Apple Puree: A Tasty and Nutritious Food for Your Baby
Quick Answer
YES, apple puree (seb ki puree) is an excellent first food for your baby starting at 6 months! It's naturally sweet, easy to digest, and packed with nutrients that support healthy weight gain. Many Indian parents successfully use apple puree as one of the first solid foods - and babies love the taste!
Why Apple Puree is Great for Weight Gain
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Apple puree is more than just tasty - it's a nutritional powerhouse for growing babies:
Calories for energy: Supports healthy wajan badhana (weight gain)
Natural sugars: Provides quick energy without added sugar
Fiber (pectin): Helps with digestion and prevents constipation
Iron absorption: Vitamin C in apples helps absorb iron from other foods like dal
Easy to digest: Perfect for babies just starting solids
Nutritional value per 100g of apple:
Calories: 52 kcal
Carbohydrates: 14g
Fiber: 2.4g
Vitamin C: 4.6mg
Potassium: 107mg
When to Introduce Apple Puree
Age
What to Do
Before 6 months
Only breast milk or formula (exclusive)
6 months
Start with thin, smooth apple puree
7-8 months
Slightly thicker puree, can mix with other fruits
9-12 months
Mashed apple, small soft pieces
12+ months
Apple slices (supervised), mixed with other foods
Indian-Style Apple Puree Recipe
Steamed Apple Puree (Seb ki Puree)
Ingredients:
1 medium apple (preferably Shimla or Kashmiri variety)
2-3 tablespoons water
Pinch of elaichi powder (cardamom) - optional, after 8 months
Method:
Wash, peel, and core the apple
Cut into small cubes
Steam in a pressure cooker for 1-2 whistles OR boil until soft (15-20 minutes)
Mash with a spoon or blend to smooth puree
Add breast milk or formula to adjust consistency
Serve at room temperature
Weight-Boosting Variations:
Apple + Ghee: Add 1/2 tsp desi ghee for extra calories (after 6 months)
Apple + Banana: Mash together for natural sweetness and calories
Apple + Ragi: Mix with ragi porridge for iron and calcium
Apple + Curd: Combine with homemade dahi for protein (after 8 months)
Apple + Chikoo: Blend for a naturally sweet, calorie-dense treat
When to Worry (Red Flags)
Contact your pediatrician if you notice:
Rash, hives, or swelling after eating apple (rare allergic reaction)
Persistent vomiting or diarrhea after introduction
Baby consistently refuses all solid foods beyond 7 months
No weight gain despite eating well for 2-3 weeks
Signs of constipation with hard, pellet-like stools
Tips for Fussy Eaters
If your baby doesn't like apple puree:
Try warming it slightly (not hot!)
Mix with breast milk for familiar taste
Combine with a food they already like
Offer when baby is happy and not overtired
Try different apple varieties - some are sweeter
Don't force feed - offer again after a few days
Best Practices for Safe Feeding
Always use fresh, ripe apples
Wash thoroughly before cooking
Use clean, sterilized utensils
Prepare fresh puree daily or refrigerate for max 24 hours
Never add salt, sugar, or honey (honey is unsafe before 12 months)
Start with 1-2 teaspoons and gradually increase
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Baby ka wajan kam hai - will apple puree help?
A: Apple puree alone may not dramatically increase weight, but it's an excellent part of a weight-gain diet. For better results, combine with calorie-dense foods like ghee, banana, or ragi. Continue breastfeeding alongside solids. If your baby is patla (thin) but active and meeting milestones, they're likely fine!
Q: Can I give raw apple to my 6-month-old?
A: No, raw apple is a choking hazard for young babies. Always steam or boil apples until soft for babies under 9-10 months. After that, you can offer grated raw apple. Whole apple pieces should wait until your child can chew well and you supervise closely.
Q: My baby has loose motions after eating apple - is this normal?
A: Some babies may have softer stools when starting apples due to the fiber content - this is usually temporary. However, if stools are very watery or frequent (more than 3-4 times), pause apple for a few days and try again later. Cooked apple is generally gentler than raw.
Q: How much apple puree should I give my 6-month-old?
A: Start with just 1-2 teaspoons once a day. Gradually increase to 2-3 tablespoons over a few weeks. By 8-9 months, babies can have 1/4 to 1/2 cup of fruit puree daily. Remember, breast milk or formula is still the main nutrition source until 12 months.
Q: Should I peel the apple before making puree?
A: Yes, always peel apples for babies. The skin is difficult to digest and can be a choking hazard. Even when blending, apple skin doesn't break down smoothly enough for young babies.
Q: Can I mix apple with dal or rice?
A: Yes! Many Indian parents mix apple puree with moong dal khichdi for a sweet-savory combination. This adds variety and helps picky eaters accept new flavors. Apple also goes well with rice porridge, suji halwa, and ragi porridge.
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This article was reviewed by a pediatrician. Last updated: January 2025
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