Lemon for Babies: Age to Introduce, Benefits And Precautions

Lemon is a citrus fruit and a vital vitamin C source. It is known for its refreshing flavor and scent. Due to the benefits of lemon for babies, parents consider adding it as a supplementary component while preparing their drinks or foods, but some doubt whether it is safe enough to do so.

Lemon contains high quantities of bioactive compounds and is considered a healthy option in several home remedies. Including lemon in your regular diet could boost your immune system, make your skin healthy, and enhance iron absorption. This post shares some details about the health benefits, safety, and appropriate ways to include lemon in your baby’s diet.

Health Benefits Of Lemons For Babies And Toddlers

Here are some significant health benefits of lemon juice a baby could reap over time.

1. Boosts Immunity: Lemon juice is rich in vitamin C, citric acid, and bioactive compounds, such as eriocitrin, that are considered good for immunity. Besides, it possesses antimicrobial and anti- inflammatory properties that can benefit the immune system.

2. Relieves Cold and Flu: Research indicates that lemon has antiviral properties and could reduce mucus and phlegm. A cup of warm water with lemon juice may help alleviate cold and flu symptoms.

3. Provides Hydration: One fluid ounce of fresh lemon juice can give 28.6g of water with essential vitamins and minerals, thus having hydrating effects. You can give diluted lemon juice in small quantities to your baby/ toddler.

4. Enhances Digestion: When consumed in small amounts, D-limonene found in lemon juice could increase gastric motility, neutralize stomach acids, and reduce indigestion symptoms, such as nausea and gastric reflux. There are several home remedies where diluted lemon juice is used to boost a baby or toddler’s digestion.

5. Increases Iron Absorption: Adding vitamin C-rich lemon juice to non-heme foods, like spinach and pulses, can enhance iron bioavailability. Babies on a solid diet need adequate iron to boost neurological development and a healthy circulatory system.

Harmful Effects Of Lemon For Babies And Toddlers

Avoid feeding undiluted lemon juice to babies and toddlers. Lemon may not have any side effects in a healthy child if taken in small quantities diluted in water, or in some recipes. Otherwise, below are some potential side effects of lemon consumption among babies and toddlers.

1. Citrus Allergy: Although rare, citrus allergy is possible. Babies with a family history of pollen and grass allergies may have a risk of developing citrus allergies. A baby with such an allergy can display an allergic reaction on the consumption of lemon juice or on the touch of a lemon peel.

2. Gastrointestinal Disturbances: Lemon juice is acidic and may aggravate gastrointestinal issues, such as gastroesophageal reflux, in sensitive babies and toddlers. Therefore, feed only diluted lemon juice to babies as part of some recipe. If the baby seems uncomfortable, discontinue its use and try after some weeks.

3. Tooth Decay: Frequent and prolonged exposure to citric acid can cause enamel erosion making teeth susceptible to decay in the long run. Rinse your toddler’s mouth with plain water every time they consume diluted lemon juice.

Some babies may display mild oral rash or gastric disturbances on the first consumption of lemons. These are not signs of allergy. Once the body adapts to the new food, these disturbances will be gone. However, if the baby displays signs of severe intolerance or allergy, then stop feeding lemons and consult a pediatrician.

Tips To Buy And Store Lemons

Here are some tips for the proper selection and storage of lemon.

Selection Tips

• Pick medium-sized, plump lemons with clean, smooth, firm, and shiny skin. Plump lemons are juicer.
• Discard lemons that look squishy and spongy and have green, black, or white molds.
• Do not pick lemons with wrinkled skin as they are likely to be aged and have less juice.

Storage Tips

As you get lemons home, clean them under cold, running water to remove soil, dust, and dirt.

Pat dry with a clean cloth and store in a loose paper bag at room temperature, away from the sunlight for up to a week.

Refrigerate in a zip-lock pouch between 4-10°C (39-50°F) to store lemons for longer.

Avoid storing cut lemons as much as possible. If you do, either wrap the lemon in cling foil or store it in an airtight container for no more than three days.

When Can Babies Have Lemons?

It is generally recommended to introduce citrus fruits to babies after about six months of age. You may consider adding lemons after the age of eight months, which is when other citrus fruits, such as oranges, are included in a baby’s diet.

Some parents consider waiting up to the age of 12 months due to the high acidity of citrus fruits. You may consult a pediatrician to know the best age to introduce lemons to your little one.

Though rare, allergy to lemons exists. However, according to the American Academy of Pediatrics, there is no reason to delay feeding foods considered allergens. These foods can be added to the baby’s diet with other non-allergenic foods. But if your baby tends to display allergic reaction or intolerance to new foods, is allergic to other citrus fruits, or has a family history of allergies, then do not introduce lemons without consulting a doctor.

How To Include Lemon In The Baby’s Diet

You can add lemon to your baby and toddler’s diet in several ways.

1. Add a small quantity (no more than a squirt) of fresh lemon juice diluted in water to pureed and mashed foods. It can add flavor to otherwise bland recipes.

2. If lemon juice suits the baby, add diluted lemon juice to savory recipes, such as curries, soups, and porridges.

3. Prepare salads or boiled, roasted, or baked vegetable dressings with lemon juice for toddlers.

4. Add lemon to plain water to prepare homemade lemonade for toddlers (recipe given below).

5. Use lemon juice and lemon zest to prepare drool-worthy desserts such as a lemon bar, lemon cake, lemon pudding, and lemon tart.

You can also use lemon juice to marinate foods, such as meat and vegetables, and prepare tasty grilled finger foods.

Although lemon has a refreshing taste and is a nutritious fruit, its citrusy nature might seem concerning to parents while introducing it to newborns. Hence, consult a pediatrician to understand the pros and cons of lemons for babies. Initially, you may start by feeding them diluted lemon juice. To enhance their taste, you may also add a spoon of the juice to bland porridges, soups, and boiled vegetables to enhance the flavor. After the baby’s first intake of lemon, follow the three/five-day rule to note any intolerances towards the fruit. If they show any signs of an allergy, discontinue its use and consult your medical advisor for prompt medical attention.

Image Credit: freepik

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