Dates (the fruit)

[Anonymous]

I am embarrassed to admit that I have never purchases dates. DD has "hard poops" and homemade prune puree helps her to avoid complete constipation but doesn't so anything to help with hard and small stools. Two servings of pureed prunes works too well and she leaks out of her diaper.

She does drink a yogurt smoothie every day after nap and someone suggested adding dates to the smoothie. I was too embarrassed to ask for details.

Do dates help with hard, small stools and how many should I add to the smoothie?

Thank you.

[Anonymous]

I have never purchased dates either, OP. I was just a typical suburban kid.

Would love to know how to buy them, prepare them and if they are good for kids (or even adults) too!

[Anonymous]

I buy dried dates at the grocery store. They are in the same shelf as prunes and dried apricots. The ones I buy have some added sugar dusted on them and are very good right out of the bag.
You can sometimes get fresh dates at asian supermarkets but I think for a smoothie dried dates are fine.

[Anonymous]

How old is your daughter? Can she eat dates? I love dates (especially the medjool dates), and maybe she would too.

For the PP at 9:30, this is what I do:

1. Go to the store.
2. Buy a container/bag of medjool dates.
3. Take the container/bag home.
4. Open the container/bag.
5. Eat dates. (Remember to spit out the pits.)

[Anonymous]

I wouldn't buy dates. I would stick with the prunes. Dates will likely be tough for a baby to eat.

[Anonymous]

I made date syrup milkshakes for my constipated DD and they worked like a charm, but it 'a really the high sugar content that does it so any high sugar dried fruit like figs would work, too.

[Anonymous]

Dates may help.

I actually found pears and pear juice to be most effective for DD's chronic constipation.

[Anonymous]

I buy pitted dates at MOM's all the time. There's a great recipe for chocolate pudding made with dates and chai seeds. Not sure how old she is but that's a good boost that seems like a treat!

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I wouldn't buy dates. I would stick with the prunes. Dates will likely be tough for a baby to eat.

No, if you buy good quality dates they are much softer than prunes and also much more delicious. Try madjool dates.

[Anonymous]

California Date Festival makes a date shake:
http://whatscookingamerica.net/Beverage/DateShake.htm

[Anonymous]

OP here. DD is nearly two. How many dates would be a serving for her?

Again, thank you.

[Anonymous]

I make fruit and nut bars with dates and almonds and other dried fruit -- 2 year old DS loves them.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:OP here. DD is nearly two. How many dates would be a serving for her?

Again, thank you.

As many as she wants to eat!

[Anonymous]

They are great with peanut butter too. Just spread the peanut butter on halved pitted dried dates.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:OP here. DD is nearly two. How many dates would be a serving for her?

Again, thank you.

As many as she wants to eat!

you can also buy them chopped and sprinkle into cereal or oatmeal. They are very sweet and thus easy to like.

For a snack I would suggest a mix of almonds (whole or slivered) + whole dates (with pits removed). The combo packs a lot of fiber and is tasty with a fun mix of texture - crunchy nuts with softer dates. If lactose is not an issue you can also add a couple of cheese cubes to it.