The process of switching from breastfeeding to solid meals or incorporating both is always an interesting one. There is a common concern about what will be suitable for their digestive system as well as nutrient-based. Bananas are one such popular food fully loaded with essential minerals and vitamins suitable for babies from 6 months and above. 

Their natural sweetness makes it every baby’s favourite. If you’re wondering why bananas are a great choice for your baby, then this article is for you as it will have its focus on the benefits of bananas and the method of preparation.

Benefits of bananas in babies

Here are some of the many benefits of bananas in babies:

• Rich in essential minerals: Bananas are packed with an adequate amount of essential minerals like potassium, folate, vitamin B6, vitamin C, and dietary fiber which help to strengthen your baby’s immune system enabling them to fight off diseases. 

• Good source of energy: Bananas are rich in carbohydrates which serves as a source of energy to the body. It equally contains fructose and glucose which contribute to boosting the energy level thereby making your baby active.

• Bananas provide room for versatility and creativity: You can add bananas into dishes as natural sweeteners, cut in quarters as finger foods or mashed and consumed as a meal. The purée when mixed with avocado purées, oatmeal, or other cereals alongside yogurts can offer a healthy dose of other nutrients whilst creating a pleasant distinctiveness to your baby’s taste buds. 

• Easily digestible: It is always ideal to look out for meals that are easily digestible. Bananas given their soft texture are a good introduction to the world of “solids.”

• Regulates bowel movement: Banana contains the right proportion of dietary fibre which helps to regulate bowel movement and prevent constipation in your baby. In case your baby is experiencing constipation, mashed bananas can aid easy passage of stool.

• Aids weight gain: One medium-sized banana contains 105 calories and 27 grams of carbs. If you are concerned about your baby’s underweight, bananas can help to make them gain weight by increasing their calorie density.

• Brain development: The presence of folate in bananas helps for brain formation and development which makes banana purée a great choice for your baby.

It is pertinent to know that despite the general assumption that everyone loves bananas especially because of their sweet taste, there are babies who are not naturally inclined to sweetened meals. If your baby falls under this category, do not apply pressure. You can switch up with other fruits. 

Method of preparation 

The process of making banana purées is quite easy and does not consume time. Below are a few simple steps to preparing banana purée for your baby:

• Peel and cut your banana in small sizes into a food processor or blender. 

• Blend to a smooth paste. In the absence of a blender or if you would rather prefer a thick consistency, put in a bowl and mash with a fork.

• You can choose to make the texture thin and creamier by mixing in little drops of breast milk or formula.

Note that banana puree is better at room temperature and it is normal to find it slightly brown if left for a while. To prevent the color change, a few drops of fresh orange juice. Also, be sure to purchase bananas in good condition, do not go for the overripe or under-ripened ones. The yellow ones with a small splatter of brown are always considered the best. Bananas when taken in excess tend to cause constipation due to their pectin fiber content, and exercise moderate consumption.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can I add milk to my baby’s banana puree?

Yes, you can add milk to your baby’s purée. It is preferable to use breast milk or formula if the breast milk is not readily available.

Can I grind bananas for puree?

The aim is to have it puréed to smooth paste, whatever method you use in achieving that is not a major concern as far as the process to it is hygienic.

Can I mix honey with banana purée?

Doctors do not recommend honey for babies below one year. If your baby is up to one year and above, you may add little drops of honey.