies. Such fruits accumulate too much glucose, which leads to allergies.
3. Only ripe bananas are preferred. Their peel is pigmented in yellow, black spots are absent on the surface. If there are unripe areas, let the fruit lie down for several days. In this case, it is better to place the fruits near the apples.
4. After a successful selection, take care of the fruit. At home, it must be kept only in a dry place, exposure to cold is unacceptable. After the acquisition, you need to eat bananas in 4 days, then they will turn black.

When a banana is contraindicated

In addition to the positive effects of the fruits on the child's body, there is a negative side. Therefore, consider when bananas can be harmful.

1. If the child is overweight, it is not recommended to include bananas in the diet. Such fruits incorporate a high concentration of sucrose and fructose. Together, these substances lead to the development of obesity.
2. It is worth noting that the fruits in question are classified as hypoallergenic products. However, there are cases of individual intolerance to bananas. Often this reaction of the body manifests itself due to the processing of tropical fruits with chemicals. As a result, the baby may have a rash on the skin that will itch.
3. It is worthwhile to delay the introduction of the product into the diet of the crumbs, if he has problems with the gastrointestinal tract. It is not recommended to give bananas to a child if he has constipation, indigestion, bloating. Eating raw materials will only aggravate the situation.
4. If a baby has inherited diabetes through a genetic line, it is strictly forbidden to introduce bananas into the diet. The same goes for children who have increased blood clotting.
5. In any case, if you see a deterioration in the health of the child after consuming fruits, exclude them from the diet for an indefinite period. It is best to consult with a specialist on this occasion.

Ways to make fruit

1. If you are going to introduce a baby to a banana for the first time, it is strongly recommended to dilute mashed potatoes in equal amounts with the feed mixture or breast milk. Thanks to this, the child will try a new dish with an already familiar taste. Also, the consistency will be quite liquid.
2. Before giving the child a new fruit, properly prepare it. Remove not only the peel, but also all the streaks. In the first few weeks, give the crumb the product only after preliminary heat treatment. Mash the banana in a steam or water bath. Alternatively, use a double boiler.
3. To do this, chop the fruit into small pieces and put it in a bowl of a special appliance or in a container designed for a water bath. Strain the fruit for about 6 minutes. After this, the raw materials can be mashed in any way possible. Also, a banana can be prepared in other, no less interesting ways.
4. Among other things, a tropical fruit can be placed in a nibbler. Give the fruit to the child. Thanks to the absolutely safe way of feeding the baby, gum massage will additionally take place. If you want to make mashed potatoes quickly, scrape the banana with a dessert spoon.
5. Alternatively, banana puree can be made using a simple fork. Alternatively, use a blender or fine grater.To get a more fluid consistency, add fruit juice, water or breast milk to the mass.
6. If you want to save a lot of time, buy ready-made banana puree in jars intended for babies. Such a mass goes well with other fruits, especially with an apple. It is also allowed to mix kefir or homemade yogurt. Sour-milk products get a pleasant taste.

Babies are allowed to give a fresh banana. The main thing is to turn the fruit into a homogeneous mass. As an alternative to fruit, you can cook something. If desired, mix banana puree with other fruit formulations, a food mixture, breast milk or fermented milk products. If the child is completely healthy, problems with the assimilation of a new product should not arise.

Video: Banana Health Benefits