Most of us are aware of the nutritional benefits of dates but most often parents are not sure enough whether they should give dates to very young kids or not. Read on to learn 10 health benefits of dates for kids.Dates are packed with a lot of nutrients and are considered as one of the best foods man has discovered. They relieve us from all kinds of digestive problems and they are instant energy boosters which is the reason why they are advised to be taken in the morning.
Dates are recommended for toddlers and small kids. They can even be introduced with the baby food because they contain essential vitamins and minerals needed for proper child growth and provides instant energy for the child so that he or she gets along with the vigorous activities without any problem.
Are Dates Ideal for Infants?
Many parents find themselves confused when it comes to adding dates to their
toddler’s food. However, experts are of the opinion that you can start giving dates to your child right from the time you start giving her solid food or after she is six months old. The nutritive value of dates will add up to the proper and overall development of your child.
If you add dates to your child’s fruit intake you can stay assured that you are giving one of the best foods to her. You can mash or grind it along with other fruits or add to the
milk also. The sweet taste of dates is liked by children. It can even add up to the taste of all fruits.
Top 10 Health Benefits of Dates for Kids
Have a quick look at the top 10 health
benefits of dates for kids.
1. Rich Source of Nutrition
Dates are enriched with lots of vitamins and minerals. They are essential for your child’s growth.
Calcium and magnesium, the minerals that are good for bone health is found in abundance in dates. Potassium, found in dates, is good for
child’s brain development and overall growth.
2. Protection From Intestinal Disturbances
Children often suffer from digestive problems. Dates are used to treat almost all types of intestinal disturbances happening in kids.
3. Gives Stronger Teeth
Better dental development is seen if children who are teething are given ripe dates in moderate quantity. If they chew dates, their gums also get stronger and they have easy and quick teeth eruption as well.
4. Good Functioning Liver
Children are prone to bacterial and viral infections in liver. Jaundice, hepatitis and typhoid are some liver diseases that are observed in children of young age. However, even if your child is suffering from these, you should give dates along with following the instructions of the doctor. Dates have properties that help protect liver.
5. Gastrointestinal Problems
Most of you must be aware that toddlers also suffer from acidity and acid reflux as well as ulcers. Dates are capable of reducing ulcers and you can even give dates while paying attention to the medical assistance.
6. Treatment for Dysentery
Bacterial infection in large intestine leads to dysentery and toddlers often suffer from this problem. Give your child some dates regularly.
7. Cure for Constipation
Dates have dietary fibres and they are extremely helpful in treating constipation not only in kids but in adults also.
8. Soothing in Fevers
Children suffer from different types of fevers. Dates have qualities that help eliminate the discomfort. You can grind and add dates in milk in case of toddlers and small children during fever. It will help in faster recovery and your child will get back to normal activities soon.
9. Weight Problems
Most of the children do not eat properly and have weight problems. If your child is lean and thin, start giving dates with milk daily and you will see results soon.
10. Overall Health Improvement
Dates are good for overall health improvement. They are the best alternative for fine sugar. You can save your child from the harms of sugar and also make your child healthy from within.
Precautions to Be Taken Before Adding Dates to Kids’ Diet
- Buy only ripen dates because unripe dates often cause opposite effects.
- You can start adding dates to your child’s diet immediately after you have started solid food.
- Start with one date and steam it before giving. Make sure you do not boil it as that will wash away all nutrients.
- When introducing dates, opt for seedless ones to be on the safe side or be cautious to remove the seeds before giving.
- Although, dates help in making children stronger and allergy-free, you should watch out for any signs of allergy in the first 24 hours of introducing dates to your child’s diet.
- Start with steamed and mashed dates. Start giving raw dates only when your child is ready to chew it. This will be of great help when your child is teething.
- And as you always do before introducing new food to your child, consult a paediatrician before including dates in your child’s diet.
In addition to the above precautions, you should always make sure and buy good quality dates. You can clean and wash dates before giving to your child because there is no outer shell to keep them covered and dust-free. Dates also help make skin and hair healthy. You can add dates in different ways to your kids’ diet.
Is it safe to include dates in the diet of young kids? When can be dates introduced in the diet of kids? What precautions should be taken while feeding dates to kids? Discuss here. 
