According to experts, avocado is recommended as an ideal first food for weaning babies. This is not only because it is rich in vitamins, but also because eating avocado slices can be a fun and engaging experience for children. Hena Nafis, a consultant nutritionist and expert in childhood obesity and weight management, explains that offering avocado as finger foods can provide a sense of independence for children and help them develop important motor skills such as hand-eye-mouth coordination. Consequently, the World Avocado Organization reached out to experts as part of its educational campaign in India to highlight the benefits of avocados for babies.

One of the unique aspects of avocado is its high content of healthy monounsaturated fatty acids, which play a crucial role in promoting the brain, nerve, and eye health of infants. Avocados are also rich in vitamins A, D, E, and K, which are essential for a child’s growth and development. Folate, found in avocados, supports healthy cell development, while vitamin E aids the immune system, heart, red blood cells, skin, and hair.

Additionally, avocados provide a significant amount of vitamin K, which is necessary for blood clotting and bone formation. Moreover, this nutrient-dense green fruit is also a great source of vitamin C, B6, B1, B5, B2, and B3.

In fact, experts argue that avocados contain more potassium than bananas and are also a good source of magnesium. Potassium is vital for various bodily functions, including a healthy nervous system, muscle function, immune system, and heart health. Furthermore, the high fiber content of avocados can support a baby’s digestive system.

To determine if an avocado is ready to eat, the World Avocado Organization advises gently squeezing it. If the avocado gives in slightly to the pressure, it should be ripe and ready to eat. While ripe avocados may be darker in color, this can vary, so it is best to assess ripeness based on the avocado’s texture as well as its color.