Strawberries are a favorite fruit for babies and are an easy way to start giving your child a variety of nutritious foods. They’re also a great source of iron, a high-priority nutrient for babies starting solids.
They’re also low in sugar, making them a good option for your baby as they transition into finger foods. Read on to learn when to serve strawberries, how to prepare them for baby and what a rash after eating strawberries might mean (good news: it’s not an allergy!).
1. Cut the Strawberries in Half
Strawberries are one of the easiest fruits to offer to babies around 6 months as part of baby-led weaning (BLW). They can be offered in a puree or sliced into finger foods.
They are also rich in fiber, which can help promote digestion and inhibit inflammation. They also provide a good amount of vitamin C, iron and other important nutrients for babies.
To minimize choking risks, cut strawberries in small pieces before serving them to your baby. Avoid giving small strawberries about the size of a grape or smaller, as these can be difficult for your baby to bite through.
Before serving, wash and rinse strawberries to make sure they are free of mold and any other pests or contaminants. You can also use a gritty mulch or spread sand on strawberry beds to deter pests like slugs and pill bugs.
2. Cut the Strawberries in Quarters
Strawberries are a very nutrient-dense and low-sugar food that babies love. They’re also easy to prepare, eat and hold, making them ideal for baby-led weaning.
However, they do contain a small amount of seeds that may trigger allergies in some kids. If your kid has a reaction, it will manifest as rashes around the mouth.
Hence, you should always give them in moderation and make sure to mix up their diet with other nutritious foods to avoid allergic reactions.
Once your kid is 9 months old, you should start giving them strawberries in small portions, in quarters or thin slices. This will allow them to develop their pincer grasp, which is essential for eating solids successfully.
3. Cut the Strawberries in Thin Spears
Strawberries are a delicious addition to baby’s diet. They’re packed with nutrients, including vitamins C, P, K, and calcium. They’re also a good source of iron.
They can be served as a puree (store-bought or homemade), mixed into yogurt or oatmeal, and incorporated into a variety of baby-led weaning recipes. They’re easy to prepare, easy to digest, and delicious!
But be aware that strawberries are a potential choking hazard for babies. To avoid choking, serve them in small pieces that are appropriate for your child’s age.
4. Cut the Strawberries in Long Spears
Strawberries are a sweet and nutrient-rich fruit for babies and toddlers. They’re high in vitamin C, which supports a strong immune system and helps with iron absorption.
They’re also full of fiber and water, which helps babies stay hydrated. Plus, they’re easy to prep and a fun finger food for baby led weaning.
To ensure your strawberry reaches your baby’s mouth safely, cut them in long spears. Then, place them on a tray or plate that’s large enough for your 9 month old to pick up.
You’ll want to watch for gagging, which is your baby’s natural response when they are eating a new food. Gagging is usually a sign that the piece they’re holding has become too small for their mouth, so be sure to take the food away if it becomes too tiny.