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    MJ & Hungryman ยป Baby/Kid-Friendly Recipes ยป Mango for Babies and Kids

    Mango for Babies and Kids

    By Min On February 17, 2022

    This post may contain affiliate links. Please see our disclosure policy for more details.

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    Jump to Recipe
    a graphic showing how to serve mangoes to babies 6 months and up, 9 months and up, and 18 months and up.

    Learn how to safely prepare and serve mango to babies as early as 6 months! Also discover fun snack and lunch ideas with this for older kids.

    a four image collage with meal ideas with mangoes, including a strip of mango, mango pit, mango yogurt, and spinach mango smoothie.
    Jump to:
    • When Can Babies Eat Mango?
    • Health Benefits For Young Children
    • Are Mangoes Safe for Babies?
    • Selecting the Best Mango
    • Best Way to Store
    • How to Cut A Mango
    • Video Tutorial
    • Mango for Baby Led Weaning
    • Mango Pit for Teething Babies
    • Serving Suggestions for Kids
    • Mango Chia Seed Jam for Babies and Kids

    When Can Babies Eat Mango?

    If soft and ripe, mangoes can be introduced to babies as soon as theyโ€™re ready to start solids, usually around 6 months. Itโ€™s important to remember that your baby is unique and that rather than going by the calendar, you need to make sure your baby is DEVELOPMENTALLY ready to start solids.

    If youโ€™re unsure, be sure to grab this FREE handout!

    Health Benefits For Young Children

    Interesting fact! Mangoes are called the king of fruits because it's the most widely consumed fruit in the world! It is a large tropical stone fruit with yellow or orange flesh surrounding a large white seed.

    And they are available all year-round so you can enjoy no matter the season!

    Mangoes contain over 20 vitamins and minerals, including vitamins A, C, B6, and folate.

    They are a particularly excellent source of vitamin C, which not only helps strengthen the immune system but helps enhance the absorption of plant-based iron considerably!

    Just like with butternut squash, their deep yellow-orange color is due to beta-carotene, a powerful antioxidant, which gets converted to vitamin A in the body to support the development of vision and immunity in babies and kids.

    Theyโ€™re also a great source of fiber so if your baby is constipated, give mangoes a try!

    Are Mangoes Safe for Babies?

    As long as the fruit is soft and ripe and is served in an age-appropriate way, it is safe. For kids and adults, slightly ripe but still firm mangoes are ideal as they hold their shape better once cut.

    However, for babies, allow the mangoes to get super ripe so it's easy for them to mash with their gums.

    Mango allergy is pretty rare as well.

    May also be interested in: Pears for Babies

    Selecting the Best Mango

    a red fleshed mango on the left and green mango on the right.

    Give it a gentle squeeze. A ripe mango should give slightly, like a ripe avocado, and may have a fruity aroma at the stem.

    Note that color is not a good indicator of ripeness. So don't go searching for the red color. Go by the feel!

    Best Way to Store

    Never store unripe mangoes in the refrigerator. Instead, allow to ripen at room temperature or store in a brown paper bag to speed up the process.

    Once they are ripe, you can refrigerate.

    Once cut, refrigerate in an airtight container for 3-5 days. To freeze, flash freeze by spreading them out on a lined baking sheet (I like to use parchment paper or silicone mat).

    Once frozen solid, transfer to a freezer safe bag or container and store for up to 6 months. This extra step will prevent all the mango pieces from sticking together in one big block, thus allowing you to take out only what you need. 

    Are store-bought frozen mangoes ok?

    Absolutely! It is just as nutritious as fresh and so convenient to have on hand to incorporate into your child's snacks and meals.

    How to Cut A Mango

    a four image collage showing how to cut mango into two cheeks and pit and two methods for scooping the flesh from the skin.

    1. Hold your mango upright with the stem end facing up. Cut a thin slice off the other end to create a flat base. Identify the pit/seed, which is under the stem end. You want to cut around this pit to separate the flesh.

    2. Position your sharp knife next to the stem and cut along the side of the pit. Repeat on other side. You will end up with two large oval pieces or "cheeks."

    Now you should have three pieces: two halves and the middle section with the pit. Don't discard! More on this below.

    To remove the flesh from the skin use one of these two ways:

    3. Hold the mango cheek in your hand and scoop out the flesh using a large spoon or a glass cup.

    4. Score the mango cheek by making vertical then horizontal cut marks. Be careful not to cut through the skin. To remove the mango pieces, hold the scored cheek in your hand and use a large spoon to scoop them out.

    Video Tutorial

    Mango for Baby Led Weaning

    a graphic showing how to serve mangoes to babies 6 months and up, 9 months and up, and 18 months and up.

    6+ months old

    • Pureed or mashed - can preload onto a spoon or mix into yogurt, oatmeal, lentils, etc.
    • Serve this kale mango smoothie as a sauce.
    • Make chia jam (recipe below) - spread onto toast or mix into any of the above suggestions.
    • A whole mango pit with some flesh left on is wonderful for strengthening your baby's jaw and promoting oral motor skills. It also makes for a delicious teether. More on this below!
    • A mango spear (at least the length and width of an adult's index finger) - try coating with ground nuts and seeds (pictured: shelled hemp seeds), shredded coconut, almond flour, etc. to make it easier to grab. If you don't want to coat with anything, handing it to your baby will help them to secure the spear in their hand.

    Breakfast Toast Ideas

    9+ months old

    Along with the suggestions above, you can cut into bite-sized pieces once your baby has developed their pincer grasp.

    This is a great time to introduce utensils if you haven't already. Here are our favorites.

    18+ months old

    Invite fun by serving mango "hedgehogs"

    Keep in mind, it's best to avoid offering dried mango and mango juice until age 2.

    When Can Babies Have Sugar?

    Mango Pit for Teething Babies

    a peeled mango pit.

    Remember that mango pit I told you to save earlier? Simply peel off the skin around it and refrigerate for at least 2 hours.

    Then just like that you have the most delicious teether that your baby will happily suck and gnaw on for a while, buying you some time to enjoy that hot cup of coffee/tea. You're welcome ๐Ÿ˜‰

    For a Deep Dive on Other Foods, Check out my "How To" Series.

    Serving Suggestions for Kids

    Mangoes make for a great snack or addition to any meal. Here are some fun ideas!

    • Popsicles - Blend 2 cups of cubed mangoes with ยพ cup of yogurt in a food processor/blender until smooth, pour into popsicle molds, and freeze for at least 4 hours. SO easy!
    • Smoothies
    • Quesadilla
      • Savory - add cheese, beans, and diced mangoes
      • Sweet - spread a layer of peanut/nut/seed butter and add diced or pureed mangoes
    • Toast
      • Mashed avocado topped with sliced or diced mango
      • Peanut/nut/seed butter topped with mango
      • Greek yogurt, cream cheese, or ricotta topped with mango
      • Try with mango chia jam (recipe below)
    • Kabobs - Putting food on a stick is especially great for picky eaters. Inviting fun and newness can really help spark their interest. Feel free to add whatever you wish.
      • Cheese cubes + fruits + vegetables (like tomatoes, cucumber) + chicken, meatballs, tofu, etc.

    EASY Breakfast Ideas for Toddlers

    Mango chia seed jam in a glass bowl with a small spoon.

    Did you make this recipe? Leave a rating below and let me know how you liked the recipe! Your feedback means so much to me!

    Mango chia seed jam in a glass bowl with a small spoon.

    Mango Chia Seed Jam for Babies and Kids

    Made with no added sugar, this mango chia seed jam is perfect for babies 6 months and up.
    5 from 1 vote
    Print Pin Rate
    Prep Time: 5 minutes
    Cook Time: 5 minutes
    Total Time: 10 minutes
    Servings: 10
    Author: Min | MJ and Hungryman

    Ingredients

    • 2 cups chopped mangoes (about 1 mango)
    • 2 tablespoons chia seeds
    • 1-2 tablespoons (optional) honey, maple syrup - see note

    Instructions

    • Add fruit to a saucepan and cook over medium heat until the fruit breaks down, about 5 to 10 minutes. Using a potato masher or the back of a fork, mash the mangoes to desired consistency. I like to keep it a bit lumpy.
    • Remove from heat. and stir in the chia seeds. Let it sit to thicken. If you want it thicker, add more chia seeds (ยฝ - 1 teaspoon at a time).
    • Once cooled, transfer to a jar and keep in the fridge for up to 2 weeks or in the freezer for up to 3 months.

    Notes

    If you desire a smooth consistency, simply puree the mixture in a blender. You can also skip the cooking part and blend the mangoes before combining with the chia seeds. The jam won't be as thick but will still be good!ย 
    I recommend avoiding added sugars until 2 years of age, but if you want to make the jam sweeter, remember, NO honey for babies under 1!ย 

    Nutrition

    Calories: 31kcal | Carbohydrates: 6g | Protein: 1g | Fat: 1g | Sodium: 1mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 5g | Vitamin A: 358IU | Vitamin C: 12mg | Calcium: 19mg | Iron: 1mg
    Course Breakfast
    Cuisine American
    Diet
    Tried this Recipe? Tag me Today!Tag me @KidFriendly.Meals today!
    « The Ultimate Guide to Beans for Babies
    Easy Quinoa Baby Cereal (4 Ways) »

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    About Min

    Thank you so much for stopping by! I am Min, a Registered Dietitian, a Christ follower, a wife, and a mom to our two miracle babies! Currently, Iโ€™m having a ton of fun feeding their tummies and sharing our baby led weaning journey! Follow me on Instagram if interested in seeing daily menu as well as tips and tricks.

    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Linda says

      April 03, 2022 at 12:49 pm

      5 stars
      Sooo yummmm-y!

      Reply

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    HI!

    I am MJ, a registered dietitian and a mom of 2. I truly hope youโ€™ll enjoy all the recipes and tips that I share on what and how to feed your child!

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