Many parents may consider raisins for babies’ diet. Raisins are dried grapes available in green and black, but you can also find other colors of raisins, including brown, purple, blue, and yellow. Regardless of color, raisins are high in fiber and phytochemicals, such as phenolic compounds, which improve human health (1). However, the high sugar level of raisins is frequently a subject of concern. A dilemma that may emerge in such a situation is whether you should feed raisins to babies. Read this post to know about the safety of raisins in babies, their health benefits, potential negative effects, and several methods to incorporate raisins into a baby’s diet.
Are Raisins Safe For Babies?
Raisins are considered safe for babies. But in general, raisins are considered a hypoallergenic dried fruit. Although raisin allergy is rare it does exist (2). Therefore, it is good to consult a doctor before you introduce raisins to your baby.
When Can You Introduce Raisins To Your Baby?
You can introduce cooked and mashed raisins at the age of six months when your baby is ready for solids. Never give a baby whole-raisins. Uncooked raisins can be a potential choking hazard for babies between the ages of six months and one year (3). Therefore, thoroughly cook and mash raisins to soften them before serving it to the baby. You may introduce whole-raisins once they start finger foods. Begin with cooked raisins, which are easy to eat or soak them in hot water overnight and let the toddler use it as finger food. As your baby progresses to tougher solid food, you may include uncooked whole raisins.
Nutritional Value Of Raisins
Raisins are nutritious. They are low-medium, energy-dense food that is rich in micronutrients. They also have considerable amounts of bioactive compounds such as flavonoids, phytoestrogens, and resveratrol (4). Below is the approximate nutritional composition of 100 grams of raisins, along with the recommended amounts of nutrients on a per-day basis (5) (6). Sources: U.S. Department of Agriculture and World Health Organization
Health Benefits Of Raisins For Babies
According to the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 2001–2012, consumption is associated with better nutrient intake, diet quality, a lowered risk of obesity, and metabolic syndrome (4). These benefits are appealing for babies in the long run. Below are some benefits that are worth a check. Raisins contain phytochemicals and plant antioxidants that could possibly help suppress the growth of bacteria that causes dental cavities. Also, the phytochemicals found in raisins could prevent harmful bacteria from sticking to the surface of teeth. This reduces the chances of cavities (11). In spite of the benefits, do not overfeed raisins to your baby. It might lead to some side-effects.
Health Risks Of Raisins For Babies
Precautions To Take While Giving Raisins To Your Baby
Follow these measures to avoid any unpleasant experiences to your baby: The following precautions ensures maximum safety and mitigates any adverse effects.
Ways To Include Raisins In Your Baby’s Diet
Raisins can be added to your baby’s diet in various ways. Below are some ways that you might try.
