There are many benefits of pear juice for babies and many ways to introduce it to kids of different ages. Keep reading to learn more about pear juice for babies.
Pears are among the oldest cultivated fruits, mostly grown in temperate regions of the world. They are nutrient-dense and have a host of health benefits. They are picked before they are ripe, as they turn gritty in texture after riping completely. You can ripen pears at home at room temperature and then store them in a refrigerator to stop them from ripening further.
Along with apple, pears are also recommended as one of the best first foods for your baby. Pear juice is a healthy option for your baby between 6 to 8 months of age, just as you are weaning him from breast milk. Let us see the nutritional profile of pears.
Nutrient values in one pear:
- Calories – 101
- Protein – 1g
- Carbohydrates – 27g
- Sugar – 17 g
- Fat – 0
- Cholesterol – 0mg
- Vitamin C – 12% of the daily requirement
- Vitamin K – 10% of the daily requirement
- Potassium – 6% of the daily requirement
- It also contains other minerals like iron, sulfur, magnesium, calcium, sodium, copper, and phosphorous.
Pear Juice for Babies
- Stewed pear juice is one of the best first juices for your baby as it is easy to digest.
- Biochemicals in pears stimulate your baby’s immune system and help your baby fight infections.
- The low acidity in pear makes it a gentle food for your baby’s delicate stomach.
- Pears contain potent polyphenols, phenolic acids, and flavonoids, which are all beneficial plant compounds. It has a powerful antioxidant – glutathione, which prevents stroke, cancer, and high blood pressure.
- Pears are loaded with soluble fiber, which promotes digestion in your baby.
- It helps speed up wound healing.
- Pear has sugar alcohol called sorbitol, which is not well absorbed in the intestine. Hence, it draws fluid into the intestine and helps loosen stools, thus relieving constipation in your baby.
- It has chemicals that melt phlegm and ease breathing and guards against asthma.
- It helps sustain healthy cholesterol levels.
- Boosts colon function and promotes the growth of good gut bacteria.
- Rich in pectin, which is a mild diuretic and a natural laxative.
- Rich in glucose and fructose, which boost energy levels.
- Touted as a good cure for tonsilitis.
Introducing Pear Juice to your Baby:
- Pear juice can be introduced to your baby when they are six months old.
- Fruit juices, in general, are not advised for babies under six months of age.
- If your baby suffers from constipation, then you can give tiny amounts of pear juice to your baby under your doctor’s guidance.
- If your baby is under six months, then stew the pear and then add water and purée it as cooking makes it easier to digest and destroys allergens.
- Buy organic pears and choose pears with unblemished skin. Wash them well. Remove the peel and seeds before pureeing them. Avoid adding sugar or salt to the juice.
Pear Juice Recipes
- Peel, core, and chop a pear and blend with half a cup of water till smooth. Strain the juice if your baby is less than eight months old. If your baby is older, do not strain as straining will remove the fiber content. Serve the juice immediately and don’t let it sit for too long as it may go bad.
- You can even add 1 or 2 ounces of the pear juice to your baby’s formula.
- Peel and cut the pear into small pieces and stew them in water. Or you may even bake the pieces by wrapping them in foil and heating it for 5-8 minutes at 200 degrees. Next, add a little drinking water and blend it with a spoon till it becomes smooth.
Other Ways to Introduce Pears to Babies
- If your baby is older than eight months, you can feed them raw unpeeled pears too.
- You can blend pear with a banana or a stewed apple.
- One can even add mashed pear in homemade yogurt if your baby isn’t lactose intolerant.
- Poach the pear pieces in apple juice for the combined benefit of both the ingredients.
- Serve soft chunks of pear as finger food to older babies.
Precautions and side effects:
- Even all-natural fruit juices have a lot of concentrated sugar. According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, it is best not to give juice to babies under a year old. Juice can damage their teeth, so limit to 4 ounces a day and dilute with water.
- Pear juice can cause gas when the bacteria break down the undigested sugars in the colon. Fructose can cause bloating and digestive problems.
- Avoid giving pear in any form if your baby is suffering from diarrhea.
- Buy organic pears to minimize the risk of pesticides. And always wash the pears to get rid of any buildup on the fruit’s skin.
- Older babies can eat pears with skin as many nutrients are present in the skin.
- It’s rare but pears can cause an allergy. These allergies can result in itching in the mouth and throat and inflammation. If any allergy does arise, discontinue the use immediately and have a word with your doctor.
