Can I Give My Baby Peaches?

January 8, 2022 Leave a Comment

Peaches are a popular food and becoming common in most Indian homes. They’re juicy and delicious, but parents have a doubt: Can I give my Baby Peaches?

With the growing popularity of peaches, it is hard to ignore the fact that these are now an essential part of most people’s diets in India. Although China is the world’s largest producer of peaches, India also grows its own peaches in Himachal Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh, Jammu and Kashmir. There are over 2,000 varieties of peaches across the world.

Peaches differ in the color of their flesh. The ones with white flesh are sweet, while the ones with yellow flesh are more acidic. Peaches are used in both sweet and savory dishes, and can be added to a variety of recipes with cereals, sauces, meat, smoothies, yogurt, salads etc. Peaches are rich in fiber, Vitamin A & C, riboflavin, potassium and antioxidants, and are well-known for their many health benefits.

Health Benefits of Peach

Aids digestion
Maintains heart health
Supports eye health
Increases hydration
Improves circulatory system
Promotes healthy skin
Keeps bones and teeth healthy
Improves immunity
Decreases Inflammation
Reduces blood sugar level
Reduces allergy symptoms
Protects against certain types of cancers
Protects against toxins

Can I give my Baby Peaches?

Peaches are a popular first food, and with good reason. They are safe enough to be introduced to babies over six months. Along with its many micro nutrients, peaches are also rich in fiber, that’s great to maintain gut health and prevent constipation in babies. The Vitamins A and C help boost the immune system and provide antioxidant benefits.

While introducing any new food, offer it during the first half of the day. Once baby has become familiar with the food, you can give it any time of the day. Even though the 3 day rule is obsolete now, it’s better to be followed if there is a history of allergies in the family.

Allergies to peaches are rare, which makes it the ideal first food for babies. However, it can create allergic reactions in some babies, especially those who have a family history of latex allergy. In such cases, it is best to check with the baby’s pediatrician before introducing peaches. If the child displays symptoms like hives, swelling of the eye or tongue and face, breathing difficulty, stomach pain, severe diaper rashes or burning sensation in the throat, he needs to be rushed to the doctor right away.

Tips to Buy and Store Peaches

When buying peaches, look for ones that are soft and have a slight give when pressed. Avoid peaches with bruises or blemishes. If you don’t plan on consuming them right away, choose unripe peaches – they will ripen at home.

To ripen peaches, place the peaches in a bag at room temperature for a few days. To hasten the ripening peaches, place a banana along with the peaches. If going for canned peaches, choose a brand without harmful preservatives.