Age for Introduction: (as early 6-8 months) or 8-10 months
The Goodness of Papaya:
Papayas are a very nutritious fruit. They contain high amounts of Vitamin C (helping absorb non-heme iron), Vitamin A (2516 IU's!) and even Vitamin E! Papayas are also a good source of fiber and folic acid. Like Mangos, Papayas are tropical fruits and their age for introduction is varied - while they may make a great first food, they are probably not good as THE first food!
PAPAYA: (one cup mashed)
VITAMINS:
Vitamin A - 2516 IU
Vitamin C - 142 mg
Vitamin B1 (thiamine) - .06 mg
Vitamin B2 (riboflavin) - .07 mg
Niacin - .77 mg
Folate - 87 mcg
MINERALS:
Potassium - 591 mg
Phosphorus - 12 mg
Magnesium - 6.9 mg
Calcium - 55 mg
Iron - .23 mg
Also contains trace amounts of iron, zinc, manganese and copper.
When to introduce Papaya to Your Baby
Many parents offer their infants papaya as a later first food. Most often, papaya is offered after the foods that are most easily digestible (sweet potato, avocado, squash, banana for example) have been introduced and well tolerated. Papaya is most often introduced to babies between 7-8 months of age.
How to Prepare Papaya
Preparing papaya is very simple! To prepare a papaya for your baby, all you need to do is peel it, de-seed it, slice and/or dice it. Once you have done this, mash the papya into a consistency your baby will tolerate. The seeds are edible however they are of a peppery taste and would not easily digest in a tiny tummy!
Papaya is a great finger food also! Cut the papaya for your baby into small dices and serve.
Some parents who have infants with sensitive tummies will give fruits a gentle steaming to help break down the sugars and fibers for easier digestion. If you feel this is the case for your infant, chunk the papaya and then steam for 5-10 minutes until very soft.
A Few Papaya Baby Food Recipes:
Papaya Mash
1. Peel and de-seed a fully ripened papaya
2. Mash or puree as needed for your baby's preference
You may wish to steam papaya chunks for a bit to soften them and enable easier digestion.
Papaya Peach Yogurt (8months+)
1. Blend papaya and peach puree
2. Add plain whole milk yogurt and mix
3. Add cereal (if desired) to thicken up.
Tropical Chicken and Brown Rice (8months+)
1/2 cup (Brown/or Jasmine) Rice
2 cups water
1/4 cup papaya cubes
1/4 cup mango cubes
1 or 2 boneless chicken breasts
pinch of ginger and nutmeg if desired
1. Combine all of the above ingredients in a medium saucepan.
2. Cook over medium-low heat for 30 minutes or until rice is soft, fragrant and a bit soupy.
3. Take out the chicken breast(s) and cut into small pieces, transfer back to saucepan
3. Add more water if needed and stir frequently to stop sticking to the pot and add more milk or water if necessary.
4. Cook an additional 15 minutes or until chicken is done
Once the mixture is fully cooked, allow to cool for 10 minutes and then 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 meal for older babies and toddlers alike!
Foods Good to Mix With Papaya:
Apples
Avocado
Bananas
Blueberries
Mango
Peaches
Carrots
Butternut or Acorn Squash
Zucchini or Summer Squash
Sweet Potato
Chicken
Pork
Yogurt
Visit our Combinations page to see more Homemade Baby Food Combination Ideas
