Lemon For Babies: When To Introduce, Benefits, And Side Effects

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Lemon is a citrus fruit and a vital vitamin C source. It is known for its refreshing flavor and scent. Due to the benefits of lemon for babies, parents consider adding it as a supplementary component while preparing their drinks or foods, but some doubt whether it is safe enough to do so.

Lemon contains high quantities of bioactive compoundsⁱMolecules in plants and some foods with antioxidant properties and health-promoting effects. and is considered a healthy option in several home remedies. Including lemon in your regular diet could boost your immune system, make your skin healthy, and enhance iron absorption.

This post shares some details about the health benefits, safety, and appropriate ways to include lemon in your baby’s diet.

When Can Babies Have Lemons?

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It is generally recommended to introduce citrus fruits to babies after about six months of age (1) (2). You may consider adding lemons after the age of eight months, which is when other citrus fruits, such as oranges, are included in a baby’s weaning diet (3).

Some parents consider waiting up to the age of 12 months due to the high acidity of citrus fruits (4). You may consult a pediatrician to know the best age to introduce lemons to your little one.

Though rare, allergy to lemons exists (5). However, according to the American Academy of Pediatrics, there is no reason to delay feeding foods considered allergens (6). These foods can be added to the baby’s diet with other non-allergenic foods. But if your baby tends to display an allergic reaction or intolerance to new foods, is allergic to other citrus fruits, or has a family history of allergies, then do not introduce lemons during fruit introduction, without consulting a doctor.

Nutritional Value Of Lemon

Lemons promote baby nutrition by providing several essential nutrients, such as vitamin C, minerals, dietary fibers, and phytochemicalsⁱBioactive compounds found in plant-based foods that act as antioxidants and have antimicrobial effects. , such as carotenoidsⁱColored pigments found in plant-based foods that act as a precursor in the synthesis of vitamin A and protect cells from damage. and phenolic acidsⁱAromatic compounds found in plant products believed to have antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anticancer properties. (7) (8).

One fluid ounce (31g) of freshly squeezed, 100 percent lemon juice offers the following nutrients in comparison to the daily recommended intake for each nutrient (9) (10) (11) (12).

*AI = Adequate intake – nutrient level considered to ensure nutritional adequacy

Sources: U.S. Department of Agriculture, World Health Organization, and Oregon State University

Possible Health Benefits Of Lemon For Babies And Toddlers

Here are some significant health benefits of lemon juice a baby could reap over time.

1. Provides hydration: One fluid ounce of fresh lemon juice can give 28.6g of water with essential vitamins and minerals, thus having hydrating effects (13). You can give diluted lemon juice in small quantities to your baby/ toddler.

2. Boosts immunity: Lemon juice is rich in vitamin C, citric acid, and bioactive compounds, such as eriocitrin, that are considered good for immunity (14). Besides, it possesses antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties that can benefit the immune system (13).

3. Enhances digestion: When consumed in small amounts, D-limonene found in lemon juice could increase gastric motilityⁱThe muscular movement that helps mix and push food and fluids through the stomach. , neutralize stomach acids, and reduce indigestion symptoms, such as nausea and gastric reflux (13). There are several home remedies where diluted lemon juice is used to boost a baby or toddler’s digestion.

4. Increases iron absorption: Adding vitamin C-rich lemon juice to non-heme baby food, like spinach and pulses, can enhance iron bioavailability (15). Babies on a solid diet need adequate iron to boost neurological development and a healthy circulatory system (16) (17).

5. Relieves cold and flu: Research indicates that lemon has antiviral properties and could reduce mucus and phlegmⁱThick mucus secreted from the respiratory tract. . A cup of warm water with lemon juice may help alleviate cold and flu symptoms (13) (18).

6. Controls Diarrhea: Several studies show that lemon has antibacterial properties that can inhibit the growth of the diarrhea-causing pathogen (19). Therefore, lemon for diarrhea in older babies (over six months) and toddlers can be an effective solution. You can either feed lemon juice directly through a spoon or as lemonade made with lemon, sugar, and salt diluted in water.

Quick fact

Lemon may help alkaline the body, flush out toxins, and boost brain power (13).

Image: IStock

Possible Side Effects Of Lemon For Babies And Toddlers

Avoid feeding undiluted lemon juice to babies and toddlers. While diluted lemon juice is generally safe if taken in small quantities, the following are some potential side effects of lemon consumption among babies and toddlers.

1. Gastrointestinal disturbances: Lemon juice is acidic and may aggravate gastrointestinal issues, such as gastroesophageal refluxⁱA condition in which the stomach acids leak back into the esophagus (food pipe) from the stomach. , in sensitive babies and toddlers. Therefore, feed only diluted lemon juice to babies as part of some recipe. If the baby seems uncomfortable, discontinue its use and try after some weeks.

