When can babies eat Blueberries?
Blueberries can be introduced to babies as soon as they’re ready to start solids, usually around 6 months. It’s important to remember that your baby is unique and that rather than going by the calendar, you need to make sure your baby is DEVELOPMENTALLY ready to start solids. If you’re unsure, be sure to grab this FREE handout!
Health Benefits
Blueberries are a good source of vitamins and minerals, including manganese and vitamin K, which are important for bone development and wound healing, and vitamin C, which helps boost the immune system and enhance the absorption of plant-based iron. Their high fiber content can help with digestion and reduce the risk of constipation. And just like strawberries, blueberries contain a variety of antioxidants, such as anthocyanins (also found in cabbage), which have been shown to improve cognitive function and memory in both children and adults.
Are Blueberries safe for babies?
While blueberries can be introduced as one of your baby’s first foods, it is a choking hazard for babies due to its small size, roundness, and firmness. Therefore, it’s extremely important to make sure they’re prepared and served in an age-appropriate way to minimize the risk of choking. Let me show you how! blueberries are also not a common allergen.
Selecting the best blueberries
Here are the top tips to help you select the most delicious blueberries:
Look for plump berries that are firm to the touch. Avoid those that are mushy, discolored, or have any signs of mold or spoilage. Look for deep blue color. Choose locally grown, in-season strawberries as they are often fresher with better flavor.
Organic Vs. Conventional Blueberries
Blueberries are on the top list of fruits with highest pesticide residues so it’s best to purchase organic, IF possible. I emphasize IF because organic blueberries can be quite expensive, and I don’t want the cost to be a deterring factor. The health benefits of eating any fruits and vegetables outweigh the potential pesticide risk.
Blueberry Puree
It truly is so simple to make! All you need are ripe fresh or frozen blueberries that have been thawed. I recommend using fresh when in season for best flavor. The full recipe can be found in the recipe card at the bottom of the post.
How to Serve Blueberries for Baby Led Weaning
The Ultimate Guide to Baby Led Weaning
Blueberry Yogurt (pictured) Baby oatmeal Chicken Lentils Quinoa Applesauce Banana Mango Pear Beets Butternut squash Cauliflower Carrots Zucchini Sweet potatoes
6+ Months
Blueberry Puree There is a common misconception that you can’t serve purees when doing baby led weaning, and that’s simply not true! Preload onto a spoon (this one is a must!) and place on the table or directly in their hand. You can start with the smooth texture and move to the chunky texture by 9 months at the latest. Fold into foods Stir in puree or mashed cooked blueberries to any of the foods mentioned above. I love adding to yogurt, oatmeal (try shaping into little fingers), or combining the puree with some peanut butter and spreading onto toast. Endless possibilities! Whole Blueberries Bigger is better and safer at this age. Not only will it minimize the risk of choking but it will be easier for babies to grab. So choose a large blueberry and also flatten into discs by holding it between your thumb and index finger and gently pressing down. Note that your baby will have a difficult time holding it, so you can help get it into their hands but don’t place directly in their mouth as that can increase the choking risk.
9+ Months
Continue flattening blueberries into discs. Your baby will have a much easier time grabbing them with their pincer grasp.
12+ Months
Whole blueberries are considered a choking hazard until 4 years of age. However, just like with any food, assess your child’s oral motor development and chewing skills. If you think they are ready, offer whole blueberries one at a time, making sure they are sitting down and not distracted. I gave my son a whole blueberry around 14 months and he did great with them. But I continued to flatten when packing for preschool because I couldn’t be with him and there were more distractions for him there.
Blueberry Recipes for Babies
Here are some easy, healthy, and delicious ways to incorporate blueberries into your baby’s meals. Note that cooked whole blueberries are not a choking hazard as they will be super soft. Did you make this recipe? Leave a rating below and let me know how you liked the recipe! Your feedback means so much to me!
