Can babies have mango? Learn the best ways to safely serve nutritious mango using a baby led weaning approach!
Mango is a sweet, tropical fruit that can be a delicious treat for babies. But like other foods, many parents wonder if mango is safe for babies. Short answer: YES! Read on to learn about how to safely serve this nutritious fruit to babies using a baby led weaning approach.
Can Babies Have Mango?
YES! Babies can have mango as long as it is served safely. Ripe, fresh mango that is juicy and soft is perfectly safe to serve to babies. The cold pit can also be soothing for teething babies' gums. But remember, mango needs to be an appropriate shape and texture. Some less-ripe mangoes can be hard or stringy, which can become a choking hazard, so make sure to only serve soft fruit that can be smashed between your fingers. I'll show you exactly how to serve it for BLW babies below.
Dried mango and green mango should not be served to babies.
Read More: Safety Tips for Baby Led Weaning
Health Benefits of Mango
Mango is full of nutrients including vitamin A, vitamin C, potassium, fiber and potential cancer-fighting antioxidants. Mango is also hydrating since it is high in water, and the fiber could help keep baby's digestive system moving along. While it is higher in sugar than other fruits, I don't worry too much about it because of all of the nutrients that come along with the naturally occurring sugar. (We do want to avoid added sugar for babies under 1, though!)
How To Serve Mango for Baby Led Weaning
As always, we want an appropriate shape. That means finger-length for younger babies, with the option of small pieces once babies develop the pincer grasp. Since mango can be slippery you can also help baby grip the fruit by just offering the pit, or coating the spears. Here are some safe options for serving soft, ripe mango to babies:
1. Whole pit with a little flesh remaining
The pit inside a mango is very large and hard, so it makes a great handle that babies can grab on to to naw the flesh around it. It is too hard for them to bite off pieces, so don't worry about them breaking any of the pit off.
How to prepare mango pit for babies:
- Wash and dry the mango. Cut a small portion of the bottom of the mango off (stem end) to make a flat surface you can stand the mango up on.
- Cut vertically along both flat sides of the pit to remove most of the flesh (slice this into spears or cubes).
- Cut around the remaining edges of the pit to remove the majority of the remaining flesh.
- Give pit to baby to naw or suck on.
2. Spears (6-9 months)
Spears are another great way to serve mango to baby. Simply cut the flesh into finger-length pieces that baby can grasp. This is appropriate for beginner babies around 6 months, as well as older babies.
Tip: If the fruit is too slippery for baby to grasp, you can help add a little texture for gripping by either leaving the skin on half of the spear (as long as baby has no teeth), or rolling the spear in finely ground seeds (such as flax, chia or hemp seeds), finely ground nuts or coconut, or wheat germ/wheat bran. This is also a great way to include allergens!
3. Cut into small cubes (9+ months/pincer grasp)
For babies with a pincer grasp who can handle small pieces, simply cut soft mango into small cubes. You can also serve on a soft fork for practicing with utensils!
Remember the safest way to serve anything to your baby is to ALWAYS have an adult present and attentive at mealtimes!
FAQ
Mango that is not yet ripe, too hard, or too stringy can be a choking hazard. Make sure that mango is ripe and soft enough to be smashed between your fingers.
Mango is not a common allergen, however, people allergic to latex may experience a reaction. Rarely, mango skin and seed may cause a contact reaction (skin rash where it came into contact with the skin). Always observe baby for reactions with new foods.
Dried mango is not appropriate for babies as it is a choking hazard.
Green mango (unripe mango) is not appropriate for babies as it is too hard and is a choking hazard.
Frozen mango can be great for teething gums in a mesh feeder! Otherwise, make sure it is completely thawed and soft before serving.
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