Cantaloupe and other Melons for Baby
Age for Introduction: 8-10 Months Old
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.
Basic Cantaloupe & Melon Baby Food Recipes:
Cantaloupe & Melon Puree
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 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.
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
