Indian Food For Kids: Six Healthy And Tasty Fruit Mashes For Kids

Fruit mashes for kids: Fruits are the greatest source of nutrition and energy for your kids. The nutrition content of different fruits and their water content help in boosting the immunity of your kids and keep them hydrated. However, sometimes, children might not like to eat the fruit directly, because it is too hard to bite or swallow. So the best way to feed fruits to kids and babies is to turn them into mashes or purees. They taste good, easy to swallow and as said before essential for the kids’ growth. In mashed fruits, you can remove the seeds and peels which children and ensure your kids' safety because often they swallow seeds or peels while eating fruits. Here are some yummy and healthy fruit mashes for kids. Explore these for children once they are allowed solids, however every fruit should be introduced slowly and never in large quantities. The mashes should be absolutely smooth.

Yummy Fruit Mashes For Kids

1. Apple

Apple is less allergic, nutritious and good in taste. They contain vitamin C, antioxidants and are a good source of fibre. As it has rightly been said, 'An apple a day keeps the doctor away'. So feed an apple every day to your kids by peeling, boiling and mashing them in a mixer. You can add some milk and pinch of cinnamon to it too.

2. Banana

Banana is rich in fibres and carbs. It also helps in easing digestion and avoiding constipation. To boost your kids' health and energy, serve them bananas by mashing them with forks and adding some amount of milk to it. Remember to peel the banana before mashing it.

3. Mango

Mashed mangoes can be best for keeping your kids hydrated during summers. Usually, kids love mangoes but to make the consuming of the fruit hassle-free, mash them. Peel the mango, cut in half and remove the seed. Then mash one-half of the mango using a fork and serve it plain. You can also serve it with other fruits or top it with oatmeal or yoghurt. However for strong fruits it's always recommended to first try a little mash and she how your baby reacts. There is no rush to introduce them to new fruits and a gradual process is advisable.

4. Avocados

Avocados are rich in unsaturated fats that are necessary for the kids’ growth. It also becomes a rich source of Vitamin A, Vitamin E, Vitamin C, Vitamin K, Vitamin B6, thiamin, and niacin which are essential for your kids. Although it is a bit expensive, you can serve mashed avocados once in a while. Peel the fruit, scoop its contents and mash it with a fork or blender. Then serve the avocado mash plain. In India sometimes avocados are hard, bitter. So be very conscious while exploring avocado. Taste it, see that it is fully buttery and only then use the pulp. It can also be an acquired taste for your little ones.

5. Peach

Peach is rich in beta-carotene and potassium which can boost the immunity of your kids. To prepare a peach mash, first, wash the peach in water and salt. Then peel their skin and slice them into small pieces. Blend the slices in a blender and serve it plain. You can also add water to it to make it smooth like a paste.

6. Papaya

Papaya is rich in folate, fibre, and vitamins A, Vitamin C and Vitamin E making it an essential source of nutrition and energy for your kids. So, to make papaya mash first wash it with water, peel the skin, cut into half and remove all the seeds. Wash the leftover papaya again and then mash it. You can serve it plain or with added water or milk to make it runny or in semi-solid form.

Disclaimer: All recommendations here are based on widely shared feedback of mothers at SheThePeople Parenting. However children can be different from each other, and have their own allergies. Always check with your doctor if your baby has special needs

Fruits can be fun. We use these designs to educate the child, while it enjoys fruit mashes. Picture only for representative purposes. Don't feed a little child kiwis or bananas in solid form.