I have come across babies turning their face sulky when they see vegetables but not fruits. I think fruits look a little more beautiful and sweeter to their eyes!
Every mom got a hell anxious wondering how to give this greenies to their kid and kid got double hell scared when they see their mom carrying a bowl of green! Haha! But that could be replaced by fruits with the same nutrients.
Most of the moms wait for their child to turn 6 months old and gets super excited to introduce different varieties of vegetables and fruits. But mom should be always cautious to chose the best list of fruits! She should be aware of the choking hazards.
Watermelon
Choking is the first leading common cause which results in injury and death especially children under 4! Your 6-12 month old baby is still growing teeth and learning or chew and swallow.
You should choose the fruits which digest easily, their nutritional value, their over percentage of vitamins and minerals which also can lead to vitaminosis and electrolyte disturbances and their allergic conditions too! Yeah, fruits can also cause allergy besides nuts and seeds.
Today we are going to see about -Watermelon
– Nutritional value of watermelon
– Which age is the best for your child to consume water melon
– Allergic conditions caused by watermelon
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1. Watermelon
- It is a best refreshing fruit for a hot summer. It contains 92% of water which is the best solution for dehydration.
- It is best alternative for sugary drinks and soda which you shouldn’t ever give your children.
- Most children are ready to consume fruits at 8-10 months of age.Before introducing a fruit to your baby, you should think whether you baby have enough teeth to chew the food even you have cut them to tiny pieces.
- You should keenly note that he/ she chew the fully before swallowing or else it may lead to choking accidents.
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Nutritional value of Watermelon
1. Improves Health
It contains antioxidants which prevent your cells from free radicals.Free radicals are unstable compounds which can harmful chemical reactions in our body which leads to diseases.
2. Improves Eyesight
They also have strong cancer properties. They are also being converted to Vitamin A which improves vision and age related eyesight disorders.
3. Improves Heart Health
It contains lycopene which are anti-oxidants which improves heart health,sun protection and reduces the risk of certain risks of cancer. They reduces the risk of macular degeneration and cataracts in later life.
4. Reduces Blood Pressure
Study suggests that lycopene present in watermelon reduces cholesterol and improves blood pressure. Watermelon also contains citrulline,an amino acid that may increase nitric oxide levels in our body which helps your blood vessels expand and reduces blood pressure.
5. Good For The Skin And Hair
It contains both vitamins A and C which is good for skin and hair. Vitamin C make your body help collagen, a protein that keeps your skin supple and your hair strong.
Vitamin A is also important for healthy skin since it helps, create and repair skin cells.
6. Enhances Digestion
They contains fiber and water which enhances digestion. Fiber provides bulk to your baby’s stools which makes it easy for defecation. Eating fruits and vegetables regulates normal bowel movements.
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7. At What Age Should You Introduce Watermelon To Your Child?
Mostly, watermelon are recommended for children at 8-10 months of age. Please avoid buying precut fruits since it could have salmonella or E.coli contamination. Choose a melon that sounds bit hollow and fresh melony scent. Inspect the melon for cuts,bruises and sagging depressions that may indicate rotting or over ripeness.
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8. How To Store Watermelons For Your Baby’s Food?
Watermelon should be stored somewhere dry at room temperature until you have cut them. Once cut, either store in a airtight plastic container or wrap plastic wrap over the side that has been cut. Always store cut watermelon in the refrigerator.
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9.Watermelon Can Be Allergic!
Food allergies should be the main thing to see when you introduce a new food to your baby. Look for signs of allergic reaction when you give your baby any fruit.Follow a three day rule for any fruit,so that you could know easily if allergy is cause by that fruit or any other food.
Signs of an allergic reaction include:
Rash
Diarrhea
Vomiting
Runny nose.
Your baby can get rashes because of the acidic nature of fruit not because of allergy. Take the seeds of watermelon completely before serving your baby.
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Reference Links:
- https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/watermelon-health-benefits
- https://www-thehealthsite-com.cdn.ampproject.org/v/s/www.thehealthsite.com/parenting/should-you-give-your-baby-raw-fruits-during-weaning-d1017-
- https://www-momjunction-com.cdn.ampproject.org/v/s/www.momjunction.com/articles/health-benefits-of-watermelon-for-babies
- https://parenting.firstcry.com/articles/watermelon-for-babies-benefits-risks-and-recipes/
- https://www.healthline.com/health/parenting/watermelon-for-babies
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