Dates (Khajoor) for Babies: When to Start, How to Give, and Correct Quantity

This video answers when to start dates (khajoor) for children and how to give them. Points covered in the video: Why dates – khajoor is a very good source of iron, and 50% of Indian children have iron deficiency. When to start – as per guidelines, dates can be given to children after 6 months are completed. How to give – for children between 6 months and 2 years, always give dates in purée or paste form, after removing the seed and the skin. Point 1 — never as a first food – do not give dates as the child's first food. For first foods always give grains like rice, dal, suji and dalia. Point 2 — mix with a cereal – once the child has learnt to eat, at 7 to 8 months, instead of giving dates alone, mix them with a cereal such as suji, dalia or any other grain. This is because dates contain 65 to 70% natural sugar, which is too much sugar to give alone, and too much sugar is not good for children's health. Quantity – for children 6 to 12 months, half a spoon of date purée mixed in cereal. For children between 1 and 2 years, one spoon of date purée mixed with cereal. Point 3 — not daily – do not give dates daily; give them three times a week. Giving them daily makes children develop a habit of eating too much sweet. Relevant for: parents asking at what age to start dates or khajoor for their baby; parents looking for natural iron-rich foods for children and worried about iron deficiency; parents starting solids and deciding on first foods; parents asking about the correct quantity of dates for 6–12 month olds and 1–2 year olds; parents concerned about natural sugar content and sweet cravings in kids; and parents wanting to know about choking safety and removing the seed and skin from dates. Disclaimer: This video is for general information and educational purposes only. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Every child is different — please consult your pediatrician before starting dates or any new food, especially if your child is under 6 months, has an allergy, or has a diagnosed iron deficiency needing treatment.