Normal Diet For Infants - 0 To 12 Months

What is it?

• Infant nutrition means making sure your baby is getting enough nutrients during his first year. Nutrients are
calories, protein, fat, vitamins, and minerals. Making sure your baby has good nutrition can protect him
against disease. It also helps him stay healthy as he grows older. Every infant is different. Your baby may
need more or less of the items in each food group and may also need a special diet.
•

• Your baby needs regular check-ups to make sure he is growing properly. Consult your caregiver or dietitian
if your child is not gaining weight. They can help you if he has trouble nursing or is not eating enough
formula each day. Talk with your caregiver if your baby has diarrhea or vomiting, or can not take breast milk
or formula for more than 1 day. This may mean that they are not able to digest the feedings you are giving
them.
•

Care:

• The lists below shows the amounts of breast milk, formula, and food that most infants up to 1 year of age
need. This feeding plan provides 8 to 15% protein, 35 to 55% fat, and 30 to 50% carbohydrate. This also
gives the right amount of calories and protein that your baby needs.
•

• Try giving one new food to the baby only once every 2-3 days, so you can tell if they digest each one well.
When trying new foods that are dry or chewy, such as peanut butter, cheese, or dried beans, watch your
infant closely to make sure they don't choke.
•

Serving Sizes: Use the serving size list below to measure amounts of food and liquids.

• 1-1/2 cups (12 ounces) of liquid is the size of a soda-pop can.

•

• 1 cup (8 ounces) of food is the size of a large handful.

•

• 1/2 cup (4 ounces) of food is about half of a large handful.

•

• 2 tablespoons (Tbsp) is about the size of a large walnut.

•

• 1 tablespoon (Tbsp) is about the size of the tip of your thumb (from the last crease).
•

• 1 teaspoon (tsp) is about the size of the tip of your little finger (from the last crease).
•

DAILY SERVINGS FOR AN INFANT DIET

• Breast milk or infant formula: Breast milk or infant formula are the only nourishment needed by most
healthy babies until they are 4-6 months old. Cow's milk or other dairy products should not be given until at
least one year of age. Your baby's kidneys cannot handle the high protein and mineral content well until that
age.
•

○ 0-3 months: 18-32 ounces

○

○ 4-6 months: 28-40 ounces

○

○ 7-9 months: 24-36 ounces

○

○ 10-12 months: 18-30 ounces

○

• Cereals and other starchy foods: Rice infant cereal is the only grain suggested before six months of age.
Other cereal grains such as wheat, barley, and oats can be given after 6 months of age.
•

○ 0-3 months: None

•
○
4-6 months: 1/4-1/2 cup cereal (mixed)
○

○ 7-9 months: 1-2 1/2 cup servings, including mashed potatoes, pasta, rice, breads, crackers, toast,
rolls, soft muffins
○

○ 10-12 months: 3-4 1/2 cup servings

○

• Fruits
•

○ 0-3 months: None

○

○ 4-6 months: 1/4-1/2 cup, pureed

○

○ 7-12 months: 1/2-1 cup pureed, canned, or soft fresh fruits, such as bananas
○

• Juices
•

○ 0-4 months: None

○

○ 5-8 months: 1/4-1/2 cup

○
 ○ 9-12 months: 1/2 cup
○

• Meat, poultry, eggs, fish, cooked dried beans, peanut butter

•

○ 0-5 months: None

○

○ 6-8 months: 1-2 Tbsp pureed

○

○ 9-12 months: 1/4-1/2 cup (include cottage and regular cheese, fish, eggs, small pieces of tender
meats, or chopped meats.)
○

• Plain yogurt
•

○ 0-5 months: None

○

○ 6-12 months: 1-2 Tbsp/day after 6 months of age

○

• Water: Most infants get the water they need from breast milk, formula, or juices. In very hot
climates though, they may need 1/2 to 1 cup a day to make up losses.
•

○ 0-5 months: Not needed except during very hot weather, or if baby has diarrhea.
○

○ 6-12 months: As often as infant will drink.

○

SUPPLEMENTS FOR INFANTS: Check with your doctor or caregiver before giving supplements on the list below to
your baby. Their needs will depend on their diet.

• Iron
•

○ From 4 to 12 months infants need about 1 milligram (mg) per kilogram (2.2 pounds body weight), or
10 mg per day at the most.
○

○ Include all formulas and cereals in daily iron intake.

○

• Vitamin D
•

○ May be needed if baby is not exposed to sunlight.

 ○

○ 300 IU per day for 0-6 months

○

○ 600 IU per day for 6-12 months

○

• Fluoride
•

○ May be needed if water supply is low in fluoride.

○

○ Check with you care giver for dosage of fluoride and the name of the product to buy.
○

• Vitamin B12
•

○ May be needed by babies of vegan (strict vegetarian) mothers.

○

○ Check with your caregiver for the dosage and the product to buy.
○

Care Agreement
You have the right to help plan your child's care. To help with this plan, you must learn about your child's dietary
health. You can then discuss treatment options with your caregivers. Work with them to decide what care will be used
to treat your child.

Starting your baby on solid foods is the beginning of lifelong eating habits that
contribute to his or her overall health. For this reason we have some general
guidelines that can help you start your baby out on the right track to a healthy life.
Breast milk or infant formula supplies all of your baby's nutritional needs for at least
the first 4 to 6 months of life, so don't be in a rush to start solid baby foods. Starting
solids too early can cause your baby to develop food allergies. Your baby's intestinal
tract is not as fully developed during the first few months and introducing solids at
this time can be too much to handle
Another reason for not giving solid foods earlier than 4 to 6 months is unintentional
overfeeding, since younger babies can not offer you signals when they are full, such
as turning away or showing disinterest.
A third reason for holding off on solids is your baby's inability to swallow solids
correctly before 4 to 6 months of age and this can potentially cause choking. And
contrary to the popular myth, starting solids early will not help your child to sleep
through the night.
When offering a new type of food, always feed it for several days in a row before
starting another new food. This makes it easier to detect food allergies, which can
present with diarrhea, vomiting, coughing, hives or a rash. Do not offer mixed
ingredient foods until you are sure that the baby isn't allergic to any of the individual
ingredients. Also, don't add any seasonings to your baby's foods.
Other practices to avoid are putting your baby down for a nap or sleep with a bottle of
formula or juice, as this allows sugar to pool in your baby's mouth and can lead to
cavities. Don't feed your baby cow's milk, honey or egg whites until your baby is at
least one year of age. Also, do not give carbonated or caffeinated drinks, candy or
other foods that your baby may choke on.
Remember, these are general guidelines and the amount and types of
food that your baby eats may vary from day to day.

