From what age can a child be given a radish: when to add to the diet for the first time, how to use it, and also with what to replace?

Sooner or later, any parent has an idea when it is possible to start giving certain products to a child.

And since radish is a very specific root crop, we therefore decided to separately consider how best to add it to a child’s diet than it can be useful or harmful, as well as many other aspects.

And also tell you how to choose radishes in the store and rid it of nitrates and pesticides.

Reason for age restrictions

Many people love radishes, especially those collected only from beds. Therefore, it is not surprising that parents and relatives want to treat their offspring with this root crop. But, the composition of this root crop is very specific, therefore, up to two years it is recommended not to offer them this delicacy.

Anyway radish is considered a heavy vegetable for the body, because it contains fiber, which is difficult to digest. And also nitrates accumulate in it, which for very young kids can be contraindicated.

Is it even possible to give?

But, anyway, the radish is rich in minerals and healthy vitamins, which are likely to be useful to any growing body. Phytoncides and vitamin C help to strengthen the immune system, which creates additional protection for the child, and this is especially necessary during dangerous periods. So, for example, potassium helps the heart, but vitamins B accelerate the metabolism, promote the functioning of the nervous system and renewal of the blood.

The reason for the rejection of radishes for infants is the mustard oil contained in it, annoying not fully formed digestive system of the child. In the future, this can lead to undesirable consequences, such as bloating, allergies, digestive disorders.

Also, the root crop in its composition contains accumulated nitrates, which can cause a child who is not used to such food, poisoning or allergies. Excessive radishes - can reduce the absorption of iodine, and this is an important point for the development of a healthy body in children under 2 years of age.

At what age is allowed?

Doctors advise introducing radishes into the feeding of the child from 1.5-2 years. It is recommended that this root crop be introduced into the child’s diet in small portions, while carefully observing how the body will react to the new product. It is advisable to grate the root vegetable in the first salad, which includes radishes, mix with other vegetables, seasoning it with sour cream or oil.

Attention: grated radish very quickly loses its properties, so it is recommended to add it to the salad immediately before use.

If you give too soon - what will happen?

If you introduce radishes in the diet of a baby who is not yet one and a half years old, then, unpleasant consequences are possible. So, he may have:

diarrhea;
persistent nausea, vomiting;
bloating and abdominal pain;
allergic reactions.

Although pediatricians advise children to offer radishes from the age of two, this should be done with caution, constantly monitoring the reaction of the little man to a new product.

How to choose a root crop in a store?

As we said above, radish accumulates nitrates very well, and it reacts rather poorly to long-term storage, so it is recommended to buy a vegetable in well-known stores or collect it at your dacha (or from the beds of relatives).

When choosing a radish in a store, consider only those root crops that have a uniform color and smooth skin, medium size, and also there should be no dots or spots on it. If the radish is soft (hollow or sluggish), then such a root crop will not bring harm, but it will not be of any benefit, since it lacks useful properties and most likely it was stored for a very long time.

How to rid a vegetable of nitrates and pesticides?

Most nitrates are found in the root and top of the root, therefore, before use - immediately cut off the root and leaves of the radish.

Doctors recommend soaking the root crop for 2 hours in clean water, and before adding it to salads, peel the skin, since it very often has a bitter taste, which can contribute to the development of allergies. Unfortunately, after soaking, the radish will lose some useful properties, but also all nitrates will disappear from it.

Reference: experts advise for the best result - leave the radish soaked all night.

What can be combined with?

A very well-considered root vegetable is with greens and vegetables ripening in the fall, for example, green onions, tomatoes, parsley, cucumbers or green lettuce. It is also recommended to add to the salad:

sliced squash;
Boiled potatoes);
zucchini.

To diversify the usual taste will help cabbage.

Step-by-step introduction to the diet

First time

In order to familiarize the baby with the root crop for the very first time, experts recommend using a salad of vegetables already familiar to him, in which you need to add grated radish, preferably not more than 1/2 teaspoon.
For example, You can offer your child a salad consisting of:

greens (dill or parsley);
radish (1 small);
cucumber (2-3) and eggs (1 piece).

When serving - carefully monitor the condition of the child.

Subsequent times

If the child does not show contraindications for taking the root crop, then after a couple of weeks it can already be added to any salads, grated or finely chopped.

For example, You can make a salad consisting of:

greens (finely chopped dill greens);
cheese (shabby hard grade, about 50 grams);
cucumbers (1 piece);
radish (2 small root crops).

You can fill the salad with natural yogurt or sour cream.

Maximum dosage

Experts do not recommend daily use of radishes. It is quite enough to introduce it into food 2 times a week.

Important: It is not recommended to add more than 30% radish to the salad.

Pediatricians recommend adding no more than 10-15 grams of radish (1 small root crop or ½ large) to a salad of 50 grams for babies up to 3 years old.

If the child is more than 3 years old, then he can be offered 2-3 small root vegetables per week for food, adding them to salads.

Vegetable Alternative

If a child is suddenly contraindicated in radishes (allergic reactions are observed), then there are other alternatives. For example, offer your baby fresh:

cucumbers
parsley;
onion;
dill;
young cabbage;
leaf salad.

All this can well replace the radish in the child’s menu.

Reference: let the kid daikon try it by adding some grated vegetable to the salad.

Do not rush and as soon as possible introduce radishes into the baby’s diet, although it contains in its composition many useful minerals and vitamins. Pediatricians insist that up to 2 years for babies this root crop is generally contraindicated. After the child is 2 years old, radishes should be introduced into the diet in small quantities and do not offer a salad with this root crop more than twice a week.