Bananas for Baby Food and Bananas Your Baby - Age for Introducing Bananas to Baby: (4)6-8 Months Old

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The Goodness of Bananas for Your Baby:

Bananas are an excellent source of nutrition and as such, are another perfect fruit to be one of baby's first foods. Bananas are often called one of nature's perfect foods because they are said to contain many of the nutrients that a person needs to survive. One of the most important nutritional components of Bananas is that they contain potassium and fiber. Bananas are also high in Vitamin B6, Vitamin C and Vitamin B2.

The Potassium in bananas often gets a bad rap due to the confusion with sodium (salt). Potassium contributes to healthy blood pressure as well as healthy heart functions. Some studies have suggested that people who consume bananas and other foods high in potassium are less likely to develop atherosclerosis and high blood pressure.

Bananas are also known as one of nature's own antacids. They are known to help protect against stomach ulcers and ulcer damage. The reason for this seldom known and almost odd fact is that bananas contain "mucilaginous bulking substances". The help the intestines with producing a mucousy lining and are very very easy to digest.

 

Please be aware that bananas are also know to cause constipation when eaten in large quantities.

 

VITAMINS:
Vitamin A - 95 IU
Vitamin C - 11 mg
Folate (important during pregnancy) - 22.5 mcg
Vitamin B6 - .7mcg
Niacin - .6 mg
Pantothenic Acid - .31 mg
Vitamin E - .67 IU

MINERALS:
Potassium - 467 mg
Magnesium - 43 mg
Phosphorus - 27 mg
Calcium - 7 mg
Selenium - 1.3 mg
Iron - .4 mg
Also contains trace amounts of zinc, manganese and copper

 

 

When can I introduce Bananas to my baby?

 

Bananas may be introduced to your baby as early as 4 months old. Please remember that the recommended age to begin weaning is 6 months old however. As always we recommend you consult with your pediatrician about introducing solid foods to your baby.

The Best Convenience Food.

Bananas are not on the "Dirty Dozen" list   Many believe that bananas are some of the worst fruits for pesticide contamination. This belief is incorrect. Bananas actually appear on the list of Least Contaminated produce within the EWG's "Dirty Dozen" List.   This list contains the top 12 fruits and veggies that are most likely to accumulate pesticides. It also lists the top 12 that are the least contaminated.   View the list on our Organic Baby Food Page

 

Besides all of the above fantastic healthy qualities, bananas are the one of the best convenience foods. They come in their own jackets and there is no need to wash them; simply peel & eat. This gives the banana a big thumbs-up for parents; when it comes time for and travel, take out a banana and feel great knowing that you and your children are indulging in one of nature's perfect foods. Check out the nutritional value of Bananas below:

 

A Few Basic Recipes

 

Mashed Bananas

 

1 Ripe Banana
Water, Formula or Breast Milk as needed

 

Peel and cut a ripe banana into small dices
Mash with a fork

There should be no need to use a machine as bananas, just like avocados, will have a very soft consistency and texture. Bananas do not need to be cooked.

 

Depending on your baby's age and stage, you may not need to add any liquid to the mashed banana.  You may purée the banana in a food processor or blender if desired

 

 

Banana-Cado

 

Peel and de-pit a ripe avocado
Cut “meat” out and mash with a fork
Peel and mash 1 banana

Place in a blender or food processor and puree until desired texture is achieved. Avocados and Bananas do not need to be cooked.

 

 

Banana "Custard"

 

2 ripe bananas

3 egg yolks

1/2 cup milk or formula

pinch of ginger or cinnamon or nutmeg - you choose

Place all ingredients in a blender or food processor and blend until smooth but not runny and thin - or simply hand whip the ingredients together if you prefer. Pour mixture into custard/ramekins and bake at 350F for approximately 20 minutes. Check every 10 minutes as we have found that the time can vary depending on how thick/thin you made the mixture. This will begin to split like a pumpkin or custard pie does when finished. Test with a clean knife inserted into the center; it's done when the knife comes out clean.

 

This can also be made by scrambling in a frying pan on low heat.

 

Bananas & Tapioca

½ Cup Water
1/3 Cup Quick-cooking Tapioca
1 Banana
½ Cup plain or vanilla Yogurt

Bring water to a boil in a saucepan. Gradually add tapioca, stirring constantly. Reduce heat to low & cook 5 minutes, continuing to stir constantly. Separately puree the banana & add to the mixture. Blend tapioca with yogurt & banana.

 

 

Fried Bananas

2 bananas
butter
cinnamon or ginger

 

in a small frying pan, gently heat 2 tbs of butter. Slice the bananas into thin slices or dices. Add bananas to the pan and sauté. Sprinkle with spices if desired and mash if needed.

 

 

Banana Rice Pudding

1 cup cooked brown rice
1/2 banana purée

1/2 cup plain whole milk yogurt
1/2 teaspoon vanilla
dash of cinnamon and/or ginger

Combine ingredients and warm gently in a sauce pan. Stir frequently.
Remove warmed pudding to a food processor or blender and blend as needed for a texture your baby will enjoy. Do not blend if serving to an older baby who can handle texture. Save some for yourself too. Yum.

A Few Foods Good to Mix With Bananas:

Cereals
Avocado
Blueberries
Kiwi
Peaches
Pears
Apples
Sweet Potatoes
Yogurt

 

Resources and Learning More:

American Heart Association -Importance of Potassium

Harvard School of Public Health - Heart Disease

Lebombo - Banana Information

 

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