Food Allergies
Preventing food allergies may be possible, especially if your
child is at high risk of having a food allergy, including already
having an allergy to aother food or formula, having other
family members with food allergies, or having other 'allergic'
type conditions or family members with these conditions, such
as eczema, allergic rhinitis (hayfever) and/or asthma.
Most importantly, breastfeed and avoid supplementing with
infant formula or offering solids for at least the first six
months of your child's life. If you are not breastfeeding or
need to supplement, then consider using a hypoallergenic
infant formula such as Nutramigen or Alimentum (soy
formulas and goat's milk may not be good alternatives,
because many infants that are allergic to cow's milk may also
be allergic to soy). If you are breastfeeding, then you should
avoid peanuts and tree nuts in your own diet, and consider
avoiding milk, fish and eggs too (discuss this with your
doctor, as avoiding too many foods may cause poor nutrition).
If your child is at high risk of having food allergies, you
should also delay offering solids until he is at least six months
old (and continue breastfeeding), and begin with an iron
fortified infantcereal. It is best to start with rice and oat
cereals and introduce wheat cereals later. Next you can
introduce vegetables, but avoid legumes (foods in the bean
and pea family) at first, and thennon-citrus fruits and fruit
juices. Meat and protein foods can be added once your child is
8-9 months old.
Foods to avoid until your infant is at least a year old include
cow's milk, citrus fruits and juices, and wheat and egg whites
 until he is two. Also, avoid giving peanuts (as smooth peanut
butter), fish and shellfish until your child is at least three years
old. Whole peanuts and tree nuts should be avoided until your
child is four because of the choke hazard.
When you do introduce new foods, do so slowly and only give
one new food every four to five days. This way, if your child
does have a reaction or allergy, then you will know which
food caused it and you will be able to avoid giving it again.

Four to Five Months

At this age, breast milk or formula is the only food that your
baby needs and he should be taking 4-6 feedings each day
(24-32 ounces), but you can start to familiarize your baby
with the feel of a spoon and introduce solid foods. Cereal is
the first solid you should give your baby and you can mix it
with breast milk, formula or water and feed it to your baby
with a spoon (not in a bottle). Start by feeding one
tablespoon of an iron-fortified Rice cereal at one feeding
and then slowly increase the amount to 3-4 tablespoons
one or two times each day.

Six to Seven Months

While continuing to give 4-5 feedings of breast milk or
formula (24-32 ounces) and 4 or more tablespoons of cereal
each day, you can now start to give well-cooked, strained,
or mashed vegetables or commercially prepared baby
foods. Start with one tablespoon of a mild tasting vegetable,
such as green beans, peas, squash or carrots and gradually
increase to 4-5 tablespoons one or two times each day.
Start fruits about a month after starting vegetables and again,
gradually increase to 4-5 tablespoons one or two times each day. You
can use peeled, cooked, or canned fruits (but only those packed in
light syrup or water) that have been blenderized or strained
You can also begin to offer 2-4 ounces of 100% fruit juices. Start by
mixing one part juice with two parts of water and offer it in a cup.

Eight to Nine Months

While continuing to give 3-4 feedings of breast milk or
formula (24-32 ounces) and 4 or more tablespoons of
cereal, vegetables and fruit one or two times each day, you
can now start to give more protein containing foods. These
include well-cooked, strained or ground plain meats
(chicken, beef, turkey, veal, lamb, boneless fish, or liver),
mild cheese, peanutbutter (this is controversial though), or
egg yolks (no egg whites as there is a high chance of
allergic reactions in infants less than 12 months old). If
using commercially prepared jars of baby food, do not use
vegetables with meat as they have little meat and less
protein and iron than jars with plain meat.
Start with 1-2 tablespoons and increase to 3-4 tablespoons once each
day. If your baby doesn't seem to like to eat plain meat, then you can
mix it with a vegetable that they already like as you offer it.
You can also start to offer soft table foods and finger foods at this
age. Give soft, bite-size pieces of food, such as soft fruit and
vegetable pieces, pastas, graham or saltine crackers, and dry
cheerios, but do not give these foods if the child is going to be
unattended in case of choking.
You can also begin to offer 3-4 ounces of formula or 100% fruit juice
in a cup at this time.

Ten to Twelve Months

Your baby's diet will begin to resemble that of the rest of
the families, with 3 meals and 2 snacks each day and will
include 3-4 feedings of breast milk or formula, iron fortified
cereal (1/4 – 1/2 cup at breakfast), vegetables and fruits
(1/2 cup/jar at lunch and dinner), protein foods (2-4
tablespoons each day), 100% fruit juice (2-6 ounces in a
cup each day), and some finger foods.
It is important to offer a variety of foods to encourage good eating
habits later.

Weaning
There is no set age at which you should wean your baby.
The current recommendations of the American Academy of
Pediatrics is to continue to breast feed until your child is at
least age one. It is also an age when most children can
successfully drink from a cup and is therefore a good time
to wean. You can gradually wean your child from breast
feeding by stopping one feeding every four or five days and
then gradually reducing the amount of nursing when you
are down to one feeding each day.
If you wean before the age of one, then you should introduce an
infant formula and not cow's milk.

Twelve Months and Beyond

You may now give your baby homogenized whole cow's
milk. Do not use 2%, low fat, or skim milk until your child is
2-3 years old.
If using soy milk after your child is a year old, keep in mind that it is
low fat. A toddler soy formula may be a better alternative, or try to
make up for the reduced fat intake from milk in other areas of your
child's diet.
Your child should now want to feed himself with his fingers and a
spoon or fork and should be able to drink out of a cup. The next few
months will be time to stop using a bottle. As with weaning from
breastfeeding, you can wean from a bottle by stopping one bottle
feeding every four or five days and then gradually reducing the
amount in the bottle when you are down to one each day.
Remember that your baby's appetite may decrease and become
pickier over the next few years as his growth rate slows.
Until your child is at least 4 years old, you should avoid foods that
can cause choking, including chewing gum, nuts, raisins, popcorn,
chunks of peanut butter, hard candy, or hard, round foods (such as
chunks of raw carrots, celery, grapes, or hot dogs).
Large amounts of sweet desserts, soft drinks, fruit-flavored drinks,
sugarcoated cereals, chips or candy, should be avoided, as they have
little nutritional value.
Also avoid overfeeding. Do not encourage your child to eat after he
is full, as this can lead to a habit of overeating.
Following these guidelines will help you give your baby the good
nutrition he or she needs to grow up to his or her full potential and a
healthy life.

Pineapple Baby Food Recipes and Tips

Is it time to introduce your baby to pineapple baby food? Find out here and try our tasty baby food recipes with this
tropical fruit!

On this page...
When can my baby eat pineapple?
Pineapple nutrition facts
Choosing pineapple
How to cut and peel a pineapple
Should I buy organic pineapple for my baby?
Pineapple baby food ideas
Pineapple baby food recipes

When can my baby eat pineapple?

Pineapple is not particularly allergenic, so it doesn't need to be avoided for that reason. However, one problem with
pineapple as a baby food is its acidity.

