Tomatoes are another controversial baby food. Some parents swear you should wait until a year old while others feed their babies cooked tomatoes at seven months old.
Most babies will be ready to eat tomatoes when they are ready to start solid foods, which is now around six months old.
In this article
- Some People Say To Wait A Year In Case Of Skin Rashes Or Allergies
- Signs Of A Tomato Allergy Or Intolerance
- Make Sure Tomatoes Are Cut Up Into Small Pieces
- Cut Grape Tomatoes Into Fourths
- Feeding Little Ones Tomato Wedges Is A Great Way To Introduce Tomatoes
- Whole Tomatoes
- Limit Tomatoes In Babies With Reflux
- In Conclusion
Some People Say To Wait A Year In Case Of Skin Rashes Or Allergies
This is based on the belief that babies should wait to eat foods that commonly cause allergies, such as eggs, peanut butter, etc. Tomatoes will not usually cause a severe allergic reaction.
In fact, a serious allergic reaction to tomatoes is relatively rare. However, they are known to cause a skin rash in some people. It’s closer to intolerance than an allergy, as an allergy can cause severe side effects that can be life-threatening.
However, this is not necessary. Studies have proven time and time again that feeding foods to a baby earlier does not cause an allergic reaction. It doesn’t make them more likely to develop an allergy, either.
In fact, it’s encouraged to feed babies eggs when they are ready for solid foods, and this is one of the most known foods for causing allergies. So, if you want to feed your little one tomatoes before they reach a year, go ahead.
Signs Of A Tomato Allergy Or Intolerance
Most people that have signs of an intolerance or allergy will notice mild symptoms. However, there are severe symptoms to watch out for, too. Symptoms of a tomato allergy or intolerance include:
- Swollen lips, tongue, or throat
- Skin rash
- Confusion
- Dizziness
- Respiratory distress
- Hives
- Fainting
These symptoms can range from mild to severe. Most people do not experience severe allergic symptoms when eating tomatoes. Even though it’s rare, though, it’s still important to keep an eye on things when giving your baby new food.
Cooking Tomatoes Can Help With Allergies
View in gallery
Some people can eat tomato sauce or tomatoes in certain dishes, but only have an allergic reaction when eating a tomato that has not been cooked.
This is because the body is having a reaction to profilins in raw tomatoes. When the tomato is cooked, it breaks down those proteins, and then they are harmless. However, if you don’t want to risk it, this article has some great tomato substitutes.
Make Sure Tomatoes Are Cut Up Into Small Pieces
Aside from the possible risk of a tomato allergy, most people wait to give their babies tomatoes for fear that they will choke. However, babies that can eat solid foods and have no problems chewing will be able to eat tomatoes with no problems.
Make sure that tomatoes are cut into small pieces. You can dice raw tomatoes and give them to your baby as a fun finger food too! Babies will enjoy the new texture and flavor.
Cut Grape Tomatoes Into Fourths
The round shape of grape tomatoes can make babies more likely to choke on them. Because of their shape, babies might try to swallow them whole or have a harder time chewing them properly.
You’ll also notice this with grapes and other round foods. Instead of cutting them in halves, which leaves the pieces still rounded on the outside, it’s recommended that you cut them into fourths.
Cut them in half first. Next, cut the halves into half. Then, give them to your baby.
Feeding Little Ones Tomato Wedges Is A Great Way To Introduce Tomatoes
Instead of dicing up tomatoes, you can cut a large, whole tomato into fourths. Then, give your baby a tomato wedge to chew and suck on. Once they get down to the skin, simply throw it out and give them another one.
Babies will appreciate being able to learn about the tomato, such as exploring the new texture and taste. If the tomato is cold, it can soothe swollen gums, too!
Whole Tomatoes
Some people give their babies whole tomatoes to eat just like most people would an apple. I’ve yet to hear of a child that didn’t like this! However, you need to pay attention to how old your baby is.
View in gallery
Most won’t be ready for this until they are closer to a year old. The skin can be harder for them to chew up, and some babies will try to swallow it whole, resulting in them choking on it.
Babies might also literally bite off more than they can chew and choke themselves. If you’d like to do this with a younger baby, stay right next to them to make sure that they are not having trouble eating the tomato.
If you find that the skin is a problem, consider peeling the tomato before giving it to them. This is safer for most babies even though it can be messier.
Limit Tomatoes In Babies With Reflux
Tomatoes are great food! They are packed with vitamins and nutrients that your baby needs. Tomatoes are also packed with acid. They are definitely one of the more acidic foods you’re going to come across.
As the body begins to break down the tomatoes, your baby will have more acid in their stomach. That means that babies will reflux may experience mild or severe symptoms. Eating too many tomatoes can make them sick.
Some babies that eat too much acid might still get sick, even if they don’t have reflux. The body can only handle so much acid in the stomach.
This is why you should avoid feeding your little one too many tomatoes. One tomato once or twice a week is just fine.
In Conclusion
You can feed your baby tomatoes as soon as they are ready to start eating solid foods. For some little ones, this is as early as six or seven months.
For other babies, it can be later at one year old. When feeding your little one tomatoes, make sure to watch for signs of an allergic reaction, and ensure that babies can safely eat the tomato without choking.
