Bananas are filled with carbs that give energy to our bodies and important nutrients. [1]
These nutrients help babies to grow well, like folate, vitamin B6, vitamin C, and potassium.
In this article, we will discuss the benefits of banana for babies and why you should include them in your baby’s diet.
Nutritional Value of Bananas
Before we dive into the benefits of bananas for babies, let’s take a look at their nutritional value. [2]
Bananas are an excellent source of various vitamins and minerals, including.
- Vitamin B6
- Vitamin C
- Potassium
- Magnesium
- Fiber
- Protein
Benefits of Bananas for Babies
1: Promotes Healthy Digestion
Bananas contain a high amount of fiber that can promote healthy digestion in babies. [3]
Fiber helps regulate bowel movements and prevents constipation, which is a common problem among babies.
2: Provides Essential Nutrients
Bananas are packed with essential nutrients [4]such as vitamin B6, vitamin C, potassium, and magnesium that can promote healthy growth and development in babies.
These nutrients can help build strong bones, boost the immune system, and support brain development.
3: Boosts Immune System
Bananas contain vitamin C, which is a powerful antioxidant that can boost the immune system and protect babies from infections and diseases.[5]
4: Helps in Brain Development
Bananas are rich in vitamin B6, which is essential for brain development. [6]
This vitamin can help improve cognitive function and memory in babies.
5: Improves Eye Health
Bananas contain a high amount of vitamin A, [7]which is essential for eye health.
This vitamin can help prevent eye infections and improve vision in babies.
6: Promotes Healthy Bones
Bananas are a good source of calcium, which is essential for strong bones and teeth. [8]
Calcium can also help prevent the risk of osteoporosis in later life.
7: Provides Energy
Bananas are a rich source of carbohydrates, [9] which can provide babies with the energy they need to support their growth and development.
8: Helps in Weight Gain
Bananas are a high-calorie food that can help babies gain weight in a healthy way. [10]
They are also a good source of protein, which is essential for muscle growth and repair.
9: Soothes Teething Pain
Babies often experience teething pain, which can be very uncomfortable for them. [11]
Bananas are a soft and easy-to-digest food that can help soothe their gums and provide relief from teething pain.
10: Lowers Risk of Anemia
Bananas are rich in iron, which is essential for the production of hemoglobin in the blood. [12]
This can help prevent the risk of anemia in babies.
11: Prevents Constipation
As mentioned earlier, bananas are a good source of fiber [13] that can prevent constipation in babies.
Fiber can help regulate bowel movements and promote healthy digestion.
When Can You Introduce Bananas to Your Baby?
Babies can start eating bananas as soon as they start eating solid foods, which is usually around 6 months of age.
Bananas are a great first food for babies as they are easy to digest and unlikely to cause allergies.
It is important to introduce bananas slowly and in small amounts to avoid any adverse reactions.
How to Prepare Bananas for Your Baby?
Bananas are a versatile fruit that can be prepared in many different ways for babies. Some simple ways to prepare bananas for your baby include:
Mashed bananas
Mash a ripe banana with a fork or potato masher until it is smooth and serves it to your baby.
Banana puree
Blend a ripe banana in a food processor or blender until it is smooth and creamy.
Banana slices
Cut a ripe banana into small pieces and serve them to your baby.
Healthy Banana Recipes for Babies
1. Banana and apple puree (6 months)
Ingredients
- 1/2 ripe banana (peeled)
- 1/2 apple (peeled and steamed)
- 1/4 tsp jaggery powder (optional)
- Breast milk or formula (as needed)
Instructions
- In a mixing bowl, take the peeled banana and steamed apple. Mash them together using a fork until you get a lump-free and smooth paste.
- If the puree appears chunky, you can use a blender or grinder to achieve a smoother consistency. Alternatively, you can adjust the consistency by adding a little breast milk or formula as needed.
- If you wish to enhance the taste and nutritional value of the puree, you can add 1/4 tsp of jaggery powder to the mixture. Jaggery provides a natural sweetness and additional nutrients.
- Stir the jaggery powder into the puree until it is well incorporated.
- Transfer the puree into a small bowl and it’s ready to serve.
- This banana and apple puree with jaggery can be served as a healthy breakfast or midday meal for your little one.
2. Baby banana Cerelac (6 months)
Ingredients
- 3 tablespoons homemade Cerelac (mixed grain cereal)
- 1/2 ripe banana, peeled and mashed
- 1 teaspoon raisin puree
- 1 cup water
Optional
- Seasonal fruits (e.g., berries, kiwi, apple, pears) for variations
- Vegetables (e.g., sweet potato) for sweet or savory Cerelac dishes
Instructions
- In a mixing bowl, combine the homemade Cerelac, raisin puree, and water. Stir well until you achieve a smooth and lump-free mixture.
- Transfer the mixture into a saucepan and place it on low flame. Cook for about ten minutes, stirring continuously, until the cereal starts to thicken. Once the desired consistency is reached, turn off the heat and let the mixture cool down.
- Add the mashed banana to the cooled Cerelac mixture and mix thoroughly to ensure there are no lumps.
- Your delicious homemade Cerelac with banana and raisin puree is now ready to be served to your baby.
Always ensure the temperature of the Cerelac is suitable for your baby before feeding. Enjoy this nutritious and wholesome meal for your little one.
3. Banana and yogurt mix (8 months)
Ingredients
- 3 tablespoons homemade Cerelac (mixed grain cereal)
- 1/2 ripe banana, peeled and mashed
- 1 teaspoon raisin puree
- 1 cup water
Optional
- Seasonal fruits (e.g., berries, kiwi, apple, pears) for variations
- Vegetables (e.g., sweet potato) for sweet or savory Cerelac dishes
Instructions
- In a mixing bowl, combine the homemade Cerelac, raisin puree, and water. Stir well until you achieve a smooth and lump-free mixture.