Fresh pineapple and pineapple juice can cause a nastydiaper rash. Even canned pineapple may have a similar
effect, although in our experience the reaction is far more extreme with fresh.
In some cases, the acids in pineapple may even cause a rash around baby's mouth. Generally, this isn't a sign of an
allergic reaction to pineapple (although you should always check with your doctor to be sure) - but it is, instead,
simply baby's delicate skin reacting to the strong acids. Even adults sometimes experience this reaction.
For these reasons, pineapple is NOT appropriate as a first food for baby.
It is far better to introduce it in the latter part of baby's first year (9 months onwards), when his digestive system has
become used to coping with a wider variety of foods.
Even then, it is best to introduce pineapple slowly, a little at a time, mixed into other foods.
Not until you are completely sure that your baby won't react to its acidity should you think about offering chunks of
pineapple to gnaw on. And you should always be VERY careful offering pineapple wedges or chunks - the fruit can
be very fibrous, presenting a possible choking hazard.
SPECIAL NOTE: Pineapple is commonly responsible for flare ups in babies with infant reflux and is best avoided.
Read more about infant reflux and solid foods here....

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Pineapple nutrition facts

Pineapple is a great source of dietary fibre, manganese,vitamin Cand vitamin B1. It has anti-inflammatory properties
and is considered a wonderful aid to digestion. This is thanks to the bromelain it contains - a digestive enzyme that
breaks down protein. In fact, this enzyme is so good at its job that fresh pineapple juice is sometimes used to
tenderize meat!

Note: If you add fresh pineapple to gelatin/jelly, it will not set. This is because the bromelain breaks the gelatin down.
Canned pineapple, however, does NOT contain bromelain, as it is destroyed during processing - therefore, if you
want to make a pineapple jelly for the family, use the canned variety!

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Pineapple Baby Food - Choosing The Fruit

When looking for a pineapple for your baby, see if you can find one labelled 'Extra Sweet' or 'Gold', which won't be as
tart for your little one.
Unlike many other fruits and vegetables, size doesn't matter when it comes to pineapple - large or small, the taste,
texture and nutritional value will be more or less the same. The pineapple should, however, be heavy for its size.
The fruit should be ripe when you buy it, because pineapples don't ripen any further once picked.
You can tell if a pineapple is ripe by sniffing it near the stem - it should smell sweet and pleasant. You can also try
pulling out one of the leaves from the crown - it should come out easily if the fruit is ripe.

Which is best for baby - fresh pineapple or canned?

If you are able to find truly fresh, succulent pineapple than that, of course, is the most nutritious choice for your baby.
However, in areas where fresh pineapple is rarely - if ever - available, then canned pineapple makes an acceptable
alternative. Be sure that the fruit is packed in fruit juice - not syrup. Canned pinepple is less acidic than fresh and
some babies prefer it!
Read more about using canned fruits and veggies in your baby food recipes
WARNING: Never offer unripe pineapple to your baby (or eat it yourself, for that matter). It can cause diarrhea,
vomiting and irritation to the throat.
Pineapple connoisseurs recommend keeping the fruit at room temperature for a couple of days before serving it. This
improves the texture by making it juicier and softer. The pineapple can then be stored in the refrigerator for around 5
days.
Once you've cut the pineapple, store it in an airtight container in the fridge. The flesh can dry out quite quickly, but
you can maintain its juiciness by storing it in water or juice (preferably pineapple juice). It will keep like this for several
days, but - as with all foods intended for baby - we recommend using it within 1 to 2 days.

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How to cut and peel a pineapple

There are two ways of doing this...
METHOD ONE
1. Cut off the stem end and base of the pineapple.
2. Stand it on its end and - using a sharp knife - peel it in long strips down its length.
3. Once you've removed all the skin and 'eyes', turn it on its side and slice it.
4. Cut out the circular core in the centre of each slice.

Handy tip!
Save the pineapple flesh from the base of the fruit for your baby. That's where the sugars are concentrated -
consequently, it will be softer and sweeter.
METHOD TWO(which we find quicker)
1. Cut off the stem end and base of the pineapple.
2. Stand the pineapple on end and cut in half lengthwise.
3. Cut again, crosswise, so the pineapple is now in quarters.
4. Lay each quarter on its side and cut off the core along its length.
5. Using a sharp knife, remove the skin (in the same way as you'd remove the skin from a fish!).

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Should I buy organic pineapple for my baby?

Pineapple does not appear on the Environmental Working Group's list of the fruits and vegetables most likely to be
contaminated by pesticide residues - theDirty Dozen. For one thing, the skin has to be removed - and for another, the
skin's thickness provides an effective defence against the absorption of pesticides.
Read more about pesticide residues and the merits of peeling produce for your baby
It is not important, therefore, to buy organic pineapple.

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Pineapple baby food ideas

Fresh pineapple is yummy when mashed or pureed with...

• banana
• pear
• sweet potato
• cottage cheese
• coconut milk or cream
If the pineapple you are using is particularly tough and hard to mash, try cooking it briefly by steaming or simmering in
a little water or juice until tender.

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Pineapple baby food recipes

Simple pineapple yogurt
1 pineapple ring
pure maple syrup
natural yogurt
Drizzle the pineapple ring with a little maple syrup.
Place under a hot broiler (grill) and cook until it begins to brown.
Turn and repeat on the other side.
Cool until just warm, then puree in a food processor.
Stir into yogurt and serve.
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Super-sweet sweet potato!

1 small sweet potato, peeled and diced
4 fl oz (1/2 cup) soy milk
1 pineapple ring, chopped
pinch cinnamon
1 tsp unsalted butter (optional)
Simmer the sweet potato dice in the soy milk over a low heat, until tender.
Transfer to a bowl and mix with the chopped pineapple and cinnamon.
Check the temperature and serve.
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Pineapple-y Pork
4 oz (1/2 cup) pork loin, chopped
8 fl oz (1 cup) low sodium orhomemade chicken stock
1 small sweet potato, peeled and diced
1 pineapple ring, chopped
Mix the chopped pork and sweet potato dice in a saucepan and pour in the stock.
Bring to the boil, then lower the heat and simmer, covered, for 5 mins.
Add the pineapple and continue to cook until the pork is cooked through and the sweet potato is tender (5 to 10
mins).
Mash or puree, then serve.
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Foil Wrapped Chicken and Pineapple

1/2 chicken breast, bonelss and skinless
1 pineapple ring
1 small apple, peeled, cored and cut into rings
1 tbsp fresh basil, chopped
Preheat the oven to 400 deg F (200 deg C).
Take a square of foil and lay the pineapple ring in the centre.
Place the chicken on top of the pineapple, then lay the apple rings over the top of the chicken.
Sprinkle with the basil.
Bring together the sides of the foil and seal to form a parcel.
Bake for 30-45 mins, until the chicken is cooked through and the juices run clear.
Chop or puree and serve withbrown rice.
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Vegetarian Squash and Pineapple Treat

1/2 acorn squash, seeds removed
1 tsp apple juice
1 tsp pure maple syrup
1 tbsp unsalted butter
1 oz (1/8 cup) crushed pineapple
pinch ground nutmeg
Preheat the oven to 425 deg F (220 deg C).
Place the squash in a greased, lidded baking dish.
In the hollow of the squash, add the apple juice and maple syrup. Rub 2 tsp of the butter into the surface of the
squash.
Bake, covered, for 30 mins.
Remove from oven and, using a spoon, scoop out the flesh of the squash, leaving a shell around 1/4 inch thick.
Place the squash flesh in a bowl and combine with the rest of the butter, the pineapple and the nutmeg.
Mash well.
Return the squash mixture to the shell then bake for a further 15 mins.
Cool and serve (you can use the squash skin as the ultimate organic bowl!).

