Citrus fruits in the complementary feeding of babies:
complementary feeding:
It is considered a complement to breast milk or infant formula and not a substitute for them.
To start complementary feeding successfully, the following characteristics of the baby must be taken into account:
- Age (from 6 months of age).
- Capacity for digestion and absorption of nutrients present in the diet.
- Acquired motor skills (swallowing food, grasping hands, staying seated, among others).
- The need to increase the supply of nutrients in the child due to its growth.
What are citrus fruits?
Citrus fruits are a group of fruits belonging to the citrus genus, which are characterized by having an acidic or bittersweet flavor, they are usually very colorful and juicy and have a penetrating aroma.
They are low-calorie fruits, since they provide approximately 50Kcal per 100 grams of edible portion. The best known citrus fruits are lemon, orange, tangerine, strawberry, among others.
Pineapple, although it has an acid taste, belongs to the bromeliad family.
Why are citrus fruits important?
Thanks to their high content of vitamin C, citrus fruits are involved in the formation of collagen, bones and teeth, red blood cells, favor the absorption of iron from food and increase defenses against infections.
Its consumption is more beneficial in winter or rainy periods, when ups and downs usually occur in the defense system of children and they are more vulnerable to colds and infections.
When to include citrus fruits?
Unfortunately, all citrus fruits are acidic and are likely to cause rashes in babies under 12 months due to an allergic reaction. If you want to introduce citrus after 6 months of age (beginning of complementary feeding), give it a try , and watch for reactions! If this occurs, discontinue immediately.
What allergies cause citrus fruits?
Citrus fruits are included within the foods called allergens, that is, they can cause a food allergy, which has the following symptoms:
1- Skin lesions:
eczema, hives, itching or itching.
2- Digestive disorders:
vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain.
3- Respiratory disorders:
sneezing, frequent cough with phlegm, shortness of breath.
4- Others:
edema or inflammation of the eyelids, area around the lips or generalized.
Identifying these symptoms in the introduction of citrus fruits is important, taking into account that consumption must be slow and progressive.
How to introduce citrus fruits?
When introducing citrus fruits for the first time, it is recommended to follow the following instructions:
- Wash the fruits very well and peel them before they are consumed by the baby, especially in the case of strawberries.
- As they are considered a food that can cause allergies, offer one citrus fruit at a time for three days in a row, observing any possible allergic reaction.
- Offer it in porridge or whole, so that its nutrients and fiber are preserved intact and preferably in the morning.
- Do not accompany it with another new food, since if an allergic reaction occurs it would not be possible to distinguish which of the two foods was the cause.