2. Tooth decay: Frequent and prolonged exposure to citric acid can cause enamel erosion making teeth susceptible to decay in the long run (20) (21). Rinse your toddler’s mouth with plain water every time they consume diluted lemon juice.

Image: IStock

3. Citrus allergy: Although rare, citrus allergy is possible. Babies with a family history of pollen and grass allergies may have a risk of developing citrus allergies (22) (23). A baby with such an allergy can display an allergic reaction on the consumption of lemon juice or on the touch of a lemon peel.

Some babies may display mild oral rash or gastric disturbances on the first consumption of lemons. These are not signs of allergy. Once the body adapts to the new food, these disturbances will be gone. However, if the baby displays signs of severe intolerance or allergy, then stop feeding lemons and consult a pediatrician. Parents should check with a pediatrician before introducing lemon to their baby’s diet, particularly if they’re worried about acidity or allergies.

Useful Tips To Buy And Store Lemons

Here are some tips for the proper selection and storage of lemon.

Selection tips

1. Pick medium-sized, plump lemons with clean, smooth, firm, and shiny skin. Plump lemons are juicier.

2. Discard lemons that look squishy and spongy and have green, black, or white molds.

3. Do not pick lemons with wrinkled skin as they are likely to be aged and have less juice.

4. Choose organic lemons whenever you can to reduce pesticide exposure and provide the best quality for your baby.

Storage tips

1. As you get lemons home, clean them under cold, running water to remove soil, dust, and dirt.

Image: IStock

2. Pat dry with a clean cloth and store in a loose paper bag at room temperature, away from the sunlight for up to a week.

3. Refrigerate in a zip-lock pouch between 4-10°C (39-50°F) to store lemons for longer.

4. Avoid storing cut lemons as much as possible. If you do, either wrap the lemon in cling foil or store it in an airtight container for no more than three days.

Ways To Include Lemon In The Baby’s Diet

You can add lemon to your baby and toddler’s diet in several ways.

1. Add a small quantity (no more than a squirt) of fresh lemon juice diluted in water to pureed and mashed homemade baby food. It can aid in introducing new flavors to otherwise bland recipes.

2. If lemon juice suits the baby, add diluted lemon juice to savory recipes, such as curries, soups, and porridges for a sour taste.

3. Prepare salads or boiled, roasted, or baked vegetable dressings with lemon juice for toddlers.

4. Add lemon to plain water to prepare homemade lemonade for toddlers (recipe given below).

5. Use lemon juice and lemon zest to prepare drool-worthy desserts such as a lemon bar, lemon cake, lemon pudding, and lemon tart.

Image: IStock

You can also use lemon juice to marinate foods, such as meat and vegetables, and prepare tasty grilled finger foods.

Quick tip

You may mix lemon juice with fruit pulps and freeze the mixture to make tasty lollies for older babies and toddlers.

Homemade Lemonade Recipe

Commercial lemonade contains refined sugar and additives. To avoid these, you can prepare homemade lemonade for children above one year of age. Do not serve more than four fluid ounces (120ml) per day (24).

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Here is a simple homemade lemonade recipe that you can try.

You will need:

• ½ tbsp freshly squeezed lemon juice
• oz. (120ml) plain water
• ½ tsp mint leaves (finely chopped)
• ½ tsp jaggery powder/ brown sugar

How to:

1. Mix all the ingredients in a cup or glass. Ensure there are no lumps.

2. Serve immediately or chill in the refrigerator for five minutes before serving.

Other Sources of Vitamin C

Vitamin C is essential for babies as it aids in absorbing non-heme iron from foods and helps improve overall immunity. So, if your baby is allergic to lemon or does not like its taste, you can give other vitamin C-rich foods, including oranges for babies, tomatoes, potatoes, kiwifruit, grapefruit, broccoli, strawberries, and Brussels sprouts. It is also important to note that long-term storage and prolonged cooking may lessen the vitamin C content of the food. So, you can feed these fruits and vegetables in the pureed form or as a juice to your baby. Moreover, check the labels before buying cereals for babies, as some breakfast cereals are fortified with vitamin C (25).

Infographic: Lemon Alternatives With Similar Vitamin C Content

Lemon is an essential ingredient in your baby’s diet. But different situations, such as age and certain underlying conditions, may prevent them from consuming citrus fruits. If this is the case with your baby, you can explore other options to feed your baby to provide them the necessary vitamin C without compromising their health.

Illustration: Momjunction Design Team

Illustration: Lemon For Babies: When To Introduce Benefits & Side Effects

Image: Dall·E/MomJunction Design Team

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Dr. Pooja ParikhMBBS, DCH, DNB

Dr. Pooja Parikh is a pediatrician with 11 years of experience in the field. Her medical journey has taken her from Rajkot (PDUMC) to Vadodara (SSGH) to Mumbai (Hinduja & Breach Candy Hospital). Currently, she is actively involved in critical, intensive, and general care of 0 to 18-year-olds in the port town of Gandhidham, where she was born and brought up.

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