Read more:http://www.homemade-baby-food-recipes.com/pineapple-baby-food.html#ixzz13Bjd2hX3

Sweet Potato Baby Food Recipes

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These sweet potato baby food recipes will help you easily prepare one of nature's healthiest foods for your little one.

The perfect storage system for your homemade baby food...

Stay Fresh Baby Food Containers

(Read a visitor's review of this product)
NOTE: Please consult your doctor before you introduce these sweet potato baby food recipes, or any new foods, to
your baby. The information given here is for guidance only and does not replace professional medical advice.

On this page...
Sweet potato facts
Are sweet potatoes good for baby?
Choosing and storing sweet potatoes
How to cook sweet potatoes for your baby
Sweet potato as a first food
Recipes

Sweet potato facts

One of the oldest vegetables known to man, sweet potatoes have been eaten since prehistoric times. They were
brought to Europe by Christopher Columbus after his 1492 voyage to the New World and were grown in the southern
United States from around the 16th century.

Sweet potatoes are root vegetables and some people call them "yams", althoughthey are not true yams at all. In
fact, they are not even distantly related to yams, which are bigger, with scaly skin and pale pink flesh.
One theory explaining the confusion is that African people brought to America began calling American sweet potatoes
"nyamis" and the name was taken from there.
Sweet potatoes are available all year round in most places and may have yellow or orange flesh. The skin can be
orange, yellow, red, purple or white. They can be long and fairly thin, or shorter and shaped more like a white potato.
Some sweet potatoes are very soft and moist when cooked and others can be somewhat drier - we find that the white
variety can be quite dry, for example, but has a distinctive, earthy flavour.

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Sweet potato baby food recipes - are sweet potatoes good for babies?
Absolutely - in fact, experts have ranked them the "number one healthiest vegetable"... so we should all be eating
them as often as possible!

Sweet potatoes are an excellent source of vitamin A (from beta-carotene) and a very good source ofvitamin Cand
manganese. They also contain vitamin B6, potassium,iron, copper, dietary fiber and manganese.
The "orange nose" phenomenon...
Your baby's body uses the beta-carotene in sweet potatoes to make vitamin A, which is essential for cell growth,
good vision and also has an *antioxidant effect.
But your baby only converts as much beta-carotene to vitamin A as he needs - the rest is deposited in his skin and is
responsible for the orange hue (particularly around the nose) often seen in babies who eat lots of yellow or orange
veggies.
This side effect is harmless and will fade as your baby begins to enjoy a wider variety of foods (although you should
consult your doctor if you are at all concerned, or if the whites of your baby's eyes appear yellow).
Sweet potatoes with dark orange flesh are richer in beta-carotene than yellower varieties.
*What are antioxidants?
Antioxidants rid the body of of free radicals which damage the body's cells in later life and contribute to conditions like
heart disease and cancer.
By preparing these sweet potato baby food recipes for your little one, you are getting him off to a very
healthy start!

Sweet potato baby food recipes - tips for choosing and storing your sweet potatoes
When choosing sweet potatoes for your baby, look for ones that are firm, with no bruises or cracks. Medium sized
ones tend to have the best texture - large ones can sometimes be stringy.

Don't store your sweet potatoes in the refrigerator...

...it ruins their flavour and can make them tough. Instead, keep them in a cool, dark place with plenty of air - NOT in a
plastic bag. Don't leave them anywhere too warm, as they will sprout.
Stored properly, sweet potatoes will keep for 7-10 days.

Can't get fresh sweet potatoes?

Find out about using canned vegetables in your baby food recipes

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Sweet potato baby food recipes - how to cook sweet potatoes for your baby
Sweet potatoes can be cooked in just about any way you can think of! Here are the best methods to use when
cooking sweet potato for your baby...

• Baking.This is oh-so-easy! Pre-heat your oven to 375 deg F, 190 deg C. Scrub the potato, prick it with a
fork and bake it for around 45 mins, until it feels soft. Cool briefly, then split the skin and scoop out the soft
flesh.
• Boiling.Peel and cut the sweet potato into chunks. Use just enough water to cover the potato, then cover
the pot and bring to the boil. Reduce the heat, then simmer until tender. Drain straight away, or the pieces
will become mushy and watery.
• Steaming.Place peeled sweet potato cubes on a steamer rack over a pan containing around an inch of
water. Cover and bring the water to a boil. Reduce the heat and steam for 10-12 mins.
• Microwave.Pierce a whole sweet potato with a fork, then place on a paper towel and microwave on high for
around 5 mins. Allow the potato to stand for a further 5 mins - it will continue to cook during this time and will
soften considerably.
• Having a barbecue?Then just wrap a sweet potato in foil and place it in the coals to cook. It will take
around 45 mins... and is a great way for your baby to join in the party!

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Sweet potato baby food recipes - sweet potato as a first food

Readers' pics...
Marley Loves Sweet Potatoes

This was Marley's first solid food after rice cereal and she loves it!!
Jami - RSM, CA
Send in your baby food photograph!

The most popular first food for babies has traditionally been infant rice cereal, but more and more parents are looking
for alternatives. Many question the nutritional value of infant cereal and others find that it leads toconstipation.
Read more in our article -Is Rice Cereal the Best First Food for Baby?
Sweet potato is gaining in popularity as an excellent first food from 6 months of age (or earlier if your pediatrician
recommendsintroducing solids at 4 to 6 months).
It isvery easy to digest, rich in nutrients and is not associated with the constipation commonly found in infants newly
introduced to solids.
And, of course, it is delicious - with a subtle sweetness babies love!
You can use any of the cooking methods above to prepare sweet potato as a first food for your baby, although baking
the potato in its skin is the easiest!
If the potato you use is particularly moist and your baby is at least 6 months of age (read more about deciding when
your baby isready for solids), then it may not even require pureeing or thinning. Simply mashing the cooked potato
with a fork should suffice.
If the potato seems a little dry or "stodgy", then you can thin it with a little cooking water, formula or breast milk.

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Homemade baby food equipment...

