From how many months can you give a fresh apple to a baby and how to prepare complementary foods

How is an apple good for children?

Apples are one of nature's most valuable gifts to humanity. It’s not for nothing that our ancestors argued that you won’t need the services of a doctor if you eat one apple every day.

Important: apples do not cure diseases! Apples help support the body's self-healing mechanism!

All the beneficial properties of apples are presented in the infographic (see below).

What's in a freshly picked apple?

In addition, apples are a product that was eaten not only by our grandmothers, but also by our great-grandmothers, thanks to which the child’s intolerance to apples is reduced to “0”.

Give an apple to children: before or after meals?

In this case, everything depends on the age and health of the child.

Children aged 6-12 months eat apples

• as part of cereals (as the main meal),
• in the form of puree (as a dessert after the main meal or as a snack),
• in the form of compotes, jelly (as dessert),
• if the baby shows interest in an apple (as a “pedagogical” complementary food).

Important: it is better not to drink apple snacks with milk (including breast milk)!

Children over 1 year old can eat apples before meals as an appetite stimulant, but take into account the fact that children should not overuse apples

• with gastrointestinal problems,
• with a tendency to flatulence,
• suffering from diabetes

Important: It is not recommended to eat sweets after apples, since fruit acid weakens tooth enamel and increases its sensitivity.

Why apple?

Apple is a fairly common and healthy fruit that can be found at any time of the year. It is one of the first to be introduced into the diet of a small child, as it has a number of beneficial properties:

• the apple is rich in vitamins and microelements, which strengthen the baby’s immunity, normalize the functioning of its intestines and improve appetite;
• apples are of local origin, inexpensive, and sold all year round;
• green fruits are hypoallergenic, so they can be recommended even for children with allergies;
• You can prepare many different dishes from apples, and their preparation does not take much time;
• contain fiber and pectins, which remove harmful substances from the intestines and normalize stool;
• Dentists advise giving an apple to children 1 year of age and older after meals to cleanse plaque from teeth.

How to bake an apple for an infant: recipe

Baked apple for babies
Wash a medium-sized apple thoroughly, cut in half, place in a fireproof dish and place in the oven for 15-20 minutes. Cooking temperature: 180-200⁰С. Cool the finished apple slightly and remove the pit and peel. If necessary, punch the baked pulp with a blender.

Apple slices cook 2 times faster.

If you want to bake an apple in the microwave, follow these recommendations:

• 1 medium apple, cut in half
• set the power to 700-800 W,
• cooking time - 4-5 minutes.

When can a child include an apple in his diet?

According to the recommendations of the World Health Organization, fruit puree can be introduced into the diet of infants from 7 months. According to pediatricians, this can be done a little earlier, for artificial babies - at 4-5 months, if the child is breastfed, then from six months.

At this time, children are given apple juice or fruit puree. A little later, when teeth begin to emerge, you can offer your baby peeled pieces of fruit in a nibbler. This is a special device, which is a mesh container with a convenient holder; pieces of fruit or bread, cookies, etc. are placed in it.

An apple in a net, which you offer to your child, will allow him to be carried away by a useful activity, and at the same time it will allow you to relax a little or go about your business. Don't forget to keep an eye on your baby! A whole peeled apple can be given to a child no earlier than 8-10 months and only under the supervision of an adult.

How to make compote from dried and fresh apples for an infant: recipe

Apple compote can be used not only as a vitamin drink, but also as a base for fruit porridge.

Apple compote (fresh):

• medium size apple - 1 pc.,
• still water - 200 ml.

1. Wash the apple thoroughly. For compote you only need apple pulp without peel and seeds. Cut the peeled apple into slices.
2. Place the slices in boiling water.
3. Boil under a closed lid for 3-5 minutes from the moment the water boils again.
4. Let it brew for 1 hour.

Important: it is better not to open the lid while preparing compotes.

Dried apple compote:

• dried apples - 20 g,
• still water - 200 ml + 50 ml.

1. Sort the dried fruits thoroughly, rinse, and pour boiling water over them.
2. Place the dried fruits in the pan in which you will cook the compote, and fill them with warm water. Leave it overnight.
3. In the morning, bring the compote to a boil, let it brew for 1 hour.

Problems when entering apple

Apples generally do not cause allergic reactions in infants. Problems may arise when eating red apples or store-bought fruits purchased out of season. They are often treated to maintain an attractive appearance. This is why it is so important to thoroughly wash and peel fruit to minimize the risk of allergies.

Signs of allergies

Although apple is not considered an allergenic product, its consumption can lead to undesirable consequences:

If a negative reaction occurs, you should immediately stop introducing the product. Eliminating the allergen is the first step in solving the problem.

