Tomato, botanically considered a fruit, is a versatile food rich in bioactive compounds and vital nutrients, such as vitamin C and lycopene. Hence, the health benefits of tomatoes for babies are numerous, and they could be introduced to their diet during the weaning stage (1) (2). However, since tomatoes are acidic, they may cause acid reflux, mouth rashes, or a diaper rash. Hence, a clear understanding is required of how and at what age babies should be introduced to a diet containing tomatoes. Read this article to learn about the health benefits and precautions to take while feeding tomatoes to your little one, the age-appropriate manner to feed them, and some delicious ways to prepare them for your baby.
When To Introduce Tomatoes To Baby?
Most babies can eat well-cooked tomatoes from the age of six months. You can feed your baby steamed or boiled tomatoes (without skin) in mash or puree form. Removing peel is essential for younger babies as it’s tougher to digest. Besides, it can stick to the baby’s mouth and cause gagging. Therefore, feeding de-skinned tomatoes to a baby who has just started eating solids is advisable. Once they develop the taste and digestibility for tomatoes, you can feed them roasted, grilled, sautéed, braised, and oven-dried tomatoes. You can use tomatoes to prepare several tomato-based dishes, such as tomato and vegetable sauce, tomato soup, and tomato curry. The first 1,000 days of life are an important window to introduce new foods, flavors, and textures. Try adding different herbs and spices when serving tomatoes, try different texture – if you baby doesn’t like pureed tomatoes, try steamed or another method. It may take 10-15 exposures before a baby accepts a new food. Also, you can add tomatoes to other soups, savory porridges, stews, and curries, to feed tomatoes to your baby in different ways.
Nutritional Value Of Tomatoes
There are thousands of tomato varieties, and each type is suitable for a specific purpose. For instance, Caprese tomatoes are suitable for salads, whereas red beefsteak tomatoes are ideal for sauces and dips (3). The nutritional composition of different tomato varieties varies slightly. But, on average, feeding a cup (240g) of red, ripe, cooked tomato can offer the following nutrients to the baby against their recommended intakes (4) (5). *AI = Adequate intake – nutrient level assumed to ensure nutritional adequacy Sources: U.S. Department of Agriculture and Dietary Guidelines for Americans 2020-2025
Possible Health Benefits Of Tomatoes
Tomatoes have a promising nutritional composition that can benefit human health. Here is a brief overview of some of the benefits your baby could reap by consuming tomatoes as a part of a well-balanced weaning diet. Yes! So gad you mentioned this. Iron is one of the top nutrients for a growing baby, and pairing with Vitamin C will increase iron absorption.
How To Select And Store Tomatoes?
Appropriate selection and storage of tomato are pertinent to ensure tomato’s safe ingestion.
Selecting tomatoes
Storing tomatoes
Age-Appropriate Ways To Feed Tomatoes To Babies
After proper selection and storage, safe ingestion of tomatoes relies on the right way to feed them. Here’s how you should feed tomatoes to babies as per their age.
Precautions To Take While Feeding Tomatoes To Babies
Tomato consumption is seldom a problem. Nevertheless, it is essential to observe some precautions while feeding tomatoes to your baby.
Tasty Tomato Recipes For Babies And Toddlers
Here are some recipes that you can make different varieties and forms of tomatoes for your baby.
1. Tomato puree (6+ months)
You will need:
2 Roma tomatoes 1tsp mint leaves (chopped) ⅛ tsp pepper powder
How to make:
2. Tomato soup (8+ months)
You will need:
1 tomato 1 carrot (peeled) 1 cup water 1tbsp onion (chopped) 1tsp unsalted butter ½ tsp garlic (finely chopped) ¼ tsp cumin seeds Pinch of black pepper powder
How to make:
3. Tomato omelet (10+ months)
You will need:
1 egg (whisked) 2-3 cherry tomatoes (chopped into small pieces) 1tbsp red onion (finely chopped) 1tsp coriander (chopped) 1tsp olive oil ⅛ tsp herbs mix
How to make:
4. Pasta with tomato sauce (12+ months)
You will need:
1 cup beefsteak tomatoes (chopped) ½ cup cooked spaghetti pasta 1 red onion (finely chopped) 1 garlic clove (minced) 2tbsp tomato puree 1tbsp fresh basil (chopped, for garnish) 2tsp mixed herbs (dried) 1tsp olive oil
How to make:
