Age for Introduction: 8-10 months (as early as 6-8 months)
The Goodness of Mangos:
Mangos are another fruit that is loaded with Vitamin A and one that contains a higher level of carotenoids than almost any other fruit. These carotenoids are said to reduce the risk of cancer as well as heart disease. Carotenoids are also thought to be successful in warding off the common cold.
Mangoes are low in fat, low in calories but very high in fiber! You will also find lots of Vitamins C and B in Mangoes as well as iron, potassium and protein.
Like Papayas, Mangos are tropical fruits and their age for introduction is varied - while they may make a great first food, they are probably not good as THE first food!
MANGO (one cup - sliced)
VITAMINS:
Vitamin A - 1262 IU
Vitamin C - 45.7 mg
Vitamin K - 6.9 mg
Vitamin E - 1.85 mg
Folate (important during pregnancy) - 23 mcg
MINERALS:
Potassium - 257 mg
Phosphorus - 18 mg
Magnesium - 22 mg
Calcium - 16 mg
Sodium - 3 mg
Also contains trace amounts of zinc, iron, manganese and copper.
Are Mangos Allergenic?
Mangos may be allergenic as many tropical fruits often tend to be. They are not know to commonly cause life threatening allergic reactions however. The type of allergic reaction a Mango may cause is topical or dermatological. A person who has a reaction to Mango will find a rash much like that of poison ivy or poison oak. The rash may occur when the affected person comes into contact with either the sap from the Mango tree or from the skin of the fruit itself.
The allergen itself resides in the skin/peel of the mango and not within the actual fruit itself. Eating the mango "meat" or pulp will not cause the rash to get into the throat or tummy per se but if the oleoresin from the peel/skin has touched the Mango "meat", a rash may erupt around the mouth. Some sources say that a Mango allergy may in fact cause a rash around the bottom as the mango is digested and passed through. That being said, there are many pediatricians who say that tropical fruits should be held off until 8 months old and up.
How to Cut A Mango:
Cut the mango lengthwise, along the side of the mango pit. You will be cutting off its flesh from one side then repeating the same process on the other side. You will then cut the ends off the mango pit.
Cut the remaining flesh from the pit. Use a small sharp knife peel the skin from the flesh. Dice or cube as desired. It is easier to make your cibes/dices prior to removing the skin. Make sure you don't cut through it. Once you have made your cube/dice "pattern" simply turn the skin skin inside out and slice the pieces away!
Mango Baby Food - Basic Recipes:
Creamy Mango Puree**
Ingredients:
1 Ripe Mango
Plain or Vanilla Yogurt OR
Apple or Pear Juice or plain water
Preparation Directions: Peel, Deseed and Mash Mango until smooth.
Add Yogurt or Juice or water until the proper consistency for your baby is achieved.
**If your infant is currently not eating yogurt and/or you do not wish to use any juice, simply peel, deseed and mash the mango the proper consistency for your Infant - with or without water***
Foods Good to Mix With Mangos:
Avocado
Bananas
Blueberries
Peaches
Melons
Sweet Potato
Chicken
Pork
Yogurt
Resources and Learning More:
Mangoes Online
About Mangoes
