Goin' Bananas

Satisfying Baby's Sweet Tooth

By Donna Smith

Giving Baby a bite of his first foods is a much-anticipated event for most parents. One food that is often served to these tiny diners is banana. Its smooth consistency, sweetness and nutritional value make this tropical delight perfect for new palates.

"The most important thing to remember when introducing a baby to its first food [other than breast milk or baby formula] is that it should be easily digested and not have a strong likelihood of triggering an allergic reaction," says Peggy O'Shea, a Boston-based registered dietitian and member of the Massachusetts Dietetic Association board of directors. "The most common first food (the one recommended by the American Academy of Pediatrics) is baby rice cereal. However, there are several other foods which are also commonly given, including bananas. A mashed, ripe banana is easy to digest for the baby and is a nutritious choice."

Some experts argue that fruits are not the best first foods for babies because they can aid in the development of a "sweet tooth." Although O'Shea says this has not been scientifically proven, some pediatricians and nutrition experts may advise parents against introducing fruits first. "However, many experts also point to certain fruits – including the banana – as a good first food especially for breastfed babies because breast milk is quite sweet and the fruit may aid in the transition to solid foods because it is a taste that is somewhat more familiar," O'Shea says.

Bananas contain many important nutrients for babies or anyone, for that matter. "Bananas are relatively low in water content and therefore their carbohydrate content, by weight, is quite high," O'Shea says. "They also contain a significant amount of potassium, a mineral that has several functions in the body including control of fluid balance, regulation of heartbeat and blood pressure. Bananas also contain several other nutrients including vitamin C and are also a source of dietary fiber."

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