A runny nose, sneezing and tickling usually appear immediately; as for changes in bowel function, they occur within a few hours. If the baby's condition worsens, you should contact your pediatrician.

Note! In rare cases, an allergic reaction leads to swelling of the oral mucosa and larynx, in which case emergency medical attention is required.

In order to properly expand the baby’s diet and not harm digestion, you need to know when you can give a fresh apple to your baby, at what age you can offer puree and how to prepare it correctly. Timely introduction of complementary foods will help to avoid allergies and absorb nutrients and nutrients to the maximum.

How to make apple jelly for an infant: recipe

• medium size apple - 1 pc.,
• still drinking water – 200 ml,
• starch - 1 tsp. no slide.

1. Wash the apple thoroughly. For compote you only need apple pulp without peel and seeds. Cut the peeled apple into slices.
2. Place the slices in boiling water (200 ml). Boil under a closed lid until soft (the apples should be softened).
3. Strain the apple broth. Beat the boiled pulp with a blender. Combine the broth and applesauce, stir the mixture.
4. Dissolve starch in cold water (50 ml).
5. Bring the apple mixture to a boil. Stirring the mixture constantly with a wooden spoon/spatula, add the diluted starch into it. Don't stop stirring the jelly until it boils!
6. As soon as the contents of the pan boil, remove it from the heat and let the jelly cool slightly.

How to make apple puree for an infant: recipe

Applesauce for a baby
The first applesauce for a baby is best made from baked fruit. You can read how to bake apples in the text above.

Some pediatricians advise preparing the first applesauce from boiled apples left over after preparing the compote. It is believed that such fruits are devoid of vitamins, but they contain enough fiber necessary for the adaptation of children's gastrointestinal tract to adult food.

Benefits and possible harm

What benefits are contained in apples:

• a large amount of vitamin C, which infants need to strengthen the immune system;
• vitamins of group B, D, E, PP, which saturate the child’s body with energy, improve the condition of skin, hair, bones, and maintain vitality;
• high content of phosphorus, calcium, potassium, iron, magnesium, which are necessary for the proper development of the baby;
• well suited for first feeding, as they are not considered an allergenic product;
• have a beneficial effect on the functioning of the nervous and cardiovascular systems;
• contain fruit sugar, which gives energy;
• help normalize blood pressure and cleanse blood vessels of cholesterol;
• are considered a good antioxidant, as they help remove toxins and waste from the body;
• normalize the functioning of the gastrointestinal tract (have a laxative effect for constipation, and can also stop diarrhea);
• improve metabolism;
• cleanse the liver, providing a choleretic and diuretic effect;

perfectly quenches thirst and increases appetite.

Read also:  Recipes for delicious and affordable soups for children over 1 year old

Apples are good to give to children who suffer from constipation, as it acts as a mild laxative.

However, you should not abuse the fruit, despite its benefits. It can upset the stool and can cause colic in the baby’s stomach. Eating too many apples can cause destruction of tooth enamel and also contribute to excess weight gain. It is optimal to feed your baby applesauce 2-4 times a week.

How to make charlotte with apples for an infant: recipe

Important: babies cannot eat baked goods from the common table!

The recipe below is more like an apple mousse than a classic apple pie.

• apples - 200 g,
• milk - 50 ml,
• wheat flour - 8 g.

1. Bake the apples.
2. Mix milk with flour and heat over low heat with constant stirring. At the end of cooking, the consistency should resemble custard.
3. Carefully punch the baked apple pulp and custard base.

The apple snack “a la charlotte for babies” is ready.

How to make pancakes with apples for an infant: recipe

Apple pancakes: recipe

Important: it is not recommended to give fried foods to children under 3 years of age!

• kefir (or any other fermented milk product) - 100 ml,
• wheat flour - 50 g,
• sugar, salt - to taste,
• baking soda - 1/3 tsp,
• apple - 1 pc.

1. Mix kefir, flour, sugar, salt, soda well. The consistency of the dough should be thick enough (so that you can lay it out rather than pour it into the pan).
2. Peel the apple and remove the seeds. Grate the pulp, squeeze lightly and add to the dough. Mix everything thoroughly again.
3. Bake the pancakes in a greased frying pan over medium heat. Don't forget to turn the pancakes over for even browning.

Which jarred applesauce should you choose?

You don’t have to prepare baby puree yourself. Of course, homemade food is healthier and safer, but the finished product is much more convenient. In addition, the composition of baby food is optimally balanced and adapted to the age and needs of the baby. It is important to choose a high-quality, reliable product that your baby will like. We offer an overview of the most popular brands of baby purees for complementary feeding.

