When can you start giving your baby apples and apple juice?

It would seem that apples—what could be safer and healthier for a child's body? An ideal choice for your baby's first solid food. However, it's not that simple. There are many nuances to introducing apples into a baby's diet, as well as risks (especially at 5-6 months). Therefore, it's important to carefully consider the inclusion of these juicy fruits. children's menu seriously.

The benefits of apples for children

Apples certainly contain a large number of useful compounds that have a beneficial effect on a child's body:

How and when to give apples to a child: timing and instructions

If apples are so beneficial, does that mean they can be introduced into children's diets early on? No, and again, no. It's not that simple.

• Firstly, the feeding regimen chosen by the mother and the principles she adheres to when introducing the child to a new menu are of great importance.
• Secondly, the first apple food should definitely be pureed. The first spoonfuls should be single-ingredient, so that the baby's body doesn't go crazy from the abundance of new sensations, and so that you can more easily identify the source of any allergies or bloating that may arise.

You can increase the amount of ingredients in complementary foods only after 7 months, when the baby's body has more or less strengthened and is ready to be introduced to a larger variety of foods.

Applesauce

It's worth mentioning right away that the first solid foods introduced should not be fruits, or apples in particular. The first spoonfuls of "extraneous food" should be either vegetables or porridge.

Apples should not be introduced into the baby's diet before 6 months, and should be started exclusively with single-ingredient applesauce. This option is the safest for the baby's digestive system. They should be introduced after the first or second solid foods and should not replace the main meal (fruits and juices should be more of a treat).

Fresh apples

Starting around seven months, you can gradually introduce raw, grated apples into your baby's diet. To avoid overreaction and food spills, remember: solids are introduced to introduce your baby to new foods, not to replace milk.

That's why portions should be small (start with a quarter teaspoon and gradually increase). The rest of the diet should consist of either breast milk or formula.

Starting at 8-9 months, you can try giving your baby whole apple slices or pieces, but in a nibbler. Without one, you shouldn't give your baby a raw apple, as their gums are sharp and could easily bite off a piece, which could lead to inhalation and choking.

A nibbler is a special device that helps a baby acquire the skill of chewing faster.

Closer to a year, when the baby has mastered chewing hard and soft food, you can give him small apple slices without a nibbler.

Apple compote

Most pediatricians agree that fruit compotes are best introduced into children's diets after 7 months. Before this age, babies don't need any additional fluids at all, as they thrive on breast milk (except when the baby is in very hot conditions or has a fever).

The first "compote test" should be small. One teaspoon of the drink is enough. If the baby accepts the new treat well, you can gradually increase the daily fluid intake to the age-appropriate recommendations:

• at 7 months, it is recommended not to exceed the amount of apple compote equal to 100 ml (this volume should be divided into 2-3 doses);
• For children over 1 year old, there is no need to limit the time, especially if they are active.

It's best to serve the compote warm or at room temperature. It's acceptable to give it to your child before, during, or after meals.

Fresh apple juice

And finally, the most difficult product to digest is apple juice. It certainly has many health benefits, but the problem is its lack of fiber, making it less nutritious for babies. Moreover, this drink contains significantly more sugar (one glass contains the equivalent of four full-sized fruits, while the norm for children under one year is only two to three small fruits).

Therefore, to protect your baby, it's best to wait before introducing apple juice into their diet. It should be added after 12 months, as it can be harmful to their immature stomach and kidneys.

Rules for introducing apple juice into the diet:

• you need to start with green apples;
• It is best to offer the drink to the baby during the lunch feeding;
• Do not give it in its pure form under any circumstances: dilute the drink with water in a ratio of 1:5;
• the first portion should be no more than half a teaspoon;
• Babies over one year old can be given juice without pulp, but no more than 50 ml at a time;
• a drink with pulp can be given to children after 2 years;
• Undiluted apple juice can be given to children over 4–6 years old.

How to make baked apples for a child

If your child is prone to frequent constipation or digestive upsets from an early age, consider temporarily replacing fresh apples with baked ones. Cooking helps reduce the acidity of the product, making it sweeter and easier for sensitive digestive organs to digest.

Baking apples in the oven for your little one isn't that difficult:

1. Wash the fruits.
2. Cut them in half.
3. Remove all seeds and cores.
4. Simmer the fruit in a preheated oven for 10–15 minutes.
5. Give the prepared fruits to your baby only when they have cooled, after mashing the pulp and removing the peel.