Age for Introduction of Blueberries: 8-10 Months Old
The Goodness of Blueberries:(one cup, raw)
Blueberries have a whole host of nutrients in them. Blueberries are high in antioxidants and contain fiber, Vitamin A and Vitamin C. They are also thought be cholesterol reducers! A wonderful healthy snack food, one of the greatest things about blueberries for snacking is their portability. No need to "fix" them up, just toss in a small bag or snack bowl and off you go!
VITAMINS:
Vitamin A - 78 IU
Vitamin C - 14 mg
Vitamin K - 28 mcg
Folate (important during pregnancy) - 22 mcg
Niacin - .60 mg
MINERALS:
Potassium - 112 mg
Phosphorus - 17 mg
Magnesium - 22 mg
Calcium - 9 mg
Sodium - 2 mg
Iron - 1.40 mg
Also contains trace amounts of zinc, manganese and copper.
Contains 16% of DV of fiber too!
When can I give Blueberry to my baby?
There is much confusion about when you may feed your infant blueberries. A lot of the confusion stems from the fact that the commercial baby foods use blueberries in their "Stage 2" foods that are targeted to infants between 6-8+ months old. Many believe that blueberries fall under the "no berries until after age 12 months old" rule.
What about Blueberry Allergies?
Blueberries are not a common allergen - they are not in the allergenic "berry" family. Blueberries are related to cranberries - cranberries appear on many lists of "least allergenic foods". The blueberry is native to North America and is closely related to the cranberry. The blueberry shares no "family" relationship with the strawberry or blackberry or raspberry. Blueberries are not related to strawberries, raspberries and the like. Those "true" berries may be mild to highly allergenic. There are horticultural differences in blueberries/cranberries and straw/rasp/blackberries as well. By "true berries" we are referring to those berries that pose allergy problems for infants and are in the same family.
In the book, Managing Food Allergy and Intolerance, blueberries are recommended between 6-9 months old. There are also several other pediatric allergy books that say that blueberries are ok from 6-9 months old as well. Please note that some studies show that blueberries "are, however, rarely allergenic" but "may trigger allergic reactions. Most common symptoms, if any: swelling of the lips and eyelids, itchy swollen rash."
The odds are great that your baby will not have an adverse reaction to blueberries if they are introduced between 8-9 months old. However, the most important thing you can do prior to introducing blueberries is to thoroughly discuss it with your baby's pediatrician. This is doubly important if your baby has shown any signs of food allergies!
How to Store Blueberries:
To store blueberries, simply toss them into the refrigerator in a bag or a covered bowl. Blueberries will maintain their freshness for up to two weeks (if they last that long and are not eaten up sooner!) in the refrigerator. It is very easy to freeze blueberries as well. There is no need to blanche or coat with sugary syrups, simply toss in a freezer bag, remove all the air and store for up to 3 months!
Blueberries do not lose their nutritional value over short periods of storage as the pigment in their skins protects their antioxidants.
Basic Blueberry Baby Food Recipes:
Blueberry Baby Food Recipes - Blueberry Puree
1. 1/2 pint of blueberries (fresh or frozen)
2. 4 c. water
3. Bring water to a boil. Add blueberries and simmer for 15 minutes until soft.
4. Reserve liquid and use a slotted spoon to transfer blueberries to
blender/processor/mixer and puree.
5. If needed, add some of the liquid to blueberries.
6. Add cereal (if desired) to thicken up
*You can save the liquid to serve as juice or to blend in with cereals etc..
Blueberry Cereal
Add pureed blueberries to baby's homemade rice, oatmeal or barley cereal
Blueberry Tofu Mush (8 months+)
1/2 cup Blueberry Puree
1/2 packet of Firm Tofu
1. Combine all of the above ingredients
2. Add water if needed
Transfer to a blender or food processor. Puree or chop as needed for your baby's age and texture requirements. This makes a great finger food snack!
Foods Good to Mix With Blueberries:
Rice, Oatmeal, Barley and Mixed Grain Homemade Baby Cereals
Apples
Bananas
Pears
Plums
Yogurt
Visit our Combinations page to see more Homemade Baby Food Combination Ideas
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