Babies can start eating raw apples as soon as they get introduced to solids. We will answer in more details when can babies eat raw apple, just read on. In general, babies start eating solids between 9 and 12 months. At this stage, the risk of choking is minimal but caregivers should do well to only feed babies the sizes they can chew.
It’s also okay for babies to eat apples from 6 months and above so long as the apples are given in the semi-liquid form. Apples are tasty, healthy, and nutritious fruits that babies can enjoy. As the saying goes, “an apple a day keeps the doctor away.” So the question should not be about the appropriate age but the appropriate form in which apples can be enjoyed by babies.
How Do I Prepare Apples For My Baby?
Unlike with adults where all it usually takes is washing an apple and munching it, a lot goes into the preparation of an apple for a baby. Also, adults can eat as much as one apple a day but that will be a little too much for a baby. Another thing to note when preparing apples for a baby is possible allergies.
Although apples are not a common food allergen, the oral allergy syndrome where people are allergic to fruits can exist in babies too. So, there is a tendency that your baby can react poorly to this fruit.
However, in most cases, there is no way to know if a child will be allergic to fruit until after consumption. Signs to look out for to detect possible allergies include; nausea, itchy skin rash, vomiting, diarrhea, wheezing, and breathing problems.
Once these symptoms are noticed, stop feeding your child the fruit and alert your physician immediately.
The first set of solids a baby is introduced to should be light solids. Fresh apple fruit does not fit into a light solid so you may have to make applesauce out of your apples so your baby can consume it in pureed form.
This is the safest way to eat apples for babies under 6 months of age. This way, the possibility of choking while eating the apples is reduced greatly and the baby does not have to put pressure on its gum in trying to soften the apple cuts.
For babies over 6 months, regular solid apples can be given to them. However, this should be offered in very tiny cuts so the gum and little teeth available can do the mashing conveniently.
Some parents are tempted to feed their babies apple juice since they will still be getting the said nutrients. This is not the best approach as the digestive system of toddlers is quite delicate and too much juice can cause digestive problems. Although the right amount of juice is beneficial and can even help in relieving constipation.
The best way to prepare apples for a baby is by cooking them or making them a puree. Babies of six months and over can comfortably eat apples in this form, and this process of preparation does not reduce the nutritional value.
Simple steps to follow to make apple puree for your baby:
1. To make an apple puree, get a small or medium-sized apple and a little water like half a cup.
2. Rinse the apple properly under running water to get rid of the dirt and germs.
3. Gently peel off the outer layer or skin and take away the seeds in the center.
4. Chop the apples into very small sizes.
5. Get a pan, and preferably one with a thick bottom and place it on a low heat or medium heat and pour the chopped apples into it.
6. Add water to the pan till the apples are submerged in it.
7. Place the lid of the pan on it and ensure the heat is low and leave it to simmer for around 15 minutes.
8. Remove the cover of the pan and check the apples to see if it’s soft. This can be done with a clean knife. Being able to easily cut through is confirmation that the apples are soft.
9. Turn the heat off and place the pan on a firm surface.
10. Get a spoon and stir the mixture together to achieve a certain consistency.
11. Serve alone or with another fruit puree or yogurt and feed your baby.
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Can a 6 Months Old Baby Eat Apples?
Parents are discouraged from giving their babies apples because it is one of the most common factors that lead to choking in babies. Post-weaning stage, caregivers are often saddled with the task of coming up with delicious food ideas for their babies. And thinking of feeding the baby with fruits like apples is a very common thing.
Until a baby grows to the toddler phase and crosses the age of four, handing a baby an apple may be just as dangerous as handing a baby a knife. The probability of choking themselves is quite high. However, there are lots of babies that try to munch and eat this nutritious fruit like their caregivers. What then can be done in this case?
Irrespective of how much a child desires this fruit, it should be kept out of reach until the baby crosses six months of age. At under six months, caregivers should focus on fluids and other infant formulas. This is all the baby needs at that phase for healthy functioning, growth and development.
At over six months, apples can be introduced to the child’s diet but must be in a very soft form. This could be gotten from either boiling, grinding, grating, or even roasting as the case may be. The goal should be getting the apple into a semi-solid form. An apple puree is the best alternative for babies between 6 and 12 months.
When the baby gets to one year, very thin apple slices or grated apples can be served to the baby. The baby can be fed this along with other soft fruits like watermelons. However, the size must be very small and the servings must be soft. Imagine eating with only your gum. Good. Though your baby may have some teeth already, the mashing is done by the gum. Keep this in mind when offering each serving.
From 18 months, the sizes of the servings can be increased. This could be a size that is slightly bigger than the grated sizes the baby is used to. Increasing the size of the slices offered should be a gradual thing. This would help them get used to chewing larger cuts.
The most essential thing aside from paying attention to the size of servings is monitoring your baby’s every reaction to the apple and the sizes offered. Be alert to spot possible allergy reactions on time and difficulty chewing an apple cut is a good sign that the size should be reduced.
Benefits of Boiled Apples For Babies
Eating apples regularly helps adults stay healthy. Adding apples to your baby’s diet timetable does almost the same job – keep the baby healthy. However, there are other specific health benefits of feeding your baby boiled apples.
Also Read: Health Benefits Of Honey in Babies
The health benefits of apples for babies include:
1. The most obvious benefit of boiled apples is the ease of chewing and swallowing. This makes it easier for the baby to enjoy the fruit’s taste and digest it.
2. Boiled apples help with stomach problems. The polyphenol content of apples helps in protecting the lining of the stomach.
3. Apples relieve constipation. This fruit is rich in dietary fiber which is needed in the movement of bowels. Feeding your baby apples makes it easier for them to pass their body’s waste.
4. It is a secondary cure for diarrhea. Apples cannot be used to treat diarrhea. Once you notice symptoms of diarrhea in your baby, you should reach out to your doctor. Moreover, apples can help your baby regain the essentials lost due to diarrhea.
5. Eating apples brings about improved dental care and development. Apples contain fiber that is good for cleaning the gums and the teeth. The acid content also helps in reducing the bacterial load present in the dental cavity. The subtle chewing of the small fruit cuts also aids the circulation of blood in the oral cavity.
6. Apple help in managing cough. Infants sometimes contract very stubborn coughs that make them cry and feel uncomfortable. A few sips of sugar-free apple juice may help in reducing the difficulty that accompanies a cold and cough.
7. It is a good antioxidant that helps in preventing damage that could be caused by cell oxidation.
8. Apples are very rich in vitamin C which helps in boosting the immune system.
9. Apples contain essential nutritional components like vitamins and minerals.
10. It is rich in calcium and magnesium which aids in the strengthening of bones.
11. Apples contain pectin which is a great food probiotic that is good for thee gut microflora or the gut bacteria.
Also Read: Green Tea Safe for Kids? Benefits
Conclusion On When Can Babies Eat Raw Apple?
Apples are wholesome, juicy, tasty, and delicious fruits that babies over six months can enjoy. Babies under six months should not be fed any form of apple in order not to compromise their health. There are plenty of benefits babies gain from eating apples and it should be an integral part of their diet so long as they are being fed the age-appropriate forms.
