You may introduce almonds for babies from six months of age if they are not allergic to them. The mildly sweet flavor of almonds can be palatable for babies. It is recommended to give almonds and other nuts in a paste or powder form for babies and younger children since they could choke on whole nuts. You can add almond paste or powder to other baby recipes, such as fruit or vegetable purees. Read on to understand the benefits of almonds for babies, their nutritional value, possible risks, and how to add them into a baby’s diet.
Is It Safe To Give Almonds To Infants?
Yes, almonds, fed in an age-appropriate way, are safe to consume for babies and toddlers. However, do not serve whole almonds to a baby since they might choke on it. Instead, feed almonds to the baby in a paste or powdered form that is easy to swallow. Almonds can provide nutrients, such as MUFA, fiber, protein, biotin, and vitamin E (1). Besides, the dynamic phytonutrient profile of the nuts offer various health benefits, which we will discuss later in the post (2).
When Can You Start Giving Almonds To Babies?
Babies above six months of age can start consuming almonds in a paste or powdered form,as part of their well-balanced weaning diet (3). Whole almonds or any other whole nuts should not be fed to children below the age of five years (4). Stay alert towards any sign of allergy, sensitivity, or intolerance while introducing almonds to the baby. If anyone in your family has a history of food allergy or the baby has other food allergies, then consult a pediatrician before introducing almonds (5). Soak the almonds overnight in water and either crush or grind it into a paste. Feed one-eighth of a teaspoon when introducing. Soaking helps release anti-nutrient components in the almonds.
Nutritional Value Of Almonds
Almonds have considerable amounts of carbohydrate, fat, protein, and essential nutrients that can contribute to your baby’s recommended intake. Below is the approximate nutritional composition of one ounce (28.35g) of unroasted almonds (6) (7) (8) (9). Source: U.S. Department of Agriculture, World Health Organization, and Oregon State University *AI = Adequate intake Along with continued breastfeeding up to at least 12 months, adding almonds to your baby’s diet in moderate amounts can enhance the overall diet’s nutritional value.
Possible Health Benefits Of Almonds For Babies
Almond intake,as part of a weaning diet,can provide the following health benefits to a baby.
Possible Side Effects Of Almonds For Babies
Almonds are generally safe to consume.However, just like any other food, they do have their share of potential side effects. Babies under 12 months of age should not consume almond milk. If your baby is older than 12 months, and is allergic or intolerant to cow’s milk, then consult a pediatrician before considering almond milk as a staple alternative.
Tips To Select And Store Almonds
Follow these simple tips to select and store almonds. How to select almonds Almonds are available in two forms.
Shelled almonds are only the nuts with the hard, wooden shell removed. Unshelled almonds have the hard, wooden shell intact. You need to break the shell to get the nut inside.
Shelled almonds (without outer shell)
Prefer sealed almonds to the ones sold in bulk bins. Check the packaging date to purchase fresh produce. If buying almonds from a bulk bin, take them from a reputable store. Choose almonds that are uniform in size and brown in color. Avoid almonds with pits, cracks, spots, and stains. Avoid almonds with a sharp, bitter odor that indicates rancidity. If buying pre-roasted almonds, prefer dry-roasted almonds without added sugar or salt to oil-roasted ones. Speak to the store attendant to know about the bulk bin almonds’ date of procurement and whether they have any other added ingredients.
Unshelled almonds (with the outer shell)
Choose unshelled almonds that do not make much rattling sound when shaken. Too much rattling sound indicates that the almond is shrunken or aged. Check the shell carefully and ensure that they are uniform in size and do not have any cracks, stains, or holes.
How to store almonds
Consumption within one month of opening the package. The product stays sealed for freshness unless opened for use. Refrigerate unsealed packages for longer shelf-life.
How To Include Almonds In Your Baby’s Diet?
The following are the various ways to include almonds in a baby’s or toddler’s solid food diet. Try to give blanched (soaked and peeled) almonds. Soak raw almonds overnight. Make a paste or grate it into a fine pulp. Combine with a saffron thread and a pinch of cardamom to further enhance the nutritional properties and flavor. Mix it with pureed fruit.
Quick And Healthy Almond Recipes For Babies And Toddlers
Here are some easy-to-prepare and delectable almond recipes that you can try for your baby and toddler.
1. Almond and apple puree
The delicious mix of almond paste and apple puree is suitable for babies above six months. You will need:
1/2 cup homemade apple puree (fresh) 1 cup almond (soaked and peeled)
How to:
2. Almond milk
The alternative to dairy is suitable for toddlers. You will need:
1 cup raw almonds (soaked overnight or two days) 2 cups water
How to:
3. Almond smoothie
The mouth-watering and nutritious recipe is suitable for babies aged eight months and older. You will need:
½ cup almonds (soaked and peeled) 1 cup banana (chopped) 1 cup Greek yogurt (unsweetened) 1 cup water
How to:
4. Oats and almonds porridge
A healthy breakfast recipe for babies older than 12 months. You will need:
1/4 cup rolled oats 1 cup whole milk 1/2 banana (pureed) 1tsp almonds powder 1tsp almond pieces (thinly sliced) 1tsp cinnamon powder 1tsp brown sugar (optional)
How to:
