Can I give my Baby Oranges?

When it comes to orange for baby, there’s more to these fruits than just Vitamin C! They are packed with goodness like Vitamin A, flavonoids, calcium, and antioxidants, offering a bunch of health benefits. With over 60 flavonoids and 170 phytonutrients, oranges bring anti-inflammatory and powerful antioxidant properties to the table. Even though they taste sweet, they’re surprisingly low in calories and high in nutrients. So, when your little one is ready for solid foods, consider adding oranges to their diet. It’s a tasty and nutritious choice to kickstart their journey into a world of healthy eating!

Nutritional Benefits of Oranges

• Vitamin C helps in the formation of collagen, which helps to promote clear, healthy skin. It also helps to improve overall skin texture. That’s why there are so many varieties of skin care products with orange base
• It also helps to lower the risk for many diseases and aids in improving overall health.
• The American Heart Association (AHA) has found that the citrus compound present in fruits like oranges and grapefruit may lower ischemic stroke risk for women. Their research has shown that women who ate the highest amounts of citrus had 19 percent lower risk of ischemic stroke, when compared to the women who ate least.
• Oranges are an excellent source of the strong antioxidant vitamin C, which can also help to fight against the formation of free radicals known to cause cancer.
• Potassium has vasodilation effects, so the intake of potassium-rich oranges is helpful in lowering blood pressure and reducing the risk of cardiovascular diseases
• The fiber, vitamin C, potassium and choline content in oranges helps in maintaining heart health.

Considering Orange for Baby?

⭐ Download FREE Recipe Ebooks for Babies & Toddlers

Oranges are loaded with vitamins and minerals that are extremely beneficial for babies, making it an ideal fruit for them. Due to its acidic nature, it is recommended to offer babies oranges towards their first birthday.

Oranges can be given either as the fruit or as juice, although the fruit ensures that the baby gets the nutrients along with pulp. If you prefer giving juice, please make sure to dilute one part of juice with ten parts of clean water and offer the juice in sipper cups instead of bottles (to prevent tooth decay).  Avoid giving juices before bed and offer not more than 3 to 4 ounces of juice in a day. Intake of pulpy oranges can help in relieving constipation in babies.

Allergy Risk

Oranges are fruits with an acidic nature so it might be tough on a young baby’s sensitive tummy and can result in  rashes in babies younger than 12 months of age. The high acidic levels can also cause hives, swelling, breathing troubles, watery eyes, diarrhoea, nausea, reddening of the skin around the mouth etc. Seek immediate medical attention if any of these symptoms appear.

Every baby is unique, so some babies may show no reaction at all. Be on the safe side by following the 3-day rule. Introduce a very small quantity at first, look out for symptoms and then carry forward. New studies since 2008 announce that there is no need to delay foods that are allergenic as long as the baby shows no allergy or sensitivity risk. If there is any history of allergies in family or in the baby, please wait for the baby to complete one year before you introduce oranges.

How to give Oranges to Babies?

When considering orange for babies, opt for ripe, pulpy ones without soft spots. Taste the orange to gauge sourness before feeding your baby, ensuring a sweet choice. For finger foods, peel and cut oranges into small pieces, removing any membrane or seeds.

Experiment with various orange-based recipes suitable for your child’s age. Oranges pair well with avocado, blueberries, chicken, cranberries, peaches, sweet potato, and yogurt. Explore these recipes for your baby or toddler, making orange an exciting and nutritious adventure.

Orange Recipes for Babies and Toddlers

1. Egg yolk mash with orange juice

2. Whole wheat orange muffins

3. Whole wheat chocolate orange cake

4. Immunity boosting juices for kids

5. Immune boosting Puree from Baby Foode

6. Baked Orange Chicken from Just a Taste

7. Orange Frozen Yogurt from My Fussy Eater

8. Orange Kheer from Food Punch