Once your baby reaches 6 months, it is important to complementary feed them with solid foods in order to meet their daily nutrient requirements. (source: Dietary Guidelines for Americans) Vitamin and mineral-rich fruits and vegetables are usually a parent’s first choice to introduce.
Mangoes are tropical fruits that are nutrient-rich and can easily be introduced to your babies. They are packed with vitamin C for the immune system, fiber for digestive health, vitamin A for healthy vision, and antioxidants to protect cells. (source: WebMD, NutritionData)
As always please take precautions according to the age and development stage of your baby, especially with regard to choking risks.
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Ripe Mango Puree
Making your homemade mango puree is extremely easy and you can use just simple kitchen tools.
| 1 piece | ripe mango |
Instructions:
1. Wash the mango thoroughly. Slice the mango then scoop out its flesh.
2. Remove mango flesh, and place the mango in a food processor/blender. Blend until smooth.
Notes:
- Mangoes when ripe are sweet and have a high amount of sugar compared to other fruits. (source: NutritionData)
Since babies naturally prefer sweet flavors they will easily accept this new food when introduced. Just be sure to feed this to them in moderation in order for the baby to be familiarized with other tastes. (source: Journal of Pediatric Gastroenterology and Nutrition)
- Ripe mangoes have soft delicate flesh which makes them perfect for baby-led weaning, simple cut the mango into sticks or cubes the baby can hold.
Mango Squash Puree
This recipe can easily be interchanged with other fruits or vegetables to partner with mango, with its delicate sweet taste it can complement different bland or sweet vegetables.
| 1 piece | ripe mango |
| 1 cup | butternut squash |
Instructions:
1. Wash, peel and cut the butternut squash into cubes. Steam or boil for 20-25 minutes or until soft. Set aside.
2. Wash the mango thoroughly, slice then scoop out the flesh.
3. Place steamed butternut squash and mango in a food processor or blender. Blend until smooth.
Notes:
- Adding the squash which is rich in carotene that becomes Vitamin A, has a great function in supporting our immune system and eyesight protection, it is also a good source of fiber that supports gut health and digestion. (source: WebMD)
- You can also use other vegetables like carrots, zucchini and sweet potato.
Mango Yogurt Popsicles
These popsicles will definitely be a hit on your next day out in the park after playing under the sun! make into popsicles, or blend in a blender to become a smoothie.
| 3 pieces | ripe mango |
| 1 cup | yogurt |
| 1 tablespoon | lemon juice |
Instructions:
1. Wash the mango thoroughly, cut the cheeks then scoop the mango flesh.
2. In a blender or food processor, add in the mango, yogurt, and lemon juice, and blend the mixture until smooth.
3. Pour the mixture into popsicle molds, and place inside the freezer to set for at least six hours.
4. Thaw out or run over hot water to loosen the popsicles when ready to serve.
Notes:
- It is safe to introduce yogurt to babies as early as 6 months or when they are ready to consume solid foods. Make sure to take notes and read the labels. Avoid yogurts that are sugar-sweetened and opt for plain ones.
Yogurt is a great source of protein and calcium both important to support muscle and bone growth and development of the baby. Yogurt also has probiotics that support gut health. (source: WebMD, NutritionData)
Roasted Mango
This roasted mango recipe can be served as is for baby-led weaning babies or served as a side salsa to the meals of the family.
| 3 pieces | ripe mango |
| ½ teaspoon | cinnamon |
| Pinch of nutmeg |
Instructions:
1. Wash the mango thoroughly, cut the cheeks then scoop the mango flesh.
2. Cut mango flesh into chunks, and sprinkle with cinnamon and nutmeg. Toss to coat mango with spices.
3. Place in an oven-proof dish or tray. Bake in a preheated 400F oven for 8-10 minutes or until desired doneness. Remove from the oven, and cool slightly before serving.
Notes:
- Adding a small amount of cinnamon can help brighten up the mildly sweet flavor of the mangoes or any other food you season it with. Make sure to use a little only to not overpower the flavors.
Cinnamon has trace amounts of different minerals like iron and calcium and may even have antimicrobial, glycemic control and antioxidant properties. (source: BMC Complementary Medicine and Therapies)
Peach Mango Oats Porridge
This oat porridge recipe is perfect as breakfast to fuel your morning.
| ¼ cup | rolled oats |
| 1 piece | ripe mango |
| 1 piece | ripe peach |
| 2 – 3 cups | water or milk |
Instructions:
1. Wash mango and pear, slice then place the flesh of the fruit in a blender or food processor, and blend until smooth.
2. In a saucepan, add the water and oats. Heat the mixture to boiling and then lower the heat to simmer. Cook until the oats are soft.
3. Add in fruit puree. Mix to combine.
4. Adjust liquid to desired consistency. The mixture will thicken when cooled.
Notes:
- Oats are whole grains that you can introduce to babies once they start solid foods at six months. (source: Dietary Guidelines for Americans) Opt for whole rolled oats compared to the highly processed instant oats, in order to get the maximum nutrients oats can provide. Read our guide to babies and oatmeal.
They are high in fiber for good digestion and heart health, reduce the risk of obesity and other diseases, and are rich in vitamins in minerals that support bodily processes. (source: Nutrients Journal, Frontiers in Nutrition)
- Oats are thick consistency when they absorb liquid so make sure to adjust consistency when feeding in order to avoid choking hazards. (source: CDC)
Mangoes are an extremely versatile fruit that can be used in both sweet and savory recipes. It pairs well with other fruits like apples, banana, melon and coconut, and in savory food like pork, cucumber, ginger and lime.
Whether it’s cubed, mashed, or pureed in dishes, the whole family can enjoy its sweet and tart taste and its many health benefits and nutrients.
| This article has been reviewed and approved for publication in line with our editorial policy. |