Watermelons are nutritious and healthy. They are a good source of vitamin A, vitamin C, and potassium. They also contain antioxidants that can help protect your body against cancer and other diseases.
Because of these reasons, watermelons are good for your little ones. However, you might be wondering if they can cause a diaper rash.
In this article, we will explore the nutritional value of watermelons, when is best to give them to your baby, and if eating them is causing diaper rash.
Is watermelon good for your baby?
Yes. Watermelon contains the potent antioxidant lycopene (with higher quantities in red watermelon than in tomatoes) as well as other phytonutrients that boost immunological function, such as beta-carotene, and a unique amino acid called citrulline, which may maintain good blood pressure.
Watermelon also includes vitamin C, which can help iron absorption from plant-based diets, so consider mixing it with quinoa, lentils, chia seeds, or leafy greens.
Why shouldn’t you give watermelon to your baby?
Firm and underripe watermelon can be a choking hazard for newborns and most toddlers. Choose ripe watermelon with a soft, juicy texture, and take precautions to prepare it safely, such as serving it in an age-appropriate size, selecting seedless kinds, and removing the peel (for children under 1 year of age).
When can your baby eat watermelon?
Fortunately, you don’t have to wait that long to introduce watermelon to your infant. In fact, watermelon is one of the first things you may introduce to your baby.
Pediatricians recommend starting your child on solid foods, such as pureed fruits and vegetables, around the age of six months. They also urge that you give your baby food with a variety of textures so that they can become acquainted with these textures as early as possible.
Watermelons are excellent new foods to introduce to your baby’s diet. Because it is soft and liquid, it should be easy for your baby to chew and swallow. It’s also tasty, which many can enjoy.
Can babies be allergic to watermelons?
While watermelon is not considered a common allergen, you should proceed with caution, especially if this is your baby’s first time eating solid meals. You won’t know if your baby is allergic to particular foods unless they try them. Food allergies can cause diaper rashes. If you are not sure on what type of diaper rash your baby has, check our guide to different types of diaper rash.
Introduce one food at a time to your kid, then wait a few days before introducing another. This way, you’ll be able to detect any allergic reactions and pinpoint the source of the symptoms.
Can watermelons cause diaper rashes?
It is uncommon for babies to develop a diaper rash after eating watermelons. However, this is known to happen to some infants. So be alert and treat diaper rash as soon as it appears. Applying a cream or ointment at every diaper change should calm the rash down.
Knowing what triggers diaper rash in your baby skin can help you tackle the problem right away especially if your little one is suffering from perpetual diaper rash.
You will least likely to suspect watermelons to cause diaper rash. They are nutritious and most people don’t have sensitivities to them. A watermelon, while not a terribly acidic fruit, has a pH of below 7. These make watermelons acidic foods which can cause a rash. Anything which makes poop more acidic can cause diaper rash.
Some foods tend to cause an allergic reaction. Acidic citrus fruits and vegetables like oranges, strawberries, peaches, and tomatoes (including tomato based products like spaghetti sauce) can change the pH balance of a baby’s stool.
Additionally, your little one may have a hard time digesting them because her digestive system is mature enough for certain foods.
More acidic citrus fruits can lead to other unpleasant event like inflamed skin, diarrhea and even serious pain. Babies prone to diaper rash should avoid them altogether. If watermelon is too acidic for your child, swap it for other foods like starchy foods or slightly less acidic cantaloupe or sweet honeydew melon.
If watermelon is causing a reaction, remove it from your baby’s diet immediately. Wait for her to be mature enough before you bring it back to her diet. If you are unsure if you should also eliminate other foods or fruit, you can always talk to her doctor.
Conclusion
Watermelon is a nutritious fruit that contains many important vitamins and minerals. It is also relatively low in acid, making it safe to eat.
However, some children may experience a diaper rash after eating watermelon. If your baby has a diaper rash, treat it as soon as possible, read our guide to the best home remedies for treating diaper rash here.
As always, consult your doctor immediately if you notice any symptoms that are becoming worse such as diarrhea, serious pain, rashes that are spreading and fever.
