Coconut water has been touted as one of the healthiest drinks around, and rightly so. It’s packed with vitamins and nutrients. Coconut is a superfood that can be used to help your skin, hair, and digestive system.
It’s even great for colds and the flu! (I take a teaspoon of coconut oil twice daily when I’m sick. No medicine. Just coconut oil.)
With how great coconut oil is, it’s no wonder why we’re all wondering if you can give coconut water to babies. In short, yes you can.
In this article
Benefits of Coconut Water
Coconut water has many of the same benefits that other coconut products do. It is packed with things that are great for your body. Simultaneously, it lacks most of the things you wouldn’t want your baby to have anyway, like sugar.
Coconut Water Is Natural
Coconut water can be found in the middle of young, healthy coconuts. As the fruit matures, it turns into a solid white center. Before that, it is water.
You never have to worry about a water supply being contaminated because coconut water is only found in healthy coconuts that will turn into a beautiful fruit.
Coconut Water Provides Vital Nutrients
Coconut water has more nutrients than the spring water you’re probably used to. This is one of the many reasons that it’s great for babies, especially when they are sick. A single serving will provide:
- Fiber
- Calcium
- Potassium
- Sodium
- Vitamin C
- Protein
It also provides a healthy amount of carbs. Each serving only has 46 calories! So, you can make sure that your little one isn’t getting more calories than they should.
Coconut Water Can Help You Stay Hydrated
Coconut water can easily rival popular sports drinks, like Gatorade, when it comes to staying hydrated. This drink is almost all water, without the added sugars.
If you are throwing up, takes sips of coconut water to make sure that you’re probably hydrated.
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Has Antioxidant Properties
You can enjoy the same antioxidant properties as other coconut products when you opt for coconut water.
This water has enough antioxidants to fight free radical damage, helping you become as healthy as you’ve wanted to be. It won’t cure cancer, but it can help your body repair itself over time when combined with a healthy lifestyle.
Other Benefits Of Coconut Water
There are a lot of other benefits that come with coconut water. For example, it can help you have a healthy heart and works in combination with a healthy diet to help prevent fatty liver disease.
It can even prevent kidney stones! While these might not apply to your baby now, it’s something you need to keep in mind for later, or in case you want to try coconut water yourself.
Risks of Coconut Water
Although there are plenty of benefits that go hand in hand with coconut water, there are a few other things you need to keep in mind.
Make sure to remember these if you give your little one some of this delicious drink to avoid the downfalls of it.
Not All Brands Are Created Equal
Unless you’re cracking open coconuts to get 100% raw, organic coconut water, you’re getting it from the store. The thing is, some brands are a bit more natural than others.
The FDA has relatively loose regulations when it comes to what classifies as organic. Companies can throw words like natural on the bottle but still include toxic ingredients.
Coconut water usually doesn’t have the dyes and harmful things that other grocery store products do, but companies are known to load it with plenty of sugar.
Make sure to read the label before buying it so you know that your baby is not getting too much sugar.
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Too Much Can Fill Your Baby Up
The smaller a child is, the smaller their stomach is. This means that you can expect them to eat less when they drink more. While this won’t be a problem with babies that are sick, it might be with ones that are not.
Babies under a year old are supposed to get most of their nutrients from their formula. Older babies should be eating and drinking a wide variety of things that are good for them.
If you’re giving your baby coconut water, make sure that they still have a varied diet. If you find that they aren’t able to eat as much, cut back on the water.
Make Sure You’re Only Feeding Your Baby Coconut Water
Some coconut water can also come with raw pieces of coconut in it. Adults may prefer to drink it this way. However, it’s not safe for little ones. The small chunks of coconut can make them choke.
Babies Under 6 Months Old Are At An Increased Risk Of Having An Allergy
It’s not usually recommended that you give your baby coconut water until they are at least six months old. This can result in an allergic reaction. The younger a baby is, the more likely it is that they will have an allergic reaction.
How to Feed Your Baby Coconut Water
If you’re interested in giving your little one coconut water, it’s important to follow a few guidelines. You want to make sure that it’s okay to give your baby coconut water. Knowing how much to give them is also important.
Talk To Their Pediatrician First
Before you give coconut water to a baby, it’s important to make sure that it’s approved by their pediatrician. Most doctors won’t object to this if your little one is at least six months old.
Some might if they are younger than that because babies should get most of their nutrition from formula or breastmilk, and coconut water leaves less room in their diet for that.
Younger children might develop an allergic reaction, which can make this dangerous.
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Start With Small Amounts At A Time
Don’t give your baby an entire bottle of coconut water at once. Instead, start small, just like you would with new food. Give them a bottle with one ounce in it.
Then, continue to do this for another three days. If your baby has not developed an allergic reaction, it’s safe to incorporate this into their diet.
Ask a doctor about making bottles with coconut water instead of regular water. Or, you can mix their cereal up using this instead.
FAQs
Is coconut water good for babies?
Yes! Coconut water is a wonderful choice for babies. It is packed with vitamins and nutrients. It can also help keep your little one hydrated if they are sick.
Can I give coconut water to my toddler daily?
You can, but remember to only give them small amounts. It’s important that your toddler have a varied diet of different foods and drinks. This helps ensure that they meet their daily nutritional requirements.
Is coconut good for babies?
Coconut is great for babies, but it’s important to make sure that you give it to them in a safe manner. Raw coconut is best, but it should only be given in the form of oil, water, or another liquid. Feeding your little one chunks of coconut can make them choke.
In Conclusion
Coconut water is a great option for babies and toddlers. It’s nutritious and can be a great part of a balanced diet. Make sure that the brand of coconut water you buy does not have added sugars to keep your baby as healthy as possible.
