Parents are constantly on the lookout for foods that will provide the best nutrition for our little ones. One often overlooked but incredibly nutritious option is dry fruits. Packed with essential vitamins, minerals, and healthy fats, dry fruits can be a wonderful addition to your baby's diet.
In an interaction with Only My Health, Dr Purnima Prabhu, MBBS, Paediatric Nutritionist, P.D Hinduja Hospital & MRC, Mahim, Mumbai, explained about the benefits of dry fruits and the right time when babies can have it.
Nutrient-Rich Goodness
According to Dr Prabhu, dry fruits and nuts are very nutritious and are high in fat soluble vitamins like Vit A,D,E,K water soluble vitamins like B complex, minerals like Calcium Zinc, immune-boosting nutrients like Vitamin C and minerals like zinc and are a good source of energy in small volume.
According to WebMd, dry fruits also contain good fats that are essential fatty acids like ALA – alpha-linolenic acid which are brain nutrients and are present in walnut, flax/chia seed. They improve bone health as well as the development of muscles.
The mineral content, including iron, calcium, and potassium, aids in proper bone development and overall growth.
Fibre for Digestive Health
One of the standout benefits of dry fruits is their high fibre content. Fibre helps regulate bowel movements, preventing constipation, which can sometimes trouble babies.
Introducing small amounts of soaked and mashed dried fruits can gently encourage regular digestion in your little one.
Also read: 7 Reasons Why Having Dry Fruits Daily Is Beneficial For Health
Brain-Boosting Fats
Healthy fats are crucial for your baby's brain development. Dry fruits like walnuts and almonds contain omega-3 fatty acids, which are known for supporting cognitive function. Including these nuts in your baby's diet, once they are ready for solids, can contribute to their brain power.
Natural Energy Source
Babies are bundles of energy, and they need fuel to power their active explorations. Dry 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 for your little explorer.
Vitamin-Packed Snacking
Once your baby starts showing interest in solid foods, you can begin introducing small pieces of soft, chopped, or mashed dry fruits. These make for excellent finger foods that your baby can grasp and explore.
They not only provide a burst of flavour but also supply essential vitamins and minerals in a convenient and easy-to-eat form.
When to Introduce Dry Fruits
The timing for introducing dry fruits to your baby's diet is crucial. Generally, it's recommended to wait until around 6 to 8 months of age before introducing solids, including dry fruits. Start with single-ingredient, easily digestible options like mashed bananas or cooked sweet potatoes.
“Babies should be on exclusive breast feeds till 6 months. After 6 months solid foods are given to the child while continuing breast feeds. So Dry fruits and nuts can be given at this age. These complementary foods are needed to keep up with high demand for physical growth and rapid brain growth especially in the first 2 years of life”, said Dr Prabhu.
Once your baby is comfortable with a variety of fruits and vegetables, around 8 to 10 months, you can gradually introduce small amounts of finely chopped and soaked dried fruits. Always consult your paediatrician before introducing new foods to your baby's diet.
Precautions and Safety
“Some babies may be allergic to any of the nuts and hence must be introduced one at a time and in small quantities. Another hazard is choking on full nuts so initially avoid giving whole nuts to children. Later as the child learns to eat solids they can be chopped and given as whole with supervision,” Dr Prabhu added.
While dry fruits offer numerous benefits, it's important to ensure they are prepared in a safe way for your baby. Always soak and soften dried fruits before offering them to your little one, as this reduces the risk of choking. Keep an eye out for any signs of allergies and introduce new foods one at a time.
Also read: Struggling To Manage Blood Pressure? Here's How Nuts & Dry Fruits Can Help
Dry fruits can be a wonderful addition to your baby's diet, offering a wide range of nutrients that support their growth and development. As with any dietary changes, consult your paediatrician to ensure that introducing dry fruits aligns with your baby's individual needs and developmental stage. With the right precautions and timing, you can introduce these nutrient-packed snacks to your baby and set them on a path towards a healthy eating journey.