Homemade baby food accessories

Hand blenders for creating perfect purees for baby

Recommended baby food processors, mills and grinders

Sweet potato baby food recipes

Simple first meals

Sweet potato freezes well, so you can make these dishes in "bulk" andstore them in your freezer.
After following thefour day rule, try combining sweet potato with
 • butternut squash
• carrots
• bananas
• homemade applesauce
You can also add a dash of cinnamon to these tasty sweet potato baby food recipes to give them a little extra "zing"!
If your baby objects to the sweetness of sweet potatoes, a good tip is to try stirring in a little naturalyogurtto
counteract it.

Sweet potato and melon mash

8 oz (1 cup) cooked sweet potato, diced
8 oz (1 cup) cantaloupemelon, diced
2 oz (1/4 cup) natural yogurt
In afood processor, blend together the melon and sweet potato. Add the yogurt and blend for a further 30 secs.
Sprinkle with a little powdered ginger (optional) and refrigerate.
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Main meals from 6 months+

Sweet potato and plantain soup

1 sweet potato, peeled and sliced
1 green plantain, peeled and sliced
little olive oil
1 small onion, chopped very finely
1 clove of garlic, crushed
16 fl oz (2 cups)homemade chicken stock
1 bay leaf
4 fl oz (1/2 cup) milk - you can usecow's milk, or stick to breast milk or formula if you prefer
Saute the garlic and onions in the olive oil until tender, then add the plantain and cook until browned all over.
Pour in the chicken stock, then add the bay leaf and bring to the boil.
Add the sweet potatoes.
Reduce the heat and simmer until the vegetables are tender (this should take around 20-25 mins).
Cool briefly, then blend in afood processoruntil nice and creamy (take the bay leaf out first!).
Return the mixture to the pan, then stir in the milk.
Simmer gently for a further 10 mins, then serve!
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Sweet and white potato mash

1white baking potato, peeled and diced
1 sweet potato, peeled and diced
1 clove of garlic, minced
1 oz (1/8 cup) unsalted butter
2 fl oz (1/4 cup) milk - use breast milk or formula if you wish)
tiny pinch of freshly ground black pepper
2 oz grated Cheddarcheese
Pre-heat your oven to 350 deg F, 180 deg C.
Put the white and sweet potatoes into a saucepan and cover with water.
Bring to the boil then cook for around 20 mins, uncovered, until tender.
Drain the potatoes, then place them in a bowl and mash with the garlic, butter, black pepper and milk.
Place in a baking dish and top with the cheese.
Bake for around 30 mins, until nice and brown.
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Sweet potato pasta sauce

little olive oil
1/2 small onion, chopped
1 clove of garlic, crushed
1 small sweet potato, peeled and cut into cubes
4 fl oz (1/2 cup) milk (use breast milk or formula if you wish)
Saute the onion and garlic in the oil over a low heat until tender.
Add the sweet potato and enough water to just cover it, then bring to a boil.
Reduce the heat, then simmer very gently for 20 mins.
Cool, then place in a food processor with the milk and blend well.
Serve over cooked pasta.
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Readers' pics...

This is the sweet potato pasta sauce recipe over Barilla Ditalini pasta. I prepare it and freeze it in a mini loaf pan for
my daughter, who is now 13 months old. I use an ice pick to break the loaves in half after they are frozen for perfect
sized portions. They break very easily even though they are frozen solid.
Andrea - Emmitsburg, MD, USA
Send in your baby food photograph!

Sweet potato baby food recipes - finger food ideas

This versatile veggie makes a greatfinger food, too - and it still tastes great when it's cold!

For a quick and easy sweet potato finger food, simply dice cooled sweet potato, then dust with cinnamon. These little
cubes will be soft enough for your baby to mash with his gums.
Alternatively, try these sweet potato baby food recipes for little fingers...
Sweet potato hash browns
little olive oil
3 tbsp onion, diced very finely
1/2 clove garlic, crushed
1 sweet potato, medium size
little pinch of freshly ground black pepper
Peel the potato, then shred it with a coarse grater.
Heat the oil, then saute the onion for a couple of minutes until it begins to soften.
Add the rest of the ingredients, then press the mixture into little "patties".
Cook for 5 mins on one side, then turn carefully and cook for 5 to 10 mins on the other.
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Sweet potato fries

1 sweet potato, medium size
2 tsp cinnamon
olive oil cooking spray
Peel the potato.
Cut it into "fries" - around 1/4in thick and 4in long.
Put the strips in a bowl and spray very lightly with the oil.
Sprinkle on the cinnamon, then toss together.
Line a baking sheet with foil and place your sweet potato fries on it in a single layer.
Bake at 350 deg F, 180 deg C for around 45 mins.
These fries go very nicely with ourhomemade applesauce.
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Baby pizza with sweet potato base

8 oz (1 cup) warm, cooked sweet potato
2 oz (1/4 cup) unsalted butter
4 oz (1 cup) flour
grated mozzarellacheese
2-3 ripe, plum tomatoes (optional)
toppings of your choice
Mash the cooked sweet potato with the butter until completely smooth.
Add the flour and blend thoroughly, until the mixture resembles a soft dough.
Form the dough into a circular pizza base, or make smaller, 'baby size' bases.
Your base(s) are now ready to top with whatever your baby enjoys!
A tomato sauce is not essential, but if you'd like to include one, you can make a simple tomato sauce by chopping the
fresh plum tomatoes and cooking in a little olive oil until tender. For a more robust flavour, add a little oregano and 1-
2 tsp tomato puree/paste (learn more about using tomatoes in your baby food recipes here). Spread over the base,
leaving a little dough exposed all the way around.
Next, sprinkle the base with grated cheese (mozarella is very mild - for more flavour, use a mixture of mozzarella and
grated Cheddar).
Then, add whatever your baby enjoys. Some suggestions include
chopped red or greenbell pepper
choppedmushrooms
lean ground beef
finely chopped broccoli
chopped, cooked chicken
crumbled, extra firmtofu
Don't pile the toppings too high, as the ones at the bottom won't cook/heat properly and the cheese on the base won't
melt.
Finally, cover the toppings with another handful of cheese and bake for 10-15 mins at 375 deg F (190 deg C), until
the cheese has melted and is faintly golden. Cool to a safe temperature and serve.

Read more:http://www.homemade-baby-food-recipes.com/sweet-potato-baby-food-recipes.html#ixzz13BjtVQME

Okra Baby Food Ideas -

How to Prepare This Weird and
Wonderful Veggie For Your Little One
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Okra is available fresh, frozen or canned in many supermarkets around the world. In fact, you may have even
seen those strange, little green pods in the produce aisle and wondered what on earth they were! Okra originates
from Africa and is known by various names, including gumbo and - in the UK - Lady's Fingers.

Some people love okra - it's eaten virtually on a daily basis in parts of India and enjoyed breaded and deep fried in
many southern States of America.
But there are many people that dislike okra with a passion - although it's NOT usually because of the flavour! When
cooked, okra exudes what can only be described as a 'gooey' substance - and this sliminess turns many people off!
But the 'goo-iness' (or, to use the correct term, mucilage) has a couple of benefits that might be worth considering!

