Overview
“You say TOH-MAY-TOE (tomato), and your little one says TOH-MAH-TOE.” Right! Making the tiny one learn about fruits and vegetable names is a tough row to hoe. But making the baby have tomatoes isn’t that hard. Indeed he/she loves to eat pizza with a tomato-based sauce, fries with tomato ketchup, and the food list is long.
Ever wondered that the bumpy red tomatoes could fill the little one’s body with uncountable health pluses. Indeed, you will be familiar that eating tomatoes in any edible form is healthy, but are you aware of the actual nutritional benefits of tomatoes for the baby?
Is tomato good for the baby?
Tomato is one of the healthiest pick of the bunch. Since tomatoes are citrus fruits, they should be avoided till a baby turns around 8-10 months old or at least is at the middle level of his/her finger foods. Without any doubt, tomato is good for the baby. Still, you should give tomato recipes in small quantities and that too after he/she starts with different kinds of finger food, keeping a check on digestion parts and allergic reactions is a must to follow.
Health Benefits of Tomato for the baby
Tomato intake for your baby covers numerous benefits for the body. Belonging to the family of red, orange, and yellow citrus fruits, tomato is rich in Vitamin A. Vitamin A boosts the immune system and enhances the eye vision of the child. Tomatoes have high Vitamin C content that helps build a healthy immune system, enhance iron absorption in the body, and maintain body tissues. The antioxidant action in tomatoes helps boost a baby’s brain development.
Tomatoes are good for toddlers, But you must get familiar with the body’s reflex action towards it. Indeed, every vegetable or fruit you introduce to the baby should be given in small amounts and at least when a baby is around 6-8 months old or has started to eat semi-solids and finger foods.
Tomato Soup Recipe for Toddlers
Are you looking for an easy tomato recipe for toddlers? Here is the one which your little one can have during cold too. Recipe for a bowl filled with the goodness of tomatoes:
For healthy Tomato Soup
Take washed tomatoes in a saucepan with boiling water. Boil around for 5-6 minutes till its skin starts peeling off. Let the tomatoes cool down and take out the skin. Once done, grind the tomatoes nicely, make sure that the puree should not have any chunks.
In a pot, add butter and small cube-cut pieces of bread. Saute until golden crisp.
In the same saucepan, add butter, onion, one bay leaf, cinnamon, and garlic. Saute until golden brown. Add tomato puree and water as required. Let it boil on medium to low flame for 5-7 minutes. Sprinkle salt and pepper as per taste. Take out the bay leaf and cinnamon stick as it was just to infuse flavor.
Serve warm with fresh cream and croutons (bread pieces) on the top. (You can totally skip adding bay leaf and cinnamon as per taste).
Take Home A Message
Tomatoes benefit the baby by providing them with essential vitamins and minerals, antioxidants, etc. Usually, it is a fruit that children consume by different means, say ketchup, sauces, soups, etc.
Though it is completely okay to have it, consider giving tomatoes when the baby is around 8-10 months old. And keep an eye on his/her body’s repelling action towards this fruit.
Happy Soup Eating!
See Also benefits of yogurt for babies