October 9, 2018 Leave a Comment
ShareTweet+1PinWhatsApp0 SharesCan I give my Baby Oranges? If you’re a parent asking this question, find the answer here! From health benefits to allergy risks to recipes, we have it all!
Oranges are fruits that we often take for granted, and we often don’t think beyond the Vitamin C or immunity boosting benefits. But the truth is that oranges are just loaded with health benefits! They are rich in Vitamin C, Vitamin A, flavonoids, calcium, potassium, magnesium, dietary fiber, antioxidants and more. Oranges have more than 60 flavonoids and 170 phytonutrients which has anti-inflammatory properties and strong antioxidant effects. These naturally sweet fruits are low in calories and high in nutrients.
Nutritional Benefits of Oranges:
- Vitamin C helps in the formation of collagen, which helps to promote clear, healthy skin. It also helps to improve overall skin texture. That’s why there are so many varieties of skin care products with orange base
- It also helps to lower the risk for many diseases and aids in improving overall health.
- The American Heart Association (AHA) has found that the citrus compound present in fruits like oranges and grapefruit may lower ischemic stroke risk for women. Their research has shown that women who ate the highest amounts of citrus had 19 percent lower risk of ischemic stroke, when compared to the women who ate least.
- Oranges are an excellent source of the strong antioxidant vitamin C, which can also help to fight against the formation of free radicals known to cause cancer.
- Potassium has vasodilation effects, so the intake of potassium-rich oranges is helpful in lowering blood pressure and reducing the risk of cardiovascular diseases
- The fiber, vitamin C, potassium and choline content in oranges helps in maintaining heart health.
Can I give my Baby Oranges?
Oranges are loaded with vitamins and minerals that are extremely beneficial for babies, making it an ideal fruit for them. Due to its acidic nature, it is recommended to offer babies oranges towards their first birthday.
Oranges can be given either as the fruit or as juice, although the fruit ensures that the baby gets the nutrients along with pulp. If you prefer giving juice, please make sure to dilute one part of juice with ten parts of clean water and offer the juice in sipper cups instead of bottles (to prevent tooth decay). Avoid giving juices before bed and offer not more than 3 to 4 ounces of juice in a day. Intake of pulpy oranges can help in relieving constipation in babies.
Allergy Risk
Oranges are fruits with an acidic nature so it might be tough on a young baby’s sensitive tummy and can result in rashes in babies younger than 12 months of age. The high acidic levels can also cause hives, swelling, breathing troubles, watery eyes, diarrhoea, nausea, reddening of the skin around the mouth etc. Seek immediate medical attention if any of these symptoms appear.
Every baby is unique, so some babies may show no reaction at all. Be on the safe side by following the 3-day rule. Introduce a very small quantity at first, look out for symptoms and then carry forward. New studies since 2008 announce that there is no need to delay foods that are allergenic as long as the baby shows no allergy or sensitivity risk. If there is any history of allergies in family or in the baby, please wait for the baby to complete one year before you introduce oranges.
How to give Oranges to Babies?
While selecting oranges, choose pulpy, ripe oranges with no soft spots. Taste the orange before feeding your baby to check for sourness so you can pick the sweet ones for your babies. While giving as a finger food, peel oranges and cut the segments into small pieces. Please make sure to remove the membrane and seeds if any.
You can also make different recipes with oranges, based on the child’s age. Foods that combine well with oranges are avocado, blueberries, chicken, cranberries, peaches, sweet potato and yogurt. Here are a few recipes you can try for your baby or toddler.
Orange Recipes for Babies and Toddlers
1. Egg yolk mash with orange juice
3. Whole wheat chocolate orange cake
4. Immunity boosting juices for kids
5. Immune boosting Puree from Baby Foode
6. Baked Orange Chicken from Just a Taste
7. Orange Frozen Yogurt from My Fussy Eater
8. Orange Kheer from Food Punch
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Filed Under: Baby Recipe, Can I give my Baby?, Starting Solids Tagged With: baby food, can i give my baby, can i give my baby oranges, can i give my child, can i give oranges, oranges, starting solids