- Transfer the mixture into a saucepan and place it on low flame. Cook for about ten minutes, stirring continuously, until the cereal starts to thicken. Once the desired consistency is reached, turn off the heat and let the mixture cool down.
- Add the mashed banana to the cooled Cerelac mixture and mix thoroughly to ensure there are no lumps.
- Your delicious homemade Cerelac with banana and raisin puree is now ready to be served to your baby.
Always ensure the temperature of the Cerelac is suitable for your baby before feeding. Enjoy this nutritious and wholesome meal for your little one!
4: Ragi and banana porridge (10 months)
Ingredients
- 2tbsp ragi flour
- ½ banana (peeled and mashed)
- 1tsp date puree
- 1tsp dry fruit powder
Instructions
- In a mixing bowl, combine ragi flour and a cup of water to make a smooth-flowing mixture.
- Pour the mixture into a saucepan and place it over low heat. Bring it to a boil while stirring continuously.
- As the mixture starts to thicken, add dry fruit powder and date puree. Mix everything well to ensure there are no lumps.
- Turn off the heat and set the saucepan aside to let the mixture cool down.
- Once cooled, pour the mixture into a serving bowl.
- Add the mashed banana to the porridge and mix it in.
- Feed the ragi porridge to your baby immediately.
5: Banana custard (12 months)
Ingredient
- 1 banana (peeled and pureed)
- 1 cup whole milk
- 1tbsp custard powder
- 1tbsp raisin puree
- 1tbsp dry fruit powder
- Pinch of cinnamon
Instruction
- In a small mixing bowl, combine the custard powder, raisin puree, and 1/4 cup of whole milk. Mix well and set aside.
- In a saucepan, pour the remaining 2 and 3/4 cups of whole milk and bring it to a gentle boil over medium heat.
- Once the milk starts boiling, reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for five minutes.
- Slowly add the custard powder mixture and dry fruit powder into the milk, stirring continuously to avoid lumps.
- Allow the mixture to boil while stirring occasionally, until it thickens to your desired consistency.
- Turn off the heat and let the custard cool slightly.
- Mix in the mashed banana and ground cinnamon, stirring until well combined.
- If desired, you can add more seasonal fruits to enhance the flavor and nutritional value of the custard.
- Refrigerate the custard mixture for about 20 minutes before serving.
- Enjoy your delicious and creamy custard with raisins and banana!
6: Banana cookies (12 months)
Ingredient
- 1 cup rolled oats powder
- 1 cup banana puree
- 2tbsp almonds and walnuts (finely chopped)
- 2tbsp jaggery powder
- ½tsp cinnamon powder
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (176.6°C) and line a baking tray with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, mix all the ingredients together to make a batter.
- Using a spoon, scoop the batter onto the parchment paper, making cookie shapes by flattening them gently with the spoon.
- Place the cookie tray in the oven and bake for about 12 minutes or until the cookies turn a nice golden brown.
- Once done, take the cookie tray out of the oven and let the cookies cool on a wire rack.
- Enjoy one or two cookies with a cup of warm milk, and store the rest in an airtight container. You can keep them in the refrigerator for up to two weeks.
7: Banana and Strawberry Smoothie (8 months and above)
Ingredients
- 1 ripe banana
- 4-5 fresh strawberries
- 1/2 cup plain yogurt (unsweetened)
- 1/4 cup water (or breast milk/formula)
- Optional: a dash of cinnamon (for extra flavor)
Instructions
- Peel the ripe banana and wash the strawberries thoroughly.
- Cut the banana into small pieces for easier blending.
- Slice the strawberries, removing the stems.
- In a blender or food processor, add the banana pieces, sliced strawberries, and plain yogurt.
- Pour in the water (or breast milk/formula) to help blend smoothly. You can adjust the amount of liquid based on the desired consistency.
- Optional: sprinkle a dash of cinnamon on top for a subtle taste variation.
- Blend all the ingredients until you achieve a smooth and creamy texture. Make sure there are no lumps for easier consumption by your baby.
- Pour the smoothie into a baby-friendly cup or bottle.
- Check the temperature to ensure it’s comfortable for your baby to drink.
- Serve immediately and watch your little one enjoy this nutritious and delicious banana and strawberry smoothie!
When preparing bananas for your baby, make sure they are ripe and soft enough for your baby to eat.
You can also mix bananas with other fruits or foods to create different flavors and textures.
Bananas are a nutritious and delicious fruit that can provide a wide range of health benefits to babies.
From promoting healthy digestion to supporting brain development and boosting the immune system, bananas are an excellent addition to your baby’s diet.
Just make sure to introduce them slowly and in small amounts, and follow the precautions outlined above.
FAQs
Can bananas cause constipation in babies?
While bananas can prevent constipation in babies, too much banana can cause constipation. It is important to give your baby bananas in moderation.
Is bananas a good first food for babies?
Yes, bananas are a great first food for babies as they are easy to digest and unlikely to cause allergies.
Can babies eat bananas every day?
Yes, babies can eat bananas every day, but it is important to give them in moderation and alongside a variety of other foods.
Can bananas cause allergies in babies?
Bananas are generally unlikely to cause allergies in babies, but it is important to monitor your baby for any signs of allergic reactions.
How should I store bananas for my baby?
You can store bananas at room temperature until they are ripe, and then store them in the refrigerator. Once peeled, bananas should be consumed immediately or stored in the refrigerator.