At what age can you give a melon to a child?

The summer season makes both adults and kids happy with an abundance of fruits and berries. Many people like the sweet juicy melon, but is it possible to give its tasty flesh to a small child? To avoid health problems, it is necessary to introduce it into the children's diet correctly, having learned in advance about its beneficial properties, the optimal age of the beginning of complementary foods and the features of the selection of a ripe fruit.

• A large amount of folic acid causes a positive effect on the formation of blood cells.
• The flesh will give the child a lot of vitamin A and carotene, supporting the growth processes in the children's body and the development of vision.
• It is rich in ascorbic acid, so it supports the immunity of the child.
• In the pulp there is a lot of potassium, which is important for the cardiovascular system.
• The high content of fiber causes a light laxative effect from its use.
• Due to the presence of magnesium and easily absorbed carbohydrates, the pulp has a beneficial effect on the nervous system.
• The pectins in the composition contribute to the removal of various toxins from the body.
• Significant water content allows you to quickly quench your thirst.

You can learn more about the beneficial properties of melons from the program “Live Healthy”.

• In large quantities, it will be poorly digested in the child's digestive tract.
• If you treat your child with melon at the same time as some other food, it can cause diarrhea and flatulence.
• An allergic reaction is possible.
• Melons grown for industry often contain a lot of nitrates.
• If stored improperly, microbes develop rapidly.
• Fruits should not be consumed in diabetes.
• This gourd culture is not recommended for diseases of the digestive tract.

Experts recommend trying melon babies who are already one year old. Earlier introduction of such a product in the lure can adversely affect the child's digestion.

Meet kids older than a year begin with a small piece of fresh fruit. It is given as a snack after breakfast, not combining with other products. Until the end of the day, the child’s reaction is observed and, in the absence of allergies or digestive disorders, the portion of the melon is increased the next day. A child of 1-2 years old can be given a maximum of 100 g of melon pulp per day, while older children can be offered 200 g of this juicy delicacy a day.

Choose a yellow fruit for baby food with a pleasant sweetish aroma and a dry tail. Do not buy a melon with damages or dents, and at home you must wash the fruit under running water (it is also recommended to pour boiling water over it).

After cutting the product, carefully inspect the incision - there should not be a vein or a bright yellow strip next to the crust in the pulp. These signs indicate a high content of nitrates. Also, there should be no empty seeds inside, as they indicate the immaturity of the fetus.

Do not give the child a melon that has been kept cut at room temperature for more than two hours or in the refrigerator for more than 24 hours.

If the baby tried a melon for the first time and reacted to it with a rash, reddening of the skin or other allergy symptoms, the new product is canceled and tried to be introduced into the diet in the next season. If the child is severely allergic, he should be shown to a doctor so that he can recommend a suitable antihistamine.