What does okra actually taste like?

That's a very hard question to answer! It has a very delicate flavour and is often compared to eggplant (aubergine),
zucchini (courgette), asparagus and green beans! And whilst we can see why people have made those comparisons,
it doesn't exactly taste like any of them! Okra really does have a flavour all of its own that's very hard to define
(although not at all unpleasant).

When can my baby eat okra?

Okra is not listed as a common allergen, although, of course, ANY food can cause an allergic reaction and its always
wise to be careful and check with your doctor before introducing new foods to your baby.

However, we don't recommend okra as a first food for babies.

Why?
Well, it's doesn't puree to a particularly smooth texture - the skins tend to go 'bitty' and the abundant seeds inside the
pods may present a challenge to younger babies.
For older babies (around 10 months to one year and beyond), okra makes a great addition to soups and stews.
Remember that 'goo-iness' we mentioned? Well, that acts as a natural thickening agent - and the taste of the okra
itself is so mild that, when mixed with other ingredients, it really just takes on the main flavour of the dish.

So is okra good for my baby?

Yes, it's a good source ofvitamin C, vitamin A,vitamin K, vitamin B1,calcium,iron, folates and fibre.

What's more, its high fibre content makes it a good food for relievingconstipation- and it does so very gently. This is
because the mucilage we referred to earlier adds a certain 'sliminess' to baby's stools, making them easier to pass.
We told you there were benefits to that goo!

Tips for buying and storing okra

When buying fresh okra, look for velvety, young pods no longer than 4 inches. Longer pods can be very tough and
woody - not at all pleasant to eat! The pods should be free of bruising and - whilst they SHOULD be tender - they
shouldn't be soft.

Don't wash okra unless you plan to use it immediately, or it will turn slimy and start to rot very quickly. Keep okra in
the fridge in a paper bag - it's best eaten on the day of purchase but will keep for a maximum of 2-3 days.

To prepare okra...
Always wash okra before use, under cold running water.

It can be eaten raw - some people add it to salads - but we wouldn't recommend serving raw okra to your baby. It
may be cooked whole, but when adding it to baby food, we suggest 'topping and tailing' it, then cutting it crosswise
into slices.
It doesn't have to be peeled, but sometimes the skins can be a little tough and some people like to remove the top
layer with a very sharp knife.
To cook okra by itself, just place it in a pan with a little water, bring to the boil, then reduce the heat and simmer,
covered, for 3-5 minutes until tender (yes, okra cooks very quickly).
It may also be sauted in a little oil and tastes wonderful with the addition of a little ginger!

Okra baby food recipes

Aside from adding it to stews, casseroles and soup, you can try using okra in recipes calling foreggplant (aubergine)-
it makes a great substitute.

Alternativley, try our recipes below - please note that they both contain tomatoes, another ingredient that many
parents choose to introduce towards the end of baby's first year as tomatoes sometimes causediaper/nappy rash.

Easy Okra Bake

1 lb (2 cups) okra, sliced
1 large tomato, chopped
1 small onion, chopped
1 smallred bell pepper, chopped
pinch freshly ground black pepper (optional)
3 oz (3/4 cup) fresh whole wheat breadcrumbs
2 oz (1/2 cup) gratedCheddar cheese
Preheat the oven to 400 def F (200 deg C).
Grease a small oven proof dish and spread the okra in a layer at the bottom.
Sprinkle with a little olive oil, then add all the other veggies.
Cover loosely with foil and bake for 45 mins, until tender.
Remove the foil and top with the breadcrumbs mixed with the cheese.
Return to the oven and cook until the top is golden brown and the cheese has melted.
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Mild Okra and Sweet Potato Curry

1 small onion, diced
1 garlic clove, crushed
2 medium tomatoes, chopped
pinch of turmeric
pinch of cinnamon
one small sweet potato, diced
3-4 okra pods, topped, tailed and sliced
Saute the onions and garlic in a little oil until tender.
Add the turmeric and cinnamon and stir well. Add a little water if the mixture seems very dry.
Add the tomatoes and mix thoroughly.
Stir in the sweet potato dice, then cover and simmer for 20 minutes. Again, if the mixture seems dry, just add a little
more water.
Add the sliced okra and re-cover.
Cook for a further 5 mins... and baby's curry is ready!
Serve with rice, nan bread or roti and top with a blob ofnatural yogurt!

Read more:http://www.homemade-baby-food-recipes.com/okra-baby-food.html#ixzz13Bk92Rha

Tomato Baby Food Recipes and Tips

Welcome to our Tomato Baby Food Recipes section, where we answer all your questions about when and how to
introduce tomatoes to your little one.

Tomatoes are one of those foods that you may be unsure about giving to your baby. You've probably heard that they
are allergenic and should be avoided - yet you've probably seen jars of baby food in the grocery store that are made
with tomato (particularly 'pasta dinners').

So let's look at justwhysome resources suggest avoiding tomatoes - and how to cook them for your baby when it's
time to include them in his menu!

On this page...
When can my baby eat tomatoes?
The nutritional value of tomatoes
Choosing and storing tomatoes
Tomato baby food recipes and ideas
When can my baby eat tomatoes?
The general 'rule' is to wait until late in baby's first year - from around 10 months of age - to introduce tomatoes.

The reason for this is that tomatoes sometimes cause skin reactions in babies. The most common seems to bediaper
rash(or nappy rash) following a meal containing tomatoes - but some parents also find that they can cause a rash
around baby's mouth.
Tomatoes are quite acidic, so these reactions may be a result of this acidity - or they could be due to a tomato
intolerance, which may also cause wheezing or vomiting. True tomato allergy - which can be life threatening - is
actually quite rare, although a proper diagnosis can only be made by your child's doctor.
You should - of course - seek advice from a medical professional before introducing tomatoes to your baby and if you
are concerned that he may be experiencing any type of reaction to tomatoes.
Some asthma sufferers report that their symptoms are made worse by eating tomatoes- so you may well
choose to introduce them later rather than sooner if your little one has any existing respiratory issues.
Tomatoes are also sometimes blamed foreczemaflare-ups and - because of their acidity - may also aggravateinfant
reflux. If your baby has either of these conditions, be sure to discuss your concerns carefully with your child's doctor.
Remember to follow thefour day rulewhen introducing tomatoes, so that you will be able to quickly identify them as
the cause should your baby experience any adverse reaction or digestive issues.
WE DON'T RECOMMEND OFFERING RAW TOMATOES TO YOUR BABY.
An interesting point about reactions to tomatoes - particularly reactions in the skin - is that they tend to be caused
more often byrawtomatoes than cooked. This is probably because the protein responsible for the reaction breaks
down during the cooking process. In fact, thereareindividuals who have to completely avoid raw tomatoes, but who
can enjoy pasta sauces and other foods containing processed tomatoes.
Furthermore, some people may react to certain types of tomatoes and not others, although you should check with
your doctor before offering a different variety of tomato if your baby has already reacted badly to one particular type.
Some babies may enjoy tomatoes earlier than 10 months of age...
In fact, we are big pasta fans and our little ones have always been introduced to tomato based pasta sauces from
around 7 months of age. It is, of course, for you and your doctor to decide when is the most appropriate time to
introduce tomatoes to YOUR little one, particularly if he is at an increased risk of food allergy (if there is a family
history of allergy, for example) or if he suffers from any of the conditions mentioned above.

