Pediatricians continue to acknowledge that babies do not always need to start solid foods with bland and pasty infant cereals. Many suggest the goodness of avocado as a first food for baby. It is said that an avocado is so packed with nutrients that it is the only single food that a human could survive on if lost in the jungle!
Babies need carbohydrates, and fats as well as proteins for their growth during the crucial first year and avocados deliver these essential nutrients and many more! An avocado is smooth and creamy when mashed - a perfect food that will be more readily accepted as baby begins solids. A wonderful "good fat" food for baby's brain and physical development, try an avocado as baby's first food instead of refined cereals! Avocado may be offered as early as 4 - 6 months old! As you begin to introduce a wide variety of foods, you will find that mashing an avocado and mixing with applesauce, peaches or pears, bananas and even yogurt make a wonderful meal or snack.
Do you doubt the goodness of avocado? Have a look at the nutrients in one medium avocado:
VITAMINS: (one medium)
Vitamin A - 1230 IU
Vitamin C - 15.9 mg
Vitamin B1 (thiamine) - .2 mg
Vitamin B2 (riboflavin) - .25 mg
Niacin - 3.9 mg
Folate - 124.6 mg
Pantothenic Acid - 1.95 mg
Vitamin B6 - .56 mg
Contains some other vitamins in small amounts.
MINERALS: (one medium)
Potassium - 1204 mg
Phosphorus - 82.4 mg
Magnesium - 78.4 mg
Calcium - 22 mg
Sodium - 20 mg
Iron - 2 mg
Also contains small amounts of selenium, manganese, copper and zinc. USDA-NAL source
"Sodium- and cholesterol- free, avocados contain valuable nutrients including 8% of the recommended Daily Value (DV) for folate; 4% DV for fiber and potassium, 4% DV for vitamin E; and 2% DV for iron. A serving of avocado also contains 81 micrograms of the carotenoid lutein and 19 micrograms of beta-carotene. Per serving, avocados have 3.5 grams of unsaturated fats, which are known to be important for normal growth and development of the central nervous system and brain. "California Fresh Avocados
Avocados are high in fat and calories and we are often told to stay away from them due to this. A medium size avocado contains approximately 700 calories and up to 30 grams of fat - WOW! While avocados are indeed full of fat, infants should not be on a "low fat" diet so disregard any advice to not feed avocados because they are high in fats! If you have any doubts, as always we recommend you consult your pediatrician. The benefits of avocados far outweigh the "risks". Avocados contain monounsaturated fats which are said to lower "bad" cholesterol and also aid in maintaining a healthy heart. Also high in fiber, avocados are great aids in reducing the risks of cancer and heart attack.
Just how does one select the perfect avocado for baby's first solid food? When selecting an Avocado, you want a dark green color with bumpy texture. The fruit should be firm yet yielding when gently pushed. When an avocado is sliced in half, the flesh color should be a green that gently transforms into a buttery yellow around the pit. Avocados are served fresh from their peels! There is no need to cook avocados for baby or adult! Give an avocado a gentle roll around your counter to help separate the meat from the shell before you slice!
If you want to freeze avocados, I suggest peeling and piting then freezing avocados in slices. You may then take out a slice, mash it up and then serve at room temperature. You can also create a bath of:
1/2 cup water and * 2 squeezes-drips of lemon juice Bathing the slices in mixture will help to retard browning. **Don't feed citrus or acidic fruits to a baby before 1 yr esp. if your baby gets rashy from other foods! Using a drip or 2 of lemon juice in a puree or to bathe several avocado slices is not the same as pureeing up a few orange slices and serving them!**
Enjoy some simple avocado baby food "recipes":
Mashed Avocado
(4)6-8 months old
Peel and pit a ripe avocado
Cut "meat" out and mash with a fork
There should be no need to use a machine as just like bananas, avocados have a very soft consistency and texture. Avocados do not need to be cooked.
Banana-Cado
(4)6-8 months old
Peel and 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.
Guacamole for Baby
8 months (due to wheat germ & Cheerios)
1 ripe avocado
wheat germ or crushed cheerios (optional)
pinch of garlic powder, pepper & basil
Peel and pit a ripe avocado and cut "meat" out and mash with a fork. Mix avocado, wheat germ/cheerios and spice then blend.
Fold in plain whole milk yogurt until a texture good for your baby is achieved. Allow baby to dip toast, soft cooked veggies or even her own fingers in the guac. for a yummy meal accompaniment.
Avocado & Cream Cheese Delight
8months
Prepare avocado as shown above then blend with Cream Cheese until a semi-smooth mixture is formed.
Add wheat germ or crushed cheerios and shape into little balls or spread on toast or crackers or blend with cereals.
Avocado Fruit Salad
6-8 months
3 or 4 ripe avocados
3 or 4 ripe bananas
3 or 4 Pears (steamed)
A couple of dollops Yogurt (for 8 months +)
Peel, deseed and slice fruits as needed.
Place in a blender or food processor and puree until desired texture is achieved
Add a couple of dollops of Yogurt if desired
*Use diced fruits as a Baby Finger Food snack for older infants and toddlers - drizzle the Plain Yogurt over the fruits.
Here are a few great foods to mix with avocados for baby:
Bananas
Pears
Apples
Summer Squash - Zucchini, Yellow (Crooked Neck)
Chicken
Yogurt
Always consult your baby's pediatrician prior to introducing solid foods. Generalities may not apply to your baby's particular circumstances!
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