Banana

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

The banana plant began its story in tropical Asia, and wild plants are still found there. There are kinds in many colors and sizes, from red to orange, pink and purple, and tastes from starchy to sweet. Over a thousand varieties are grown, but a single one, the Cavendish, dominates world trade. Its thick peel protects the fruit on long journeys, which gives it an edge over delicate kinds that must be eaten fast.

Banana supplies carbohydrate for energy. Potassium, folate, and vitamins B6 and C are in it. These support the nervous system, skin, iron absorption and blood pressure. Banana also holds more antioxidants than many fruits, herbs and vegetables.

Gagging is normal

Banana is soft and sticky, so babies often gag on it. If it sticks to the roof of the mouth and causes a strong gag, try lengthwise spears instead of a whole half. Big, firm foods give the mouth more sensory feedback. Soft banana does not give the same kind.

If baby crams the mouth, shrink the pieces. Small pieces are less slippery and easier to hold.

Ripeness and constipation

Nutrients shift with ripeness. Every banana has fiber. Less ripe ones carry more prebiotic fiber. Ripe ones have more soluble fiber.

The evidence that banana causes constipation is weak. Some studies even suggest it can support regular bowel movements. The belief may come from differences in ripeness. Green bananas are high in resistant starch and soluble fiber, which feed gut bacteria. They also hold tannins, which dry the mouth. Tannins in large amounts can be linked with constipation.

If you worry about constipation, try ripe banana. As it ripens, starch and tannin fall and natural sugar rises, which may help a child who is already constipated. The cause is often more than banana. Other foods, past illnesses and the gut's natural change once solids begin all play a part. If you are concerned, talk with your child's doctor.

As your child grows, and storage

At 18 months you can go back up in size and offer a whole banana. Learning to peel one is a fun task for a toddler.

Green bananas ripen faster in a brown paper bag. Once ripe, peel them and freeze in an airtight container. They keep for a few months.

Banana is a low choking risk when prepared to suit your baby's age. Still, any food can cause choking.

Since banana is soft and clingy, expect some gagging. It is usually harmless. If it clings to the palate, offer lengthwise spears or small pieces. Stay within arm's reach while your baby eats.

Banana is not counted as a common allergen, though reactions have been reported. Sensitivity is possible in people who react to ragweed or latex, and in those with the pollen-related mouth allergy known as oral allergy syndrome. Symptoms are a mild, short itch, tingle or burn in the mouth, and they typically fade on their own. Cooking banana can reduce symptoms. Foods that only taste of banana are unlikely to bother these people.

For babies and toddlers with FPIES, banana can set off a reaction. FPIES is a delayed allergy. Within hours of eating, it can bring vomiting, diarrhea, a drop in blood pressure and dehydration.

Start with a small amount at the first meals. If nothing unusual happens, raise it slowly.