Peaches for Baby

Sweet, juicy peaches are one of the best first foods for baby. They are yummy as finger foods, but also easily paired and pureed with a wide variety of other nutritious fruits, veggies or even proteins. High in vitamin C and A, peaches are a great immune-booster and can be used as a natural laxative, just like prunes, plums and pears! If baby is suffering from some mild constipation, add peaches to a few of their purees and symptoms should gradually subside. Peaches are also high in antioxidants and help reduce the risk of certain cancers, Alzheimer’s disease and high cholesterol. So go ahead and introduce baby or kiddo to peaches – they are perfect finger foods, great for a sweet-treat, and help add a fun twist to savory purees!

Highlighted Nutritional Importance of Peaches

Vitamins
Vitamin A – important for healthy bone growth and vision and helps support a healthy immune system
Vitamin C – another vitamin important for the immune system and a potent antioxidant that helps ward off harmful free radicals
Niacin – this B vitamin helps support energy production within the cell
Vitamin E – another potent antioxidant, vitamin E helps to boost the immune system and helps the body fight off germs
Vitamin K – best known for its role in preventing blood clots, but also important for bone growth and development

Minerals
Potassium – this electrolyte mineral helps keep baby’s heart muscles working properly
Copper – essential for forming red blood cells and helps boost baby’s ability to mend tissues and break down sugars
Manganese – helps form bone and cartilage and plays a role in the formation of carbohydrates, amino acids and cholesterol
Phosphorus – crucial for building healthy bones and teeth
Magnesium – this mineral helps regulate energy production within the cell and is necessary for healthy bones and teeth

How to Select and Store Peaches for Baby Food

According to the EWG, peaches are number four on the Dirty Dozen list, meaning they are one of the top fruits and veggies contaminated with pesticides. Buying organic is a personal choice, but a good idea. When selecting peaches at the farmers market or grocery store, be sure to smell the fruit. The peach is a member of the rose family, and has a very sweet fragrance when ripe. Ripe peaches should be soft to the touch, but not overly mushy. Store firm peaches on the counter for a few days until they ripen, and store ripe peaches in the refrigerator for up to a week.

When preparing peaches for baby, remember that most of the dietary fiber is found in the skin of the peach, so you may want to skip peeling. Peaches can be poached, steamed or roasted but are delicious served as finger foods straight from the refrigerator! Try adding peaches into baby’s favorite purees for a fun, flavorful twist or freeze peach slices to be used as a natural teether. The options are endless, and baby and kiddo will love the sweet, juicy flavor of peaches!

Recipes Using Peaches