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The nutritional value of tomatoes

It almost goes without saying that tomatoes are a healthy addition to baby's diet and contain many nutrients,
including...

• vitamin A (from beta-carotene)

• vitamin B
• vitamin C
• vitamin K
• fibre
• iron
• potassium
Tomatoes are also a rich source of anti-oxidants - and one anti-oxidant in particular, lycopene, has been proven to be
extremely useful to the human body!
Lycopene helps provide protection against serious diseases like cancer and heart disease - and it has also been
shown by theBritish Society for Investigative Dermatologyto offer protection against the sun's harmful UV rays.
And here's a great bonus for us parents...the same research demonstrated that regularly consuming tomatoes boosts
your levels of a molecule called procollagen, which keep the skin firm and helps prevent wrinkles!
Besides the fact that cooked tomatoes are less likely to cause any unwelcome reactions, it's also worth
noting that your little one can absorb the lycopene much more easily from cooked tomatoes than from raw.
Because the concentration of lycopene is intensified by processing, experts recommend products like tomato paste,
tomato sauce, canned tomatoes, tomato puree and even ketchup as particularly rich sources (although tests have
shown that organic ketchup is better!).
Whilst we're not suggesting that you slather your baby's meals with ketchup, it's useful to know for the future that -
unusually - processing actually makes THIS particular food MORE nutritious!
NOTE: If using canned tomatoes, look for those that include peel, as their nutritional value will be higher.
Try serving tomatoes with fatty foods...
...likeavocado, olive oil or fatty fish (e.g. tuna and salmon).
Why?
Because the lycopene in the tomatoes is fat soluble - meaning that it is more easily absorbed into the body when
served along with these healthy fats!
Tomatoes help your baby absorb more iron from other foods....
This is because they are rich in vitamin C, a nutrient that aidsironabsorption. What's more, cooking tomatoes and
meat (a good source of iron) in an iron cooking pot boosts the iron content of the food even more. This is due to the
acidity of the tomatoes, which 'draws' the iron from the pot and into the food.
WARNING
DON'T cook tomatoes in aluminium cookware. Their acidity will cause the aluminium to migrate into the food, which -
unlike iron - is NOT a healthy addition.

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Choosing and storing tomatoes for your baby food recipes

There are so many varieties of tomato available - from little cherry tomatoes to huge beefsteak tomatoes - that it
might be difficult to decide on the best type for your little one!

We like to use sweet-tasting tomatoes in our baby food recipes and to avoid tart ones altogether - so we often cook
with grape tomatoes (which we think are the sweetest of all) or cherry tomatoes.
Our little ones enjoy plum tomatoes, too, which have a great texture for cooking and make really rich and tasty
sauces!
If possible, buy 'vine ripened' tomatoes.It's not just a marketing gimmick - theyareactually much tastier, because
they've been allowed to ripen naturally, as opposed to 'regular' tomatoes, which are often picked when still green and
treated with ethylene gas to ripen them. Unsurprisingly, this unnatural intereference leaves them sorely lacking - in
taste AND texture - whereas vine-ripened tomatoes are sweet and bursting with flavour!
Look for deep, red tomatoes (which are visibly packed with those wonderful lycopenes), with a medium-firm texture
and no blemishes.
If you can't find ripe tomatoes, then ripen them yourself at home by placing them in a brown paper bag - if you throw
in another piece of fruit (like a banana or an apple) then they will ripen even faster. Do NOT place them in the sun to
ripen.
Whether ripe or unripe, always store your tomatoes at room temperature - not in the fridge. Refrigerating tomatoes
stops the ripening process and adversely affects both their flavour AND their texture.
Once ripe, tomatoes should keep for several days.

How to peel a tomato

We prefer to leave the skins on the tomatoes we use in our baby food recipes - partly because they add nutritional
value... and partly because it's easier! They become extremely soft during cooking and our little ones have always
managed them without difficulty.
That being said, we use organic tomatoes, which we really recommend if you can get them! They always seem to
taste better and there are no worries about pesticide residues or wax (please see this page for more information
-Should I Peel Fruits and Vegetables for Baby?).
If you DO choose to peel tomatoes for use in your baby food recipes, there are several methods you can use.
1. Boil a small pan of water. Lower in your tomatoes - 2 at a time - and boil for 15-30 seconds. Plunge into a bowl of
cold water, then pierce with a knife. The skins will slide right off.(Note: Don't boil the tomatoes for any longer than 30
seconds, or they will begin to cook. This means they'll turn mushy - and be even harder to peel!).
2. Put the tomato on to a fork and hold it in an open gas flame, turning slowly unitl it's charred all over. Remove from
the flame and cool - and the skins should come off easily!
3. Use a 'purpose built' soft skin peeler.

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Tomato baby food recipes

A simple tomato sauce made from fresh tomatoes is easy to prepare and can be used for all sorts of things, from a
sauce for pasta to a topping or dip for cooked veggies!You can make a very basic sauceby merely sauteing fresh,
chopped tomatoes in olive oil until they 'break down' - and you can pep it up a little by adding some fresh, chopped
basil. Delicious!

Here's a slightly more sophisticated method we use that brings out the sweetness of the tomatoes and garlic and
tastes sublime...
From our blog...
Homemade tomato puree
More tomatoes please!

Homemade Oven Roasted Tomato Sauce

6 plum tomatoes
1 bulb garlic (unpeeled)
1 onion
olive oil
2 tbsp chopped, fresh basil
Preheat the oven to 400 deg F, 200 deg C.
Cut the tomatoes in half lengthwise and squeeze gently to remove the seeds.
Place in a shallow baking tray and drizzle with olive oil.
Cut the top off the garlic bulb (so you can just see the garlic inside the cloves) and place next to the tomatoes. Drizzle
with olive oil.
Peel the onion, cut into wedges and toss in olive oil. Place in the baking tray with the tomatoes and garlic.
Bake for around 45 mins to 1 hour, until the onion is tender and the tomatoes are completely soft and broken down
Place the tomatoes and onion in a blender and squeeze in the garlic (which should now be creamy) from each clove.
Add as much or as little as your baby will enjoy. Blend until smooth.
Before serving, stir in a little extra olive oil and the fresh, chopped basil.
Serve with pasta, or as a delicious tomato base for pizza (we have a wonderful recipe for a sweet potato pizza base
on ourSweet Potato Baby Food Recipespage).
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Oven Roasted Tomato Soup

Rather than using a separate recipe, we prepare a tasty soup by using our homemade oven roasted tomato sauce! A
real time-saver is to double the quantities shown above, then use half the sauce for the soup and the other half as a
pasta sauce (it freezes very well, so there's no need to use everything all at once!).
Making the soup requires a slight adjustment to the recipe shown above... when blending the ingredients in the food
processor, add enough low sodium or homemade chicken stock to achieve the desired consistency.
We then like to add a little cream to create a smooth and appealing texture!

