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oranges for baby on purple plate
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Oranges for Baby

Learn how to safely prepare oranges for baby with baby-led weaning options, finger foods, and tips for how to adjust for toddlers.
Course Snack
Cuisine American
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 0 minutes
Total Time 5 minutes
Servings 2 -4
Calories 31kcal

Ingredients

  • 1 orange or clementine (any variety, though seedless is easier)

Instructions

Baby-Led Weaning Oranges

  • Peel the orange, break into segments, and discard any excess white pith. Use kitchen scissors to cut the top middle of the membrane off of each segment. Remove some of the sides of the membrane, as well, and offer to baby.
  • Or, to serve as slices, cut the orange in half. Place the halves cut-side-down and cut in half again. Cut into 1/4-inch segments and offer one at a time to baby. (Model how to eat the slice so they put the fruit side into their mouth, rather than the peel side.)

Oranges for Finger Foods

  • Peel the orange, break into segments, and discard any excess white pith. Use kitchen scissors to cut the top middle of the membrane off of each segment. Cut into pea-size pieces with the scissors.

Canned Oranges

  • Drain a can of canned mandarin oranges. (I prefer ones packed in water or 100% juice.) Cut into very small pieces with kitchen scissors and offer as a finger food.

Fresh Orange Juice

  • Peel the orange, break in half, and discard any excess white pith. Place into a blender and cover. Starting on low, blend the fruit and slowly increase the speed to high until the mixture is uniform juice. Serve in a reusable pouch, in a straw cup, or freeze into a popsicle mold.

Notes

  • Store cut oranges in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. (Will be best if used within 24 hours.)
  • Minimize choking risks for a child doing baby-led weaning by removing the membrane before offering a slice. Or, cut the orange into thin slices, which allows access to the juice but cuts through the tough membrane.
  • You can also serve orange segments in a mesh baby feeder.
  • Once a baby is 9 months, or able to pick up small pieces of food, cut the orange segments very small with a pair of kitchen scissors.
  • Look for canned mandarin oranges packed in water or 100% fruit juice as a shelf-stable option. Cut up the fruit with kitchen scissors for kids under about 18 months to ensure it's easy to chew.
  • Try different varieties of citrus to see if the kids have a favorite.
  • Pair iron-rich food with citrus to increase the absorption of iron.

Nutrition

Serving: 0.25orange | Calories: 31kcal | Carbohydrates: 8g | Protein: 1g | Fat: 1g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 1g | Potassium: 119mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 6g | Vitamin A: 147IU | Vitamin C: 35mg | Calcium: 26mg | Iron: 1mg