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Fruit For Babies + Toddlers 101

Fruit For Babies + Toddlers 101

By: @pediatric.dietitian

Fruits are very nutritious for babies and toddlers. They are filled with vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, and fiber. All research that shows the benefits of eating vegetables reveals the same benefits of eating fruits.

Fruits support your child’s growth and immune system and help protect against disease development. In addition, the fiber and water content of fruits can help promote healthy digestion and stools in your baby or toddler.

Did you know that 100 grams of cabbage have very similar amounts of fiber, vitamin C, B6, calcium, and magnesium as 100 grams of orange?

Red bell peppers have the same amount of fiber and sugar as strawberries and twice the amount of vitamin C, but this does not mean strawberries are worse! They still have a lot of vitamin C.

A few ways to offer + pair fruit for absorption and added nutrition

Fruits can be easy to prepare -- just as easy for babies and toddlers to eat as they are for parents.

They can be offered on their own, as part of a meal, or mixed into meals. Most fruits are rich in vitamin C, which makes them a great choice to offer with plant-based sources of iron.

Iron from plant-based sources like chickpeas, edamame, and tofu is much better absorbed when consumed with vitamin C-rich foods like fruits.

You can offer fruits to dip into nut butter pastes or yogurt. If you want to add a boost of fat, protein, and fiber, you can top fruits off with chia seeds, hemp seeds, or flaxseed meal.

Fruit is also a great snack or meal idea when paired with some yogurt, cheese, or nut butter.

When possible, try to choose fruits that are seasonal for your baby or toddler. Seasonal fruits tend to taste better and are more affordable.

Yes, frozen fruit is great too!

Frozen fruit is also an excellent option for your baby or toddler. It's typically harvested and frozen at the peak of ripeness and retains its nutrient properties.

Frozen fruit can be offered frozen to help a teething baby or thawed or added to yogurt, oatmeal, overnight oats, or chia seed pudding.

 

Is your little starting solids? Learn how to introduce veggies, fat, and spices to your baby's diet.

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