We all know about the goodness of fruits when introducing solids to our babies. But i found that my little one soon got bored with the same old stuff.

At about 6 months old you can start introducing your baby to solid food. Once they can hold their head

up unsupported and show and interest in food, you are ready to go.The best time to try new food is when bub is happiest. I found with my son that the best time of the day was midmorning. But whatever works for you is fine.

Make sure that when you prepare your baby's food that your hands are clean.

There are many nutritional benefits to introducing your baby to a wide range of fruits. Below i have listed all of the fruits that i have introduced to my baby. Some things i have introduced earlier than the recommended age and somethings much later.

Apples

Introduced - 6-8 Months
High in Soluble and Insoluble Fibre
Best cooked - Boiled or steamed.
Best served - Pureed, mashed or as finger food for older babies.
*Good choice for first fruit.
*A great fruit for maintaining bowel regularity.

Pears

Introduced - 6-8 Months
High in Fibre and Vitamin C
Best cooked - Boiled or steamed.
Best served - Pureed, mashed or as finger foor for older babies.
This fruit can easily be pureed when raw if fresh.
*Good choice for first fruit.
*Gentle on tummy, so good for babies with reflux.
*Can help with constipation.

Bananas

Introduced - 6-8 Months
High in Vitamin's C, B6, B2, Potassium and Fibre
Best served - Mashed or as finger food for older babies.
*May cause constipation.

Peaches and Nectarines

Introduced - 6-8 Months
High in Vitamin's A, C and Fibre
Best cooked - Poached, steamed or baked.
Best served - Pureed, mashed or as finger food for older babies.
*Can help with constipation.

Plums

Introduced - 6-8 Months
High in Vitamin's C and A. Also high in Fibre and natural sugars.
Best cooked - Steamed or boiled.
Best served - Pureed, mashed or as finger foor for older babies.
*Can help with constipation.

Apricot

Introduced - 6-8 Months
High in Vitamin's A and C
Best cooked - Baked in a shallow dish in water. Can be steamed or boiled (using the blanching method).
Best served - Pureed, mashed or as finger food for older babies.

Mango

Introduced - 8-10 Months
High in Vitamin's A, C and E. High in Iron and Fibre. Also high in Beta-carotene which is believed to be useful in preventing common colds.
Best served - Raw. Can be pureed and mashed if fresh. Finger food.
*Tropical fruit, may be an allergenic

Papaya

Introduced - 8-10 Months
High in Vitamin's A, C and E. Good source of Folic Acid.
Best served - Raw. Can be mashed if required. Finger food.
*Tropical fruit, may be an allergenic

Cherries

Introduced - 8-10 Months
High in Antioxidants, Beta-carotene, Vitamin C, Potassium and Fibre.
Best served - Raw. De-seeded.

Blueberries

Introduced - 9-12 Months
High in Antioxidants, Vitamin's A and C.
Best served - Raw. Can be pureed for mixing with other food.
*Blueberries are not related to the strawberry / raspberry family, therefore the under 12 month rule does not apply.
*Blueberries are on the least allergenic food list.

Grapes

Introduced - 10-12 Months
High in Vitamin's C, B6, B2 and B1
Best served - Raw. Cut into halves or quarters and pealed if required.

Oranges / Manderines / Tangerines

Introduced - 10-12 Months
High in Vitamin C
Best served - Raw. Finger food.
*Avoid offering too much as these acidic fruits can upset the stomach.

Strawberries / Raspberries / Blackberries

Introduced - 12 Months +
High in Vitamin C and Iron
Best served - Raw. Finger Food.
*Berries are high allergy foods and are best to be avoided until 12 months of age.

This is only a general guidline. if you have any questions about foods that you want to offer your baby, you should talk to your GP.

Cassandra xx

Some nutritional information obtained from the following websites.

http://www.thefruitpages.com/
http://www.wholesomebabyfood.com/
http://www.healthalternatives2000.com/fruit-nutrition-chart.html