Regardless of which brand you choose, remember that each baby is individual and perceives the product differently. One child may really like puree, but another may be allergic to the same product. In this case, you will have to change the brand until you find the right one. Before choosing, be sure to check the integrity of the packaging; it is advisable to choose an airtight container.

Before purchasing, check the expiration date and composition of the puree. Food should not contain preservatives, dyes or other chemicals. For children under one year old, it should be without sugar, salt, milk and starch. It’s good if the product contains pro- and prebiotics, vitamins and other beneficial substances. Don't forget that the product must be appropriate for the baby's age!

After apple fruit purees, baby's complementary foods include pear, banana, apricot and peach.
You can also prepare the dish yourself or buy ready-made baby food. For more information on how and what kind of fruit puree can be given as complementary foods to a child, read the link https://vskormi.ru/children/fruktovoe-pyure-dlya-pervogo-prikorma/. Subscribe to our VKontakte group

How to make cottage cheese casserole with apples for an infant: recipe

Important: the dish contains eggs!

This casserole is recommended to be included in the menu of babies over 12 months.

For one serving:

• medium-sized apple - 1/2 pcs.,
• cottage cheese (fat content no more than 15%) - 100 g,
• quail egg - 2-3 pcs.
• butter - ½ tsp.

Important: all products must be at room temperature!

1. Peel the apple and remove the seeds. Grate the pulp and squeeze lightly.
2. Place cottage cheese, eggs, grated apple, soft butter in a blender bowl. Grind thoroughly. The more uniform the consistency of the curd dough, the more tender the casserole will be!
3. Place the dough in a mold and bake at 180⁰C. Baking time: from 15 minutes (depending on the thickness of the casserole).

How to make a casserole with rice and apples for an infant: recipe

Important: the dish contains eggs!

This casserole is recommended to be included in the menu of children over 2 years old.

• rice - 50-60 g,
• water - 50 ml,
• baby milk - 200 ml,
• quail egg - 5 pcs.,
• apple - 1 pc.,
• softened butter - 1 tsp.

1. Sort the rice thoroughly and rinse with cold water. Boil until half cooked in 50 ml of water. Add milk to the semi-finished cereal and cook until viscous and boiled. At the end of cooking, you can add a pinch of salt and sugar. Cool to room temperature.
2. Peel the apple and remove the seeds. Grate the pulp and squeeze lightly.
3. 3. Add yolks, butter, apples to the rice porridge. Mix everything thoroughly.
4. Whip the egg whites into a thick foam and gently fold into the rice-apple mixture.
5. Place the mixture in a mold and bake at 180⁰C. Baking time: from 15 minutes (depending on the thickness of the casserole).

Recipe notes: It is better to use regular short-grain rice for this casserole.

First applesauce for babies

The first applesauce should be made from fresh green apples. Check the fruit carefully before purchasing. They should be fresh without black spots, spots or rot. Do not take apples with a perfectly smooth and even shape, as this indicates artificial cultivation and the use of chemicals. The best option would be if these are apples from your own garden.

Apples for children under one year of age are given only after heat treatment. Dishes are prepared without adding salt, sugar or other spices. For taste, vegetable oil is added to the finished puree. After 12 months, you can use a little sugar and salt in the recipe, and also give the babies some fresh fruit.

Wash the apples thoroughly before cooking. Be sure to peel the fruit, remove the core and seeds. The seeds are very harmful to the baby’s digestion, as they contain hydrocyanic acid and an excess of iodine! Cut the fruit into halves or quarters and prepare in any convenient way:

• Place the pieces in boiling water and cook for about four minutes. Then grind in a blender;
• To cook apples in a slow cooker, the fruit is cut into smaller pieces and placed on the grill or mesh of the device. Cook for 20 minutes using the “Steam” mode. Then mash the finished product with a fork;
• The apple halves are placed in containers for baking muffins and placed in the oven, preheated to 180 degrees. Bake the fruit for 20 minutes and then mash with a fork.

The finished apples must be crushed and, if necessary, diluted with boiled water, formula or breast milk, or a decoction of the apples. The puree should be soft and slightly liquid, without any lumps! Each time the dish can be prepared thicker. After cooking, wait until the puree cools to room temperature and give it to your baby.

It is advisable to prepare new puree each time. This way it will preserve the maximum number of useful elements. But if necessary, you can store the dish in the refrigerator for no more than a day. After various vegetables and fruits are introduced into the baby’s diet, you can prepare multi-component purees. Pears, bananas, carrots and beets go well with apples. In addition, you can cook other dishes with apples for your baby.