Sweet corn is a favorite summer food of many children (and adults). In addition to being tasty, it is a nutritious part of anyone’s diet—including babies. “It is safe for babies to eat corn, but it depends in what form the corn is ingested,” says Tanya Roman, MD, chief of pediatrics at Community Health of South Florida, Inc. Here, learn the best ways to introduce corn to your little one and the health benefits they can get from this tasty food.
Is Corn Safe For My Baby?
It is safe for babies to eat corn as long as it is the correct consistency. “Corn can be introduced to a baby’s diet in children as early as 6 months of age as long as the corn is pureed,” says Dr. Roman. This will eliminate any risks of choking before your little one learns to chew. “Introduction of corn for babies can become a healthy part of the child’s diet once they can start eating solid foods,” adds pediatrician Tanya Altmann, MD, author and editor-in-chief of several best-selling American Academy of Pediatrics’ parenting books including Baby and Toddler Basics and Your Baby’s First Year. Not only does feeding your baby corn provide them with beneficial nutrients, but it will also help you identify any allergies and support their overall development.
Benefits of Giving Baby Corn
Small servings of pureed corn can be a boon for your baby’s developing body, plus help prepare them to expand their diet as they grow. Here are some of the benefits of feeding your baby corn from a young age.
Healthy Nutrients
Corn delivers a variety of nutritious vitamins and minerals. “Corn consists of essential nutrients such as B vitamins, fiber, iron, potassium, and zinc that can support your baby’s growth and development,” explains Dr. Altmann. B vitamins, especially vitamin B12, play a crucial role in infants’ brain development and cognitivefunction. Iron is also critical to proper neurological development and for building hemoglobin, the compound that transports oxygen around the body.
General Exposure
While corn allergies are relatively rare, it’s good to know if your baby can tolerate corn simply because it is found in so many food products. There are the obvious ones, such as cornmeal, cornstarch, corn syrup, corn oil, tortillas, popcorn, and grits, but there are also numerous products that may include a corn-based ingredient somewhere down the list. These are things like canned soups, processed meats, peanut butter, fish sticks, frozen or canned vegetables, drink mixes, salad dressings, and more. Maintaining a corn-free diet is possible, but it can be difficult. Learning about any corn sensitivities by introducing corn to your infant early will make expanding their menu significantly easier as they grow up.
Safety Precautions
The primary precaution that you need to keep in mind when giving your baby corn is the form you feed it in. “Corn kernels present a choking hazard for babies,” says Dr. Roman. “At around 6 months, you can feed a baby corn in a pureed form.” “As babies begin self-feeding, small, soft corn kernels are a fun and easy finger food,” says Dr. Altmann. Still, these kernels should be soft enough to mash and swallow without chewing. “It’s important to remember that popcorn is a potential choking hazard,” Dr. Altmann adds. “Avoid popcorn until at least age 4 when your child is better able to handle eating popcorn.” While corn allergies are rare, they are also a concern to be aware of. “In general, it is now recommended to introduce a wide variety of allergenic foods early and often, but always talk to your pediatrician about the best feeding plan for your infant,” Dr. Altmann says.
When And How to Introduce Corn
The rules for introducing corn are the same as for other solid foods. “Once your baby has reached the appropriate age and you have consulted with your pediatrician, there are a few telltale signs that your baby is ready to start with solid foods,” says Dr. Altmann. “These include the ability to sit up alone or with support, demonstrate good head and neck control, and show interest in food or open their mouth when food is offered.” As with other solid foods, it is smart to introduce corn on its own for a few days in order to recognize any potential allergies or sensitivities.
What Amount of Corn Should I Give My Baby?
While you will likely start with a tiny amount, the amount of corn you give your baby depends on their age and your baby’s preferences. “For babies under 12 months, a small serving of pureed corn can be served as part of a balanced diet as you would any other vegetable or fruit that is considered safe to eat,” says Dr. Roman. Every baby is unique and will have different tastes, so it is important to listen to them as well as consult with their pediatrician. Here are general serving recommendations for how much pureed baby food you should give your baby as they get older. There was an error. Please try again.
