Babies and Strawberries

Overview

Strawberry is indeed the most popular type of berry in the world, and it is no question how many people love this pretty-looking berry. This stunningly red and heart-shaped berry is well-loved by many not only because of its vibrant color and enticing appearance but because of its nutritional value as well. They are known to be a good source of Vitamin C, making them an excellent addition to support immunity and boost iron absorption. Strawberries are also rich in antioxidants that is why they are also effective in keeping our cells healthy.

When it comes to flavor and taste, strawberries have definitely something to them as well. It is a tasty berry with a delightful and tangy flavor that everyone truly loves. No doubt, your little ones will also be able to admire the sweetness; however, you will have to give it to them in the right way and at the right time. You should indeed be careful when giving your babies some solids or new food. Strawberries, although very rare, can also cause allergic reactions, and we would not want that. These berries and some other fruits can become choking hazards as well.

Introducing strawberries to babies

You might want to consider some factors if you are planning to introduce strawberries to your baby’s diet for the first time. The very first thing that you may need to consider is the possibility of pesticide contamination and allergens. It is relatively easy to do away with pesticides by choosing organic ones or planting your strawberries. You may want to look out for the possible allergic reaction that your babies may have after ingesting strawberries. Although strawberries are not among the most common food allergens, there is still a possibility, so you must be extra careful. If you notice a skin reaction or a rash around the mouth after giving them strawberries, you might want to stop. Additionally, if your child has had a recent allergic reaction to a food or medicine of some kind, you may want to hold off on feeding them strawberries and other histamine-releasing fruit or food.

Strawberry being a solid food.

It is good to remember that babies may have a different or unique development timeline. However, experts state that many babies at the age of six months and upstart develop the skills necessary to have solids. Once you have noticed that your baby is ready to move on to solid food, you can start by giving them milled rice cereal. Once they have been used to the first stage of solids, you can now move to give them purees and other combinations. At the age of 12 months, your babies can now be given mushy foods and fruit and vegetable tidbits, and that may include strawberries.

As we all know, Strawberries are loved by most babies and toddlers because of their sweetness and incredible taste. When introducing strawberries to babies, it is vital that you slightly blend them or chop them up since berries can become a choking hazard. You can also combine strawberries with other fruits such as bananas, mangoes, melons, and other berries as well.

Can you give strawberries to babies?

We know how many nutrients and vitamins strawberries can offer; that is why this fruit is an excellent addition to your baby’s diet. So, to answer the question, yes, you can give strawberries to babies – at the right age and in the correct serving as well. Different foods, including other fruits, can be given to your babies after six months. Strawberries may be given to your babies in puree form at first and eventually in tidbits or a more solid form once they turn a year old. If your baby tends to have food sensitivities or a history of allergies, giving them strawberries after they turn a year old is a good idea. If food sensitivities and allergic reactions have been severe, you may want to consult your pediatrician first.

After giving strawberries or any new food for your baby, you may want to observe or look out for appearance for rashes, itchiness, stomach pains, swelling in the face, difficulty in breathing, nausea, or being extremely tired or lethargic. Contact your doctor if any of these symptoms appear. It is important to note that strawberries are pretty acidic, which is why they can easily cause some itchiness and rashes around the mouth. To avoid choking, always give your strawberries in tidbits or tiny sizes or puree form, and always supervise your child even if they are already starting to eat independently.

Picking strawberries for your baby

Choosing and picking strawberries can be pretty fun and easy; make sure you are buying some from your trusted market or store.

• Choose strawberries that are firm, plump, and vibrantly red that comes with firm and green stems.
• Avoid those strawberries that have turned yellowish and soft, also make sure that you will not be getting those that are wrinkled and dull.
• Pick those strawberries that are fully ripened.
• If you opt to get packed strawberries, choose packagings that are free from strains and moisture to avoid easy spoilage.
• Organic strawberries are the best ones so that you can avoid high concentrations of pesticides.
• Avoid buying too much since strawberries are easily perishable and need to be consumed within four days if you are not planning to freeze them.

Health benefits of strawberries for babies

As mentioned above, strawberries are genuinely a part of the highly nutritious fruits that parents can give to their babies. Indeed, strawberries can have many health benefits, and these include:

• Good and rich source of Vitamin C, which boosts immunity and absorption of other vitamins.
• Rich in calcium is vital for bone development and phosphorous, which significantly improves digestion and improves cell repair.
• Strawberries are also rich in antioxidants that can lower oxidative stress and prevent liver damage.
• Good source of folic acid for proper brain development and production of red blood cells.

Strawberry birthmarks

Strawberry birthmarks are pretty common in babies and may look different from one child to another. This birthmark is also referred to as strawberry hemangioma, infantile hemangioma, or strawberry nevus of the skin. They are harmless or benign growth composed of extra blood vessels under the skin. These birthmarks are called “strawberry birthmarks” due to their red and bumpy appearance that may resemble a berry. A small population of babies can have hemangiomas, and some are born with it, while some get them in the first week or even months.

Hemangiomas appear when there are a couple of small and immature blood vessels that clump together. This happens without an apparent medical reason. However, it has been observed that hemangiomas usually appear among babies with lighter skin tones and those that are born with a lower weight. The majority of strawberry hemangiomas shrink and fade. As your little one grows older, the birthmark might disappear, if not entirely, but will go unnoticeable by the time they turn five or six.

Strawberry birthmarks tend to disappear by themselves in time; however, it is essential to let your pediatrician know if your baby’s hemangioma is located near the eyes, nose, or mouth and if they grow a lot in a brief period of time.