Can watermelon be given to babies? As long as he's over 6 months old, of course you can! In addition to refreshing, watermelon is a fruit that is highly nutritious and beneficial for health. Come on, see the following explanation so that you know the benefits of this fruit for your little one.
Watermelon contains a variety of nutrients that are important for your baby's growth and development, such as vitamin A, vitamin B complex, vitamin C, calcium, magnesium, iron, and phosphorus.
In addition, the texture is not hard and the high water content makes this one fruit easy to consume by babies who are just learning to eat. So it's not wrong if you make watermelon as a fruit choice, as a complementary food for babies.
Benefits of Watermelon for Babies
The following are some of the benefits of watermelon for babies:
1. Maintain body fluid levels
Watermelon is a fruit that contains high water content. When a baby who is already solids eats watermelon, then the fluid adequacy can be fulfilled. This can help the baby avoid dehydration.
2. Maintain eye health and strengthen the immune system
Watermelon is a fruit that is rich in various vitamins. The content of vitamin A in this fruit, for example, is good for baby's eye health. While the vitamin C content can help the absorption of iron needed by babies. In addition, vitamins A, B6, and C in watermelon play a role in strengthening the immune system and keeping your little one's skin healthy.
3. Prevent constipation
Watermelon is also useful for preventing constipation in babies who start solids. This is because of the water and fiber content in it.
4. Maintain heart health
Watermelon also contains citrulline and lycopene which is good for maintaining heart health. If consumed regularly as a complementary food menu, of course these benefits can also be obtained by babies.
The Right Way to Give Watermelon to Babies
Although watermelon is a good fruit for babies to eat, you still have to give it in the right way and at the right time. Your little one can be given fruit after he passes the age of 6 months, in mashed form. Also make sure that he already has enough teeth, and can chew food well.
When you first give watermelon to your baby, don't mix it with other foods. In addition, to make it easier for your little one to chew and swallow this fruit, you can cut it into small pieces or mash it first.
Despite its various benefits, watermelon is high in fructose. This content can cause digestive disorders, such as flatulence and constipation. Immediately take your child to the doctor if he experiences these symptoms after eating watermelon.
If given properly, there is no doubt that watermelon is very beneficial for your baby's health. Come on, Introduce your little one to this fresh and delicious fruit from now on
