Melons for Baby Food and Feeding Your Baby Cantaloupe and other Melons-

Age for Introducing Melons to Baby: 8-10 Months Old

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The Goodness of Cantaloupe and Melons
(one cup diced - 156 grams)

Cantaloupe, Watermelon and other melons are high Vitamin A, Vitamin C and even Calcium.

 

The cantaloupe has an amazing concentration of beta-carotene making it a must have for healthy vision and eye development. Just 1 cup contains approximately 100 % of the USRDA for Vitamin A.

 

VITAMINS:
Vitamin A - 5276 IU
Vitamin C - 57.3 mg
Vitamin B1 (thiamine) - .06 mg
Vitamin B2 (riboflavin) - .03 mg
Niacin - 1.14 mg
Folate - 33 mcg
Contains some other vitamins in small amounts

.

MINERALS:
Potassium - 417 mg
Phosphorus - 23 mg
Magnesium - 19 mg
Calcium - 14 mg
Sodium - 25 mg
Iron - .33 mg
Also contains small amounts of manganese, copper and zinc.

 

When can I introduce Cantaloupe, Watermelon and Melons to my baby?

Cantaloupe and Melons may be introduced to baby from 8 months of age. Please be aware that some babies experience rashes from melons. If your baby has a rash that maybe traced to melon, this is most likely due to the melon's "acidity" and not to an allergy. As always, we encourage you to consult your pediatrician about introducing foods to your baby; generalities may not apply to all infants.

 

How to select the perfect Cantaloupe or Melon for baby food

When selecting any type of melon, you want to give the melon a good thump with your fingers. Choose a melon that sounds a bit hollow and that has a fresh "melony" scent to it. Inspect the melon for cuts and bruises and depressions that may indicate rotting or over-ripeness.

 

How to store Cantaloupes or Melons for baby food

Cantaloupes and Honeydew Melons should be stored in the refrigerator even if they have not been cut open. Watermelons should be stored somewhere dry and at room temperature until you have cut them. Once cut, either store in an airtight plastic container or wrap plastic wrap over the side that has been cut. Always store cut watermelon in the refrigerator

 

Leave all types of melons on the counter if they need to be ripened more.

 

Can Cantaloupes or Melons be frozen for baby food?

Cantaloupes and other Melons should not be pureed and then frozen. Freezing a melon puree will give you a thawed product that is gritty and not very tasty at all. You can however freeze melons in large dices. There will be minimal change in texture and taste when melons are frozen in dices.

 

Basic Cantaloupe & Melon Baby Food Recipes

 

Cantaloupe & Melon Puree

 

1 medium sized ripe melon of your choice

 

1. Cut melon in half and scoop out seeds
2. Remove the rind from 1 half of the melon and then dice
3. We suggest mashing or serving soft ripe dices as finger foods. Melons really do not store well in pureed form.
4. If you decide to puree it, simply place the dices into your choice of appliance for pureeing and begin pureeing.
6. There should be no need to add any extra liquid
7. Add cereal (if desired) to thicken up
8. Note: Freezing in dices will make for less waste and enable you to pop out a few dices for a soothing cool treat in a baby safe feeder.

 

Melon Salad

 

1/2 cup cubed melon

1/2 banana, peeled and diced

1 peeled, pitted and diced peach

 

Combine all fruits and serve as a finger food
If you decide to puree, simply place the dices into your choice of appliance for pureeing and begin pureeing. There should be no need to add liquid
Add cereal (if desired) to thicken up

Mix in some yogurt if desired too.

 

Foods Good to Mix With Cantaloupe, Watermelon & Other Melons

 

Bananas
Avocado
Blueberries
Peaches
Carrots
Summer Squash - Zucchini, Yellow (Crooked Neck)
Chicken
Yogurt

 

Visit our Combinations page to see more Homemade Baby Food Combination Ideas

 

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