Parents are constantly looking for foods that provide the best nutrition for their little ones.
An often overlooked but incredibly nutritious option is dried fruit. Packed with essential vitamins, minerals and healthy fats, dried fruits can be a great addition to your child’s diet.
Dr. Purnima Prabhu, a pediatric nutritionist at PD Hinduja & MRC Hospital in Mumbai, explains the benefits of dried fruits and the appropriate time when children can eat them, according to a new report published by the specialized medical website “onlymyhealth”.
Rich in nutrients
According to Dr. Prabhu, dried fruits and nuts are very nutritious and contain high content of fat-soluble vitamins like vitamin A, D, E, and K, water-soluble vitamins like B complex, minerals like calcium and zinc, immune-boosting nutrients like vitamin C, minerals like zinc, and a source of energy. Good for energy in small amounts.
The WebMd website, which is concerned with health affairs, stated that dried fruits also contain good fats. These are essential fatty acids such as ALA (alpha-linolenic acid, a brain nutrient found in walnuts and flax/chia seeds).
Improves bone and muscle health
The mineral content, including iron, calcium and potassium, helps with healthy bone development and general growth.
Fiber promotes a healthy digestive system
One of the notable benefits of dried fruits is their high fiber content. Fiber helps regulate bowel movements and prevents constipation, which can sometimes cause problems for children.
Offering small amounts of soaked and mashed dried fruits can gently encourage regular digestion in your baby.
Brain boosting fats
Healthy fats are essential for your baby’s brain development. Dried fruits such as walnuts and almonds contain omega-3 fatty acids known to support cognitive function. So including these nuts in your child’s diet, once he is ready to eat solid foods, can contribute to boosting his brain power.
A source of natural energy
Babies are bundles of energy, and they need fuel to power their active explorations. Dried fruits are natural sources of energy due to their carbohydrate content.
Including a small portion as a snack can provide a quick and sustained energy boost.
A snack full of vitamins
Once your baby starts showing interest in solid foods, you can start offering him small pieces of soft, chopped or mashed dried fruit.
These are excellent foods for your baby to digest and explore. Not only do they provide a boost of flavour, but they also provide essential vitamins and minerals in a convenient, easy-to-eat form.
When are dry fruits introduced?
The timing of introducing dry fruits into your child’s diet is crucial. In general, it is recommended to wait until about 6 to 8 months of age before introducing solids, including dry fruits.
Start with easy-to-digest, single-ingredient options such as mashed banana or cooked sweet potato. Babies should be exclusively breastfed until 6 months of age. After 6 months, solid foods are given to the baby while continuing to breastfeed. Therefore, dry fruits and nuts can be given at this age,” according to Prabhu, who confirms, “These complementary foods are necessary to keep up with the high demand for physical growth and rapid brain development, especially in the first two years of life.” While your baby is comfortable with a variety of fruits and vegetables around 8 to 10 months of age, you can gradually introduce small amounts of well-soaked, chopped dried fruits.
It is always a good idea to consult your pediatrician before introducing new foods to your child’s diet.
Precautions and safety
Some children may be allergic to any of the nuts and therefore they should be offered one at a time and in small quantities. There is another choking hazard when eating whole nuts, so avoid giving whole nuts to children at first.
“Later on, when the child learns to eat solid foods, they can be cut up and given whole under supervision,” Prabhu explains.
While dry fruits offer many benefits for children, it is important to ensure that they are prepared in a way that is safe for your child.
Always soak and soften dried fruits before serving them to your child, as this reduces the risk of choking.
Watch for signs of allergy and introduce new foods one at a time.
2023-08-23 13:56:26
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