Are pears a suitable food for a 7-month-old infant?

From the Guidelines

Pears can be a nutritious and healthy food option for a 7-month-old baby, as long as they are properly prepared and introduced in a way that minimizes the risk of choking and allergic reactions. When introducing pears to a 7-month-old baby, it is essential to follow the guidelines for complementary feeding, which recommend introducing one new food at a time, starting with iron-rich or fortified foods, and gradually increasing the variety of foods offered 1. Some key points to consider when introducing pears to a 7-month-old baby include:

• Starting with cooked and pureed pears to reduce choking hazards and make them easier to digest
• Progressing to very soft, ripe pear pieces as finger foods once the baby is comfortable with purees
• Removing seeds, stems, and peels from the pears to reduce the risk of choking and allergic reactions
• Choosing ripe, soft pears and avoiding canned pears with added sugars or syrups
• Supervising the baby while eating to prevent choking and consulting a pediatrician if there are concerns about introducing solid foods or potential allergies
• Following the three-day rule, waiting 3-4 days before introducing another new food to monitor for any allergic reactions 1, 1. It is also important to note that the American Academy of Pediatrics recommends exclusive breastfeeding until 4-6 months of age, and introducing complementary foods at around 6 months, with a focus on nutrient-dense foods and a variety of textures and flavors 1, 1. By following these guidelines and introducing pears in a safe and controlled manner, parents can help their 7-month-old baby develop healthy eating habits and reduce the risk of choking and allergic reactions.

From the Research

Food Allergy Prevention in Infancy

There is no direct evidence in the provided studies to suggest that pears are good or bad for 7-month-old infants. However, the studies do provide information on food allergy prevention in infancy:

• Introducing well-cooked egg from 4 to 6 months probably reduces the risk of hen's egg allergy 2
• Introducing regular peanut consumption into the diet of an infant at increased risk beginning from 4 to 11 months probably results in a large reduction in peanut allergy in countries with a high prevalence 2
• Breastfeeding, hydrolyzed formulas, and avoiding cow's milk formula may not reduce the risk of cow's milk protein allergy 2, 3

Introduction of Solid Foods

The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends introducing solid foods to infants at around 6 months of age. However, the provided studies do not specifically mention pears as a recommended or non-recommended food for 7-month-old infants:

• There is emerging evidence that early introduction of allergenic foods has a role in food allergy prevention 4, 2, 5
• The dual-allergen-exposure hypothesis suggests that allergen exposure through the skin leads to sensitization, whereas early oral consumption of allergenic food protein induces oral tolerance 4, 3

Food Allergy and Intolerance

Food allergy and intolerance are important public health problems affecting children:

• Cow milk is the most common cause of food allergy and food intolerance, especially in young children 6
• Food intolerance can present with similar symptoms to those of food allergy, and healthcare personnel, patients, and their caregivers often confuse food intolerance with food allergy 6