Açaí

Açaí can start once your baby is about 6 months old and ready for solids. It is the fruit of a palm tree that grows in the Amazon region.

You also get fiber and plant pigments known as anthocyanins, with a little vitamin B6, zinc, iron and calcium. These nutrients support digestion, bones, blood and immunity. Fresh berries are hard to find outside the Amazon, so frozen seedless purée or powder is usually the easier choice.

Purée, powder and popsicles

Purée or powder is the most practical form of açaí. Stir it into yogurt or porridge, or freeze it in molds for an icy snack.

Many açaí bowls contain honey, added sugar and granola. Build baby's bowl from suitable toppings such as avocado, banana and coconut flakes. Handing over a preloaded spoon also helps baby practice self-feeding.

Juice

A small amount of pasteurized açaí juice is fine after 12 months. It is better to wait until the second birthday before juice becomes a regular drink. Frequent sweet drinks raise the risk of cavities and can crowd out meals. Never offer raw juice.

Fresh açaí berries are small, round and contain a seed, so they can block a baby's airway. Choose mashed, seedless fruit, ready-made purée or powder.

Toppings like granola, big seeds, whole grapes and whole nuts raise the risk further. Remove them or grind them finely. Stay within arm's reach while your baby eats.

Açaí rarely causes allergy, yet any food can trigger one. It belongs to the palm family. People who react to dates or hearts of palm may have a slightly higher chance of reacting to açaí.

Begin with a small spoonful at the first meals. When nothing unusual happens, raise the portion slowly at later meals.