Bananas for Babies: Nutrition and Meal Ideas

Bananas are a nutritional powerhouse, a mainstay in fruit baskets everywhere, and a great food for starting your baby on solids. 

Benefits of Bananas

Bananas are grown from a flowering plant. They have a thick, fibrous peel with a soft, sweet inside. While bananas are commonly sold—and consumed—in their yellow color, they typically progress from green to yellow to brown as they ripen. Highly popular, they are also packed with vitamins and minerals, including:

• Potassium: Essential nutrient that may contribute to the maintenance of body functions including proper kidney and heart function, muscle contraction, and nerve transmission.
• Magnesium: May support neurological functions, improve muscle development, and regulate blood pressure.
• Vitamin B6: Has antioxidants and can offer anti-inflammatory benefits. It may also be important for optimal brain development.
• Fiber: Supports a healthier gut and regulation of blood sugar levels.

Note: These are known benefits of the listed vitamins and minerals. Banana benefits may vary based on serving size and other factors.

Banana Serving Suggestions for Babies

Bananas can be served starting at 6 months. Puréed or mashed, bananas work well as an introductory solid and their sweet taste blends well with other fruits and select vegetables. Ripe bananas are a great finger food as they are easy to hold, but soft enough to mash between gums and teeth. Once your little one is a bit older, you can make banana bread, which is a fan favorite for toddlers and older kids (and they can help make it, too!).

For on the go or when you want to include a little more variety, try one of our ready-to-serve pouches—each unsweetened and made with organic fruits and veggies.

Ready-to-Serve Pouches:

• Apple, Banana, Spinach & Avocado Blend
• Apple, Banana & Kale Blend
• Pineapple, Banana, Avocado & Mint Blend
• Banana Baby Oatmeal Blend
  

Mashed, sliced, blended into a smoothie—whichever way you serve up this favored fruit, your little one is sure to go bananas. Yep, we said it.