Can Babies Eat Strawberries?

Strawberries are widely cultivated species grown for their aromatic, juicy textured, sweet fruit. There are eaten fresh, frozen or processed as juice, jam or used as ingredients in ice creams, chocolates or milk shakes.

Strawberries were first bred in France, but they spread worldwide. They are usually used as desert: in the UK and in Mexico, “strawberries and cream” are very popular desserts and snacks. Strawberry pies and shortcakes are exquisite deserts. In Italy, gelato alla fragola is an ice cream, flavored with strawberries. Greeks sprinkle strawberries with sugar and dip them in Metaxa and serve them as a desert.

Strawberries are high in sugar and in vitamin C, but they also contain various quantities of vitamins B9, B6, B5, B2, E and K, manganese, magnesium, iron, potassium and phosphorus.

Strawberry Allergy

Some people might have an allergic reaction to consuming strawberries, ranging from oral allergy syndrome, to hay fever, dermatitis, hives or even breathing problems. The cause of these reactions is the allergen tied to a protein expressed in the ripening process of strawberries. Cultivars successfully took out of the equation this protein, by cultivating white-fruited strawberries, offering an alternative option for people suffering of strawberry allergies.

When Is It Safe To Give Strawberries To Your Baby?

Due to the allergy issue, pediatricians recommend introducing strawberries into a baby’s diet only at the age of one year old. Parents should pay attention to their babies’ reactions if feeding them strawberries once they start eating solid food. They are also a choking hazard.

Strawberries, Kiwi & Avocado

Ingredients: 1 kiwi, 1 cup of strawberries, 1 avocado, breast milk or formula.

Peel and dice the kiwi, clean the strawberries and remove their stems, dice the avocado, remove its pit and scoop out the meat. Put all the ingredients into a blender and puree. Add some breast milk or formula to adjust the consistency of the puree.