Simple Stuffed Tomato

1 medium tomato
2 small, cooked broccoli florets
2 tsp grated Cheddar cheese
2 heaped tsp fresh, whole wheat breadcrumbs
1/2 tsp chopped, fresh parsley
2 tsp grated Parmesan cheese
1 tbsp apple juice
Preheat the oven to 350 deg F (180 deg C).
Cut off the top of the tomato and scoop out the flesh with a spoon, leaving the 'shell' intact.
Turn upside down, place on a kitchen towel and set aside for 30 mins - this drains out the excess moisture.
Meanwhile, chop the broccoli finely. Mix with the cheese, breadcrumbs, parsley and apple juice.
Fill the tomato shell with the mixture and top with the Parmesan cheese. Bake for around 30 mins, until the tomato is
tender and the cheese is golden.

Read more:http://www.homemade-baby-food-recipes.com/tomato-baby-food.html#ixzz13BkHw4IH
 Potato Baby Food Recipes and Ideas
These potato baby food recipes and ideas will help you transform the humble white potato into delicious dishes your
baby will love!
NOTE: Please consult your doctor before you
introduce these potato baby food recipes, or any
new foods, to your baby. The information given here
is for guidance only and does not replace
professional medical advice.

On this page...
Nutrition information
When can my baby eat potato?
Choosing and storing potatoes
What type of potato should I use in my baby food recipes?
Potato baby food ideas
Recipes

Nutrition information
Everyone knows that sweet potatoes are one of the healthiest veggies around, meaning that they are often used in
recipes in place of white potatoes.

But - whilst white potatoes do not match up to sweet potatoes in terms of nutritional value - they do still provide some
important dietary elements.
Potatoes are a good source ofvitamin C, vitamin B6 (which supports the formation of almost all the new cells in your
baby's body) and potassium.
They also contain fibre,iron, folates, riboflavin, thiamin, niacin, zinc and magnesium!
As with many other veggies and fruits, the nutritional value of potato is maximized by leaving the skin on.

Handy tip...
When peeling potatoes for your baby food recipes, remove the thinnest layer of skin possible.
Although the skin is a good source of nutrients, a great many of them reside just under the skin, too!
Of course, potato skin may be difficult for younger babies to chew or gum (although the tender skins of new potatoes
will sometimes mash up quite well!). Plus, the large amount of fibre that potato skins provide may be a littletoomuch
for the digestive systems of younger babies to handle. But - once your baby is coping well with a variety of foods -
you may like to leave the skin on in some of your homemade potato baby food recipes (see the recipe for homemade
potato fries below).
Learn more about the pros and cons of peeling fruits and vegetables for your baby
CARBOHYDRATES
Potatoes are packed with carbohydrates. Carbs tend to get a bad rap - but the carbohydrates in potatoes arecomplex
carbs- the 'goodies' of the carbohydrate world! They are the primary source of fuel, helping to feed the brain and
providing power to those little muscles!
The carbohydrates in potatoes contain something called 'resistant starch' - so named because it resists being
digested on its way to the large intestine! Once there, it acts like fibre, in that it lowers cholesterol and helps guard
against colon cancer. It also gives a satisfying feeling of fullness, which is probably why potatoes are a popular
comfort food!
Unfortunately, the health benefits of potatoes tend to be negated by the unhealthy methods used to cook them (think
deep frying!) or the toppings that are added to them (think tons of melted cheese, sour cream and bacon!). And this is
a shame, because potato cooked healthily can STILL be delicious, as your little one is about to discover!
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When can my baby eat potato?

Potatoes are rarely responsible for allergic reactions and this - along with their relatively neutral flavour - makes them
suitable as a first food. Remember that the American Academy of Pediatrics, World Health Organization and other
medical authorities do not recommend introducing solid foods until your baby is AT LEAST 6 months of age (you can
read more about introducing solids here).

Choosing and storing potatoes

Choose firm potatoes to use in your potato baby food recipes, with nice smooth skins and no cracks or wrinkles.

Green or sprouting potatoes

We recommend avoiding potatoes that are sprouting. Some sources say they are safe to eat if you cut out the
sprouts, although others suggest they may be harmful. For potatoes destined to become baby food, we'd rather not
take the risk and give sprouting potatoes a miss.
Potatoes that are green, however, seem to have greater potential for harm. The green colour develops when the
potatoes are exposed to light and is caused by higher chlorophyll levels. But it could also be an indication that the
potato is high in chaconine and solanine. These are alkaloids which, when consumed, may lead to diarrhea, nausea
and vomiting. It's possible that these alkaloids may also be present in sprouted potatoes.
Do remember that - even though these substances may not affect the adults in the family - they may have a greater
effect on your baby.
Try choosing muddy potatoes from the store rather than ones that look as if they've been washed. We notice that
they keep for longer, possibly because the earth is protecting the skins from the light.

Handy tip...
Potatoes start turning brown once they're cut. To avoid this, cut them just before use OR place your cut potatoes in a
bowl of cold water.

Potato storage tips to avoid sprouting/green discolouration

Unless you buy them loose (recommended), potatoes tend to come in plastic bags. Keeping your potatoes in plastic
bags is one of the quickest ways to encourage them to rot - so empty them out as soon as you get home and transfer
them to a cloth bag, preferably made from natural fibres.

Keep the bag in a cool, dark, well ventilated place... but not the fridge!
Why?
Because the starch in the potatoes will turn to sugar, adversely affecting the flavour.
Stored properly, mature potatoes can last for up to 2 months.

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What type of potato should I use in my baby food recipes?

What are 'new' potatoes?
New potatoes are simply regular potatoes harvested earlier than the rest of the crop!
There are many varieties of potato worldwide, with brown, yellow - or even purple - skin! (We actually posted about
the purple varietyhere on our blog).
Potatoes are fairly interchangeable in recipes. For the most part, you can use any type of potato in any dish - but
there are definitely certain types of potato that lend themselves better to some recipes than others.
That's because different varieties of potatoes tend to vary from a 'waxy' texture to a 'floury' one.
Waxy potatoes are somewhat moist and translucent in appearance and hold their shape during cooking. Examples of
waxy potatoes include Charlotte and Maris Peer.
Floury potatoes contain more starch than waxy ