Raspberries and blackberries are healthy and delicious for babies! Here is everything you need to know about how to serve berries to babies using baby led weaning, including safety tips and serving ideas.
If you're anything like me, you can't resist fresh berries in the summer. If you already have your refrigerator stocked, you're probably wondering if you can share them with your baby. Luckily, you can absolutely share with you baby led weaning baby, following a few safety guidelines!
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Can Babies Have Blackberries and Raspberries?
Yes, babies can absolutely have berries like blackberries and raspberries when they start solids (around 6 months of age). Just be sure they are ripe enough (that means soft enough) that they can be smashed easily between your index finger and thumb - this means they are an appropriate texture for BLW.
Berries that are a little more firm can be cooked until they are soft by either simmering or roasting, or smashed so that they do not pose a choking risk.
Baby Health Benefits of Berries
Both blackberries and raspberries are high in:
- Fiber - great for baby's digestive system
- Vitamin C - aids in iron absorption and immune health
- Vitamin K - good for bones
- Antioxidants
How To Serve Blackberries and Raspberries for Baby Led Weaning
1. Whole - As Long As They Are Soft!
If your berries are soft enough that they can easily be smashed between your index finger and thumb, feel free to serve them whole! If they are a little more firm, or if this method still makes you nervous, try one of the others listed below.
2. Gently Smashed
Gently flatten blackberries or raspberries with a fork or your finger. These may be a little easier for younger babies to rake up into their mouths.
3. Frozen, Thawed Berries
Frozen raspberries and blackberries are great for babies because once they are thawed they are super soft. Thaw frozen berries in the refrigerator overnight and serve whole or gently mashed as above.
4. Mashed Into a Lumpy Puree
Either frozen or fresh blackberries and raspberries can be mashed into a sort of thick, lumpy puree that you can serve to baby in a bowl and let him self-feed with a spoon, or serve pre-loaded on a spoon. This option is also good for spreading on toast fingers and stirring into oatmeal or yogurt.
5. Make a Berry Compote
Use fresh or frozen berries to make a one-ingredient, no sugar berry compote using this recipe!
FAQ
Because blackberries and raspberries are small and round, they can become a choking hazard if they are not the appropriate texture. Make sure any berries served to baby are soft enough to pass the smash test!
Though any food could be a potential allergen, berries are not a common allergen.
Yes! Blackberry seeds are teeny-tiny and perfectly safe for baby to eat along with the rest of the berry.
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