Avocados, Babies, Toddlers, and New Moms

Posted by on May 25, 2017 in Health | Comments Off on Avocados, Babies, Toddlers, and New Moms

Lawndale News Chicago's Bilingual Newspaper

From Pregnancy to First Food to School-Age and Adulthood: Avocados are a Great Food to Grow With

Along with baby’s first steps and first words, a child’s first solid foods are an important milestone in early development. Like adults, most children can benefit from incorporating fruits and vegetables into their diet every day. Introducing nutrient-dense, delicious fruits, such as fresh avocados, to children in their earliest months of life goes a long way towards ensuring they continue to eat well throughout adulthood. Sharing avocados with young eaters introduces them to a new fruit and provides a gateway to other fruits and vegetables.

Pregnant women 
Avocados are listed under fruit items that the USDA recommends as one of the best sources for some of the nutrients needed when pregnant or breastfeeding. A 50g serving of avocados contains six percent of the daily values for Vitamin E and potassium, and two percent of the daily value for iron. To see the full list visit ChooseMyPlate.gov.

  • Avocado contain naturally good fats, which are known to be important for normal growth and development of the central nervous system and brain.
    As a nutrient-dense fruit, they can contribute to the nutrient quality of your diet.
  • Contain six percent of the daily values for Vitamin E and potassium, and two percent of the daily value for iron per 50g serving.
  • Assist in the absorption of other nutrients like lutein, alpha- and beta-carotene, and various vitamins & minerals.
  • Contains ten percent daily value of folate.

    • Babies/Infants
    The avocado’s smooth, creamy consistency makes it one of the first fresh fruits a baby can enjoy.

  • The recommended serving size of avocado for babies ages 1-3 is 25g.
  • A 25g serving of avocado also contains 68 micrograms of the carotenoid lutein. Per 25g serving, avocados have 3 grams of unsaturated fats, which are known to be important for normal growth and development of the central nervous system and brain.
  • The creamy consistency and mild taste of avocados makes it one of the best first fresh fruits a baby can enjoy.
  • For a quick snack for infants, simply mash a Hass avocado with a spoon and feed directly to baby.
  • Before starting or introducing new foods, parents/caregivers should consult a physician or health care provider.

    • Toddlers

  • Make food fun and engaging for picky eaters. Hass avocados can add both color and creamy texture. Try Fun-Shaped Mini Hass Avocado and Cheese Sandwiches add creativity to your child’s diet.
  • Easy to pick up on their own.
  • Relieve teething with avocado slices.

    • Pre-school, School-age Children into Adulthood
    As a parent, you set the examples of healthy eating habits for your children, now and for the future. One easy way to set healthy food habits, especially for picky eaters, is to make food fun and engaging. Hass avocados can add both color and creamy texture to meals not only for you but also for children. Recipes that present foods in a fun manner are a great start to adding creativity to your child’s diet. Try Kid-Approved Chicken and Turkey Bacon Wraps.

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