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Home › Articles › Feeding Baby › Citrus, Allergies and Babies

Citrus, Allergies and Babies

When Should Citrus Fruits Be Introduced to Baby?

By Kelly Burgess

Pages:  1  2  

"There are all sorts of different chemicals that can cause allergic reactions, in oranges there's a high level of histamines, which creates the allergic reaction," Matthews says. "Citric acid sensitivities can also cause problems with a variety of fruits."

Where to Start

Matthews says she and most other nutrition experts recommend introducing citrus after a baby's first birthday. And start slow. A little watered-down orange juice should be the first step – and then watch for a day or so to see if there's any reaction. If not, begin increasing the strength of the juice, and introduce other citrus fruits as well. But still take it slow until it's fairly obvious that there won't be a problem.

"If there's going to be an allergy response it would be fast, one minute to an hour [later]," Matthews says. "Sensitivity would take a little longer, like a day or two."

And it doesn't have to be oranges or orange juice. It can be lemons (in the form of lemonade), limes or grapefruit. Matthews does caution, however, that there is more sensitivity to oranges than any other citrus, so always be careful when first introducing oranges or orange juice, even if your child has not reacted to other citrus fruits.

As for the worry that your baby won't be getting enough vitamin C if he or she doesn't eat fruit, Matthews says these nutrients can come from other foods. Broccoli has more vitamin C than oranges. Red peppers and mangos are also good sources, and are not as prone to cause allergies. Other excellent choices are carrots and sweet potatoes.

"People worry because they or their baby can't tolerate this food that they perceive as good and necessary for health," Matthews says. "The fact is that they're only good foods if you can process them. If you can't, they're bad foods."

Another Orange Option

If your baby can't tolerate fruit, there are a number of vegetables that are great sources of vitamin C and fiber. One that is often recommended as a first food is sweet potatoes. This is a food that will "grow" with your baby – serve them pureed as a true baby food and cut them into progressively larger pieces as your baby grows and becomes more adept at eating finger foods.

Sandra Woncheck, founder of Baby Suppers (babysuppers.com/index.html), offers this recipe for sweet potato puree, which she says is perfect for a 1-year-old. Nutritionists agree that home-cooked baby foods are much preferable both for health and for your baby's palate. For even healthier options, choose organic produce whenever possible.

Sweet Potatoes for Your Sweet Potato

1 pound (2 to 3) organic sweet potatoes

Thoroughly rinse and then peel the potatoes. Rough cut into smaller pieces for steaming. Place them into a steamer basket. Place steamer basket into a large saucepan with water. Water should not touch the potatoes. Cover and bring to a boil over medium-high heat. Reduce the heat to low and steam the potatoes until very soft, approximately 18 minutes. Turn off the heat, uncover and let cool slightly in the pot. Remove the potatoes and puree in a food processor or blender. Additional liquid is required to achieve a smooth consistency. Add 1/4 cup of the water used for steaming and puree until smooth.

Pour the sweet potatoes into three, 4-ounce individual portion storage containers and let cool completely before refrigerating or freezing. Label and date for storage in the refrigerator for use within the next few days or freezer for up to three months.

Optional: Add a dash of cinnamon to the sweet potato puree for a mock pumpkin pie taste.


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