Have some coconut water; said every grandmother and mother ever. For great skin, to beat the heat, to cut down on calories, to boost energy, for essential vitamins and minerals, to facilitate digestion, for basic hydration and more. Such is the goodness of coconut water – it is natural, possesses science-backed benefits and is suitable for everybody with rarely any side effects. While it is popular among adults, it is not very well-known that this magic water can be a great nutrition-source for babies as well! Yes, mommies and daddies, you can absolutely give nariyal paani to your baby.

Bonus tip: Coconut water is great for nursing mothers!

Benefits of Coconut Water for Babies

1. Delicious: Let’s start off with the simple fact that it is sweet, mild and tasty! Why would your baby dislike it?

2. Aids hydration: One of the simplest ways to keep toddlers hydrated on normal days and to re-hydrate them post-fever, flu, etc. Since it is a coolant, avoid feeding coconut water to your baby during cold and fever which may drop the temperature further.

3. The summer partner: Hot summers can put your baby at the risk of rashes, dehydration, and discomfort. This wonder water helps to naturally keep your baby cool through the heat and also prevents/treats heat rashes.

4. Loaded with essential nutrients: Coconut tree is also called the KalpaVriksha. Its water is a natural and safe source of nutrients like Vitamin B, proteins, minerals, antioxidants, antimicrobial properties, amino acids, etc. Isn’t this a yummy way to ensure your baby gets all the essential nutrients that he/she should?

5. Boosts immunity: Containing lauric acid, which is found in breastmilk, coconut water acts as an excellent immunity booster among babies and children.

6. Natural digestant: Owing to its healthy laxatives, electrolytes, and dietary fiber content, coconut water is very popularly used during a bad stomach to aid digestion and clear the digestive system (especially during constipation among babies) free of chemicals. Now, this can be used even when the health is fine to ensure the digestive system does not leave the track.

7. A great drink during traveling: Coconut water can be a smart traveling hack for parents! Cut open a fresh coconut and use a clean bottle to feed your baby while you have a lack of resources during traveling.

8. Kills fatigue and boosts overall metabolism in infants.

9. Others: The water helps in other conditions, in babies, like vomiting, eliminating intestinal worms, treating cholera, curing UTIs (urinary tract infections), improving condition of gastroenteritis, cleanses the body and more.

When Can I Give Coconut Water To My Baby?

Ideally, it is better to start feeding your baby coconut water after he/she turns 6 months old (that’s basically when he/she is put on solid foods. It is always safer to test your baby’s acceptance. Once fed for the first time, wait for some time to observe and be sure that the baby does not show any allergic symptoms (which is an extremely rare case).

What Is The Best Time To Give Coconut Water To My Baby?

The afternoon is an ideal time owing to the higher temperature. Before bedtime, during meals, after playtime is some other times when parents can plan feeding this water.

How Can I Feed Coconut Water To My Baby?

Coconut water is made of high contents of sugar and sodium and the delicate system of a toddler may not be too well-prepared for it. Thus while a thoughtful plan of feeding raw coconut waterworks, few alternate ways to dilute the contents of coconut water are:

1. Mix the water with rice

2. Add it to purees or mashes

3. Boil the fruit/vegetables along with this water and mash them together later on.

What Are The Precautions While I Give Coconut Water To My Baby?

a. Only fresh coconuts recommended. No package coconut bottles/tins etc.

b. Do not open/store much before you feed your baby.

c. Coconut water at room temperature. No refrigerated water, please.

d. Use clean straws, bottles or other containers.

e. Allow the baby to have the water slowly sip by sip – and not gulp down in one go.

f. Limit the servings during winter since a heavy dose may lead to cold, drop in body temperature or electrolyte imbalance.

The fun part: It is interesting that coconut water is also a veterinarian-recommended nutritional drink for pets. However, this should not be overdone since there may be certain ill-effects; for example, high potassium levels in coconut water may lead to accumulation which may not be the best for animals. It is usually suggested when your dog (or pet) has a stomach upset or so. Hence it is always wise to consult your vet for thorough guidance.