Right Age, Benefits And Precautions

Coconut milk is a milk-like liquid obtained from mature coconut’s pulp. Its peculiar taste and rich, creamy texture make it a common choice for preparing sweet and savory delicacies. The use of coconut milk is also promoted due to its nutritional and therapeutic properties.

You may consider adding coconut milk to your baby’s diet, but is coconut milk beneficial for babies? Read on to know about coconut milk, its possible benefits for babies, and interesting recipes to try.

When Can You Introduce Coconut Milk To Your Infant?

Babies older than 12 months may have calcium-fortified coconut milk as the main drink (1). If you wish to introduce coconut milk sooner, adding it to the baby’s weaning food is suitable (2). You could try coconut milk-based cheese, yogurt, and desserts for babies older than six months occasionally (3). In any case, consult a pediatrician before giving coconut milk to the baby.

Nutritional Value Of Coconut Milk

The nutritional composition and qualities of coconut milk vary depending on the quality of coconut pulp. Coconut milk sold as a dairy alternative, that is, a milk substitute, is fortified with nutrients, such as calcium and vitamin D.

One fluid ounce (30.5g) of coconut milk fortified with calcium, vitamins A, B12, and D offers the following nutrients (4) (5).

Sources: US Department of Agriculture and World Health Organization

Coconut milk is often considered an alternative for lactose intolerant babies. However, whether to use coconut milk for a baby is a decision you need to make with a pediatrician. Some other dairy alternatives are soy milk, rice milk, oats milk, almond milk, and hemp milk.

Possible Health Benefits Of Coconut Milk For Babies

Coconut milk has nutritional elements, such as medium-chain triglycerides and bioactive compounds that could benefit health over time (6) (7). Below are some notable benefits of coconut milk that a baby may reap.

1. Offers nutrients: Coconut milk is calorie-rich, has high amounts of saturated fat and minerals (8). This nutritional profile could make it a good choice for babies who need these nutrients to maintain their rapid growth and development.

2. Improves digestion: Coconut milk is considered to improve digestion and alleviate constipation through its high water content and bioactive compounds (9). However, clinical evidence to support this theory is limited.

3. Strengthens immunity: The nutritional components of coconut milk could stimulate the immune system (10). Also, it contains bioactive compounds possessing antioxidant properties. The medium-chain triglycerides (MCTs), such as lauric acid, present in coconut milk, may help fight infections and illnesses (11).

4. Supports brain development: Research shows that coconut milk contains considerable amounts of saturated fatty acid (10). These fatty acids may support the baby’s healthy brain development in the long run.

Besides these, coconut milk may also reduce inflammation and promote heart health over time.

Possible Side Effects Of Coconut Milk For Babies

Although coconut milk offers certain benefits, its use among babies is not promoted. One cup of coconut milk offers 0.51g of protein, which is significantly lower protein than whole cow milk, which contains 7.69g of protein (12). Also, coconut milk is high in saturated fat, which may fill your baby’s little tummy and suppress their appetite for breast milk or formula milk, and other foods.

Commercial coconut milk, usually sold as a milk substitute, is often diluted and may contain artificial sweeteners and thickeners (10). These compounds may not be good for the baby’s health.

Note: If you wish to use coconut milk for cooking, use canned coconut milk specifically made for cooking purposes.

Precautions To Take While Using Coconut Milk For Babies

Here are some precautions to observe while using coconut milk for babies.

1. Prefer to buy packaged coconut milk from a reputable and trusted brand. Look for no-sugar options fortified with essential nutrients, such as calcium and vitamin D.

2. Introduce coconut milk as a part of other foods, such as mash, puree, or porridge. Keep the intake occasional.

3. Begin by feeding a teaspoon of coconut milk as a part of food preparation and gradually increase the intake to a tablespoon and then to two.

4. After ingesting coconut milk, if the baby experiences discomfort or shows signs of sensitivity or intolerance, discontinue feeding, and try later.

5. Allergy after eating coconut is rare, but the allergic reaction after touching coconut, called contact dermatitis, is relatively common (13). If the baby has an existing dermatitis condition or a family history of skin allergies, consult a doctor before introducing coconut milk.

6. Cross-reactivity of coconut with walnut and hazelnut has been reported. Most individuals with a tree nut allergy can eat coconut and its products (14). Nevertheless, if your baby has nut or other food allergies, consult a doctor before introducing coconut milk.

7. Serve coconut milk as a drink to toddlers occasionally. Plain coconut milk, coconut milkshake, and coconut milk smoothie are some options to try.

8. Keep the intake of coconut milk occasional, even for older toddlers. Toddlers older than two years should consume low-fat foods for effective weight management and optimum heart health (15).

Healthy Coconut Milk Recipes For Babies And Toddlers

Below are some easy-to-prepare, healthy coconut milk recipes that can enhance the nutritional value of your baby’s diet.

1. Coconut milk puree (6 months+)

You will need:

• ¼ cup mango puree
• ¼ banana puree
• ½tsp dry fruit powder
• 2tbsp coconut milk

How to prepare:

1. Mix all the ingredients in a mixing bowl thoroughly. Ensure no lumps are present.
2. Transfer some amount in a feeding bowl and feed the baby. Store the remaining amount in an airtight container in the refrigerator for no more than two days.

2. Creamy lentil veggie curry (8 months+)

You will need:

• 50g red lentil (cooked)
• ½ cup corn kernels
• ½ carrot (peeled and finely chopped)
• ½ capsicum (finely chopped)
• 1 small onion(finely chopped)
• ½ cup coconut milk
• 1½ cup water
• 2tbsp olive oil

How to prepare: 

1. Heat the oil in a frying pan over low heat. Add onions and fry them until they turn golden brown.
2. Stir in the lentil, corn kernels, carrot, and capsicum. Cook for five minutes until the veggies turn soft.
3. Add water and coconut milk to the mixture and bring to boil over medium heat.
4. Lower the flame, cover the pan and simmer the mixture for 15 to 20 minutes.
5. When the lentils are soft, turn off the heat and set the pan aside to cool. The curry is ready.
6. Mash or blend to appropriate texture before feeding it to the baby.

3. Sago and coconut milk porridge (10 months+)

You will need:

• ¼ cup sago (washed, drained, and soaked)
• 1 cup coconut milk
• 1cup water
• 1tsp dry fruit powder
• ⅛ tsp cardamom powder

How to prepare: 

1. Boil coconut milk and water mix in a saucepan over low heat.
2. Add cardamom powder, dry fruit powder, and sago. Cook for seven to eight minutes while stirring occasionally. Ensure no lumps are present.
3. As the milk boils, it will thicken. Add more water to adjust the porridge’s consistency.
4. Once the mixture thickens as desired, turn off the flame, and set the porridge aside to cool. Pour some porridge into a feeding bowl and feed.

4. Banana and coconut milk smoothie (12 months+)

You will need:

• 1 cup coconut milk
• 1 mashed banana
• ½tsp jaggery
• 1tsp dry fruit powder

How to prepare: 

1. Blend all the ingredients into a smooth-flowing smoothie in a blender. Ensure no lumps are present.
2. Pour the smoothie into a serving glass and serve.
3. You can add more seasonal fruits, such as mango, peach, and pineapple.

Besides coconut milk, you may use coconut water, coconut oil, coconut yogurt, coconut powder, coconut flakes, or shreds to make several healthy, age-appropriate recipes for babies and toddlers.

Coconut milk can be used as a part of weaning food preparations for babies. Coconut puree, mash, smoothie, porridge are recipes worth trying for babies. For toddlers, you can give a cup of coconut milk occasionally. Avoid replacing whole cow milk with coconut milk since it lacks the essential nutrients the toddler needs. Keep coconut milk a part of a balanced diet for the little one to enjoy its maximum benefits.

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