During the hot weather in our country, there is nothing more refreshing than a piece of watermelon. We all love its sweet taste and watery texture. So you might want to let your little one taste this delicious fruit. But before giving watermelon to your baby, let's know exactly whether it is suitable for him, when can he be given it, and what things to be careful about while giving it.
When can you give watermelon to your baby?
One of the biggest questions that mothers have when introducing solid foods to their new baby is, "Will my baby digest this food?" Babies' stomachs are actually very delicate. It takes them a while to get used to solid foods. That's why some foods, like honey for example, are not good for babies until they are at least a year old.
But luckily, you don't have to wait that long to introduce watermelon. In fact, watermelon is one of the best first fruits to introduce to your baby. Even world-renowned organizations like the American Academy of Pediatrics recommend introducing solid foods, such as pureed fruits and vegetables, to your baby around six months of age .
Watermelon is a great first food for babies because it is very soft and watery , making it easy for babies to chew and swallow. And babies love its natural sweetness.
Why is watermelon good for babies? Let's talk about its nutritional value
Watermelon is a super fruit that is rich in vitamins and minerals essential for your baby's growth.
For example, a cup of watermelon contains more than 470 micrograms of beta-carotene. This beta-carotene is a powerful antioxidant that is converted into vitamin A in our bodies. Getting enough vitamin A for your baby is essential for eye development and good vision , as well as for the proper functioning of the lungs, kidneys, heart, and immune system.
In addition, watermelon is said to prevent dehydration in babies. Especially on hot days like this, we need to be careful about the amount of water in the body of little ones. Watermelon contains more than 90% water . So if your baby is a little reluctant to drink water, giving him a piece of watermelon can provide him with the necessary amount of fluid.
How should you feed watermelon to your baby?
If your baby has just started eating solid foods , there are several ways to prepare fruits like watermelon. It is very important to prepare watermelon in a way that is appropriate for your baby's age.
| Baby's age | How to prepare | Things to consider |
|---|---|---|
| 6 - 8 months | Mashed or blended well, into a smooth pulp. | Remove the seeds completely. It's even better if you can strain it through a sieve after crushing it. Make sure there are no lumps. |
| 9 - 12 months | Very small pieces that the baby can pick up and eat with their hands, and chew. | Remove the bones completely. The pieces given should be small enough to not get stuck in the baby's throat. Give one piece at a time. |
Most importantly: Even if you get "seedless watermelon," it can sometimes have small white seeds inside. Double-check that all the seeds are removed before giving it to your baby. These seeds have a high chance of getting stuck in your baby's throat.
Be sure to consider these safety precautions when giving watermelon.
Your little one's safety is our top priority. So, be sure to consider these three things before giving them watermelon.
Let's stay safe from diseases.
Raw fruits and vegetables can sometimes contain bacteria like Salmonella and E. coli. These germs are usually found on the outer skin of the fruit. So when you cut a watermelon, the germs can get into the flesh through the knife.
Before cutting the watermelon, wash the rind thoroughly with a little soap and running water. This simple step can save your baby from serious illnesses.
Be careful about allergies.
When introducing new solid foods to your baby, it's important to do it very slowly. Because your baby may be allergic to some foods. We only know about it after giving them to them.
Therefore, don't introduce more than one new food at a time . For example, if you give your baby watermelon today, don't introduce any other new foods (e.g. avocado, papaya) for another three to four days. That way, if your baby has any allergies to watermelon, you'll know exactly what it is.
If your baby has a food allergy, they may show symptoms like skin rashes, vomiting, bloating, and difficulty breathing. If you see anything like this, see your doctor without delay.
Choking Hazard
This is the biggest risk when feeding small children. As we discussed earlier, until you are confident that your baby can chew and swallow solid foods, mash the watermelon well and give it as a pulp.
Even when giving small pieces to an older baby, make sure that the pieces are small enough to not choke. The most important thing is to never leave your baby alone while he is eating, for any reason. Always keep your eyes on him. If your baby has any difficulty breathing, immediately take him to the Emergency Department (ETU) of the nearest hospital.
Take-Home Message
- Watermelon can be introduced after 6 months, which is the best time for babies to start solid foods.
- Watermelon is a good fruit for hydrating a baby's body and providing vitamin A, which is essential for developing eyesight.
- Never serve with bones. Check frequently to make sure the bones are completely removed.
- Between 6-8 months, give it to babies as a puree, and after 9 months, give it to babies as very small pieces that they can chew.
- Before cutting the watermelon, wash the outer rind thoroughly with soap.
- To identify allergies, introduce only one new food at a time.
- Never leave your baby alone while he/she is eating. Always keep him/her under your supervision.
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