When Can Babies Eat Grapes And Why To Introduce Them

Delectable, sweet, luscious. These are a few words that can best describe the Fruit of the Gods. Today, we are talking about the classical fruit from the vine: grapes.

 

Grapes are a popular fruit that comes in a variety of colors and tastes. They have been around since the start of civilization. They are mostly grown in the Mediterranean and the Middle East, but vineyards are available worldwide.

 

Grapes are bitesize and can come with or without seeds. They have a thin layer of skin on the outside and soft flesh on the inside. You can enjoy grapes as is, but they also come in products such as juice, wine, candy, soda, and sauce.

 

But grapes are not just nature’s candy. Grapes are also very healthy! They come with vitamins and minerals that give great benefits to your body.

 

So are grapes worthy enough for your little one? Fortunately, with the right preparation, grapes can be on your list of baby’s first fruit.

 

Why Grapes: Health Benefits of Eating Grapes

Grapes are more than just a sweet treat. You’ll be pleased by the nutritional value grapes possess.

 

First and foremost, grapes are rich in vitamins, especially Vitamin C and B6. You’ll also find minerals like potassium, phosphorus, magnesium, and calcium in grapes. Grapes are rich in antioxidants too, which can help get rid of any bad toxins in your child’s body.

 

Grapes are good for your baby’s guts. Because of their fiber content, grapes can work as a laxative. Perfect for when your baby has indigestion and constipation.

 

Grapes are also good at is caring for your baby’s blood, nervous system, and heart. Grapes, in moderation, are safe for people with diabetes as well.

 

So from the looks of it, grapes sound like the best first fruit for your baby. So when is it safe to feed your baby grapes?

 

When Can Babies Eat Grapes?

The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) says that the safest age to introduce solids to babies is 6 months old. That includes grapes among other solid foods.

 

Grapes are not a common allergenic. Cases of allergies from grapes are rare, and the fruit is safe for a lot of kids. Still, parents must keep an eye out for symptoms such as hives, swelling, upset stomach, diarrhea, and vomiting. 

 

But before serving a bowl of grapes to your infants, there are a few things to remember. Grapes may be nutritious and don’t cause allergies, but there are other risks when feeding your baby grapes.

 

The Risks: Choking, Pesticides, and Sugar

One of the major worries parents have with grapes is choking. The size and shape make grapes the perfect candidate for blocking your child’s windpipe. But this does not mean you have to avoid grapes until your kid is older.

 

Babies won’t be able to pop a whole grape into their mouths just yet. So parents can instead spoonfeed their babies chopped or blended grapes. When your baby develops the pincer grasp (around 9-10 months), you can then let them pick up grape slices by themselves. 

 

One good tip is to peel the grapes before serving them to your infant. You should also remove the seeds since they are very bitter and can also be a choking hazard. And to be safe, slice their grapes until they are around 2 or 3 years old. At later ages, they’ll have far better control of their chewing and swallowing. 

 

Grapes are also a part of the Dirty Dozen. The Dirty Dozen is a list made by the Environmental Working Group (AWG). This list is about different fruits and vegetables with the highest amount of pesticides.

 

Their findings show that 96% of conventionally grown grapes are positive for pesticides. Too much exposure to pesticides can lead to awful side effects. But as we said, you don’t have to say goodbye to grapes.

 

Washing your grapes is a good first step. But washing won’t guarantee your grapes being pesticide-free. So we highly recommend buying organic grapes if possible.

 

Finally, some parents might want to give their babies grape juice. While grape juice is a tasty treat, it is filled with a lot of sugar. And an abundance of sugar in your child’s body can lead to some long-term health problems. Our advice is to wait for a couple of years.

 

So Is Grape A Good Fruit For Babies?

We say yes. Grapes, if bought from a reliable place and prepared with the utmost care, are good.

 

All of the risks are easily avoidable. Choking won’t be a problem if you peel, slice, and blend your grapes. And if you buy organic grapes, you can sleep soundly at night, knowing your baby isn’t eating pesticides.

 

You can also make grapes more exciting by mixing them with different foods. Some of the best foods to combine grapes with include avocado, carrots, pear, blueberries, chicken, yogurt, and more.

 

Grapes are a good choice for kids since it’s nutritious and delicious. It’s a snack that they can grow up loving. And it’s way better than getting them hooked on candies or chips.

 

Conclusion 

Grapes are a fruit that is beloved by people around the world. Their sweet, somewhat tangy flavor makes them a perfect treat for any time of the day. You’ll find grapes in side dishes, desserts, or snack platters.

 

Grapes are also versatile. People can turn them into other products like wine and candy. Dried grapes also make the iconic raisin.

 

Fortunately, babies can enjoy grapes when they turn 6 months old. Grapes are safe for a lot of children since it is not a common allergen. They can also benefit from grapes’ vitamins and minerals.

 

However, grapes are also notorious for being a choking hazard. Conventional grapes are also loaded with pesticides. And grape juice is also off the table since it’s filled with artificial sweeteners.

 

But your little one can still enjoy grapes. Parents can prepare organic grapes for their kids by chopping them into small pieces. Parents can also help by removing the skin and seeds.

 

Overall, grapes are the perfect on-the-go treat for your tiny tot. Grapes are nourishing and satisfying to eat while at home or out and about. And who can resist just having one slice?