Smoothies can be healthy for us and can give us a boost to our day, so, why wouldn’t we give them to our kids?
Many people today have taken to giving their kids smoothies, but what about babies?
Can babies have smoothies too?
To answer this question, I have delved deep into the world of baby nutrition and have found all the answers you need.
So, can you give your baby a smoothie, or not? Let’s find out together!
Can Babies Have Smoothies?
Yes, babies can have smoothies, however, this is only plausible after their first birthday but can be as young as 6 months for some.
If the smoothies are specifically customized and made using baby-friendly ingredients, then smoothies are totally fine.
Before you start introducing the types of smoothies that adults drink you should wait until the child is over 15 to 18 months old.
That being said, a well-blended smoothie with very carefully chosen ingredients can be given to babies over 6 months old and to toddlers.
It is very important to be cautious of the ingredients used as whattoexpect.com states.
Smoothies can provide young children and babies with easy-to-digest nutrition if made with the right ingredients and blended well.
How Old Should Babies Be To Give Them Smoothies?
There is no clear answer as to how old a baby should be before you give them a smoothie.
Some parents give their baby smoothies at 6 months, some wait until a year.
It is generally up to the parent and paediatrician to decide if the child is ready to have smoothies.
If you are not sure if your baby is ready for smoothies yet, speak to your paediatrician and test your baby on a small amount to see how they react.
Benefit Of Giving Smoothies To Babies
There are several benefits to giving smoothies to babies. These benefits are as follows:
- Blending fruits and vegetables leaves fibers intact (unlike juicing) which ensures that the baby gets the full benefits of the nutrients.
- Babies can get vitamins, proteins, fibers, and minerals from smoothies.
- Smoothies are fast and simple to make.
- Smoothies are attractive and babies are likely to enjoy them making it an easy way to ensure your baby gets all the nutrients they need.
- Smoothies are safer for babies than whole unblended food but provide the same nutrition.
- Smoothies help babies explore a variation of temperatures, tastes, and textures in food to help them switch from liquids to solid foods/ grown-up foods.
- Many smoothies can contain some foods that contain anti-oxidants which can help to boost your baby’s immune system.
There may be other benefits that individual parents find from giving their baby smoothies.
But, be aware not all babies will eat smoothies.
How Much Smoothie To Give to Babies?
While smoothies can be good for babies, you should limit them to only a few times a week in a small serving.
A typical smoothie serving for a baby is 1/3 cup.
Smoothies can be great for babies, but you do not want them to become reliant on them and refuse to eat solid foods or foods that require chewing and mashing.
Therefore, smoothies are best used as a treat only a few times a week as you start introducing them to more solid foods from milk.
What Kind Of Ingredients To Avoid When Making Baby Smoothies?
When making a smoothie for your baby, try to avoid the following ingredients:
- Milk that has added sugars.
- Cow’s Milk
- Sweeteners/ added flavors.
- Fruit juice.
- Citrus fruits (not always a problem but be cautious as healthline.com states.)
- Honey.
- Sugar.
- Avoid citrus fruits.
- Protein powders.
- Nuts.
- Seeds.
What Kind Of Smoothies Are Ok For Babies?
There is no strict definition of the type of smoothies that are okay for babies, however, there are some smoothies that are typically fine.
These smoothies are:
- Banana Smoothies (Made with simple ingredients, such as banana & oat milk) .
- Carrot Smoothie (Made with carrot, spinach and plant milk).
- Sweet Potato Smoothie (Made simple – with sweet potato, spinach and a little yogurt).
- Avocado Smoothie (Made with avocado, spinach and breastmilk is perfect).
- Combination Smoothies – banana and carrot, sweet potato and banana, spinach and carrot, etc.
You can use yogurt in smoothies for babies, as well as soft fruits and vegetables such as bananas and cooked sweet potatoes.
Some baby-friendly smoothies can even contain baby formula if this is easier for you.
Ensure that you avoid nut-based milk in your babies’ smoothies, though, up until they are 5 years of age as parents.com states.
Nut-based milk does not contain enough protein for growth, however, soy milk can be used after they are 12-18 months old.
Can You Make A Smoothie With Baby Formula?
You can make smoothies with baby formula, this is a great way to start getting your baby used to smoothies and other foods.
You can simply start with water, the baby formula, and something simple like a banana.
This can make for a delicious and fun first smoothie for your baby.
The best way to do this is to mix the water and formula first in a blender, and then add the fresh banana and blend again.
What Is The Best Way To Feed Smoothies To Babies?
Feed smoothies to your baby by feeding it to them with a spoon. This is the best way to feed them smoothies.
If your baby enjoys these smoothies, try it in a sippy cup or even a smoothie cup for kids!
My Baby Smoothie Recipe
I have a couple of friends who have babies and toddlers, and they really helped me create the perfect baby smoothie recipe!
If you are ready to give your baby or toddler a smoothie, try my recipe, it’s been tested on babies and toddlers and most of them have loved it and had no issues!
If you are concerned regarding the use of berries in the recipe, I suggest you consult with your paediatrician just to make sure that berries are safe for your baby!
Baby Smoothie Recipe {Berry & Carrot}
Equipment
- 1 Blender I used this one
Ingredients
- 1 carrot peeled and boiled or 1/2 cup
- 1 small banana peeled and diced
- 1/2 cup/75g frozen blueberries
- 1 handful of spinach washed, ideally, use organic
- 200 ml oat milk ideally, use homemade unsweetened
Instructions
- Boil / steam the carrot and let it cool.
- Prepare all your ingredients and measure them as listed in the ingredient list.
- Add all the ingredients starting with the spinach and blueberries to a high-speed blender and blitz until smooth. For about 4-5 minutes.
- Serve in a bowl preferably, since you will need to spoonfeed the smoothie!
- Please see the notes!*
Video
Notes
Nutrition
Can Babies Have Smoothies: Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Make My 7 Month Old A Smoothie?
In theory, yes. However, it depends entirely on your baby. If your baby is starting to experiment with new foods and textures, a smoothie can be a fantastic way to explore nutrition and get nutrients in their diet easier.
Can Babies Have Frozen Fruit Smoothie?
Babies can have frozen fruit smoothies. Just be aware of what frozen fruits you choose, as children under 12 months should not have certain fruits. Always confirm with your doctor first.
Can I Use Smoothie Blender For Baby Food?
Yes, you can, in fact, a good smoothie blender has the capacity to allow you to blend whole foods into an easy and digestible food for your baby to enjoy. Try Vitamix for a good blender!
Can Babies Have Smoothies With Milk?
Yes, you can use unsweetened nondairy milk in smoothies for babies once they have started eating solid foods.
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