Tomato Juice For Babies

New Zealand Listener, Volume 6, Issue 139, 20 February 1942, Page 19

Tomato Juice For Babies

OTHERS of babies will be interested in the following extract from an article by Dr. Muriel Bell, Nutritionist to the Department of Health: "The shortage of oranges will occasion some worry on the part of mothers of small babies, for orange juice is such a_ well tolerated and reliable source of Vitamin C for babies. To mothers and to expectant mothers the advice that follows is principally directed. "In using tomato juice as a substitute for orange juice you should regard it as equal to about half the strength of orange juice. Giving twice as much tomato juice as orange juice to babies may possibly prove upsetting to some babies. In order to minimise this see that the tomatoes used are ripe and firm, not over-ripe. Then also, start baby with small doses-a teaspoonful to begin with — and gradually work up to the larger quantity, as you do with orange juice. Furthermore, those babies who are unable to take raw tomato juice will be more likely to be able to take it cooked; this is a rule for all foods to which certain individuals are sensitive. "When cooking it, use an unchipped enamel or an aluminium saucepan, and do not cook it for too long. Fortunately the Vitamin C of tomatoes is not readily destroyed by cooking, though it is more likely to be destroyed it it comes in contact with coppercontaining vessels. For babies, the seeds will need to be removed before giving the juice or puree to the baby." —