Avocado

You can start avocado once your baby is ready for solids, usually around 6 months.

Avocado is a fruit native to Central America. Today it is eaten all over the world. Guacamole is the best known dish made with avocado.

Avocado is a source of fiber and healthy fats. Both support digestion and brain development. It also carries folate and vitamin B6, which help growth, plus vitamin E and zinc, which are important for immune health.

Preparation basics

Choose ripe, soft avocado. Remove the pit and peel off the skin. In the early months, large halves or thick spears work well. You can also mash it for a spoon or spread it on something like a toast strip.

Avocado is slippery. If spears slide from baby's hands, add a coating that improves grip, such as hemp seed or shredded coconut. Its healthy fats make it a good fat source. It can be costly, so using it now and then is enough.

Signs of readiness

Before starting solids, your baby should sit with little support and hold the head up well. Baby should also reach for an item and bring it to the mouth while seated, and show interest in food and in watching others eat.

Ripe, soft avocado is a low choking risk when prepared to suit your baby's age. Even so, any food can cause choking.

Always remove the pit and skin, since slippery skin adds risk. Stay within arm's reach while your baby eats.

Avocado is not a common allergen. Allergy is rare but has been reported. The chance is higher if your child already reacts to banana, chestnut or kiwi. Latex or certain pollen allergies can cause a reaction as well. In pollen food allergy syndrome, the mouth itches or burns briefly. A dangerous reaction is unlikely.

Avocado is a possible trigger of FPIES. New evidence suggests it may cause FPIES more often than once believed. FPIES is a delayed allergy. It brings repeated vomiting and diarrhea a few hours after eating.

Start with a small amount and watch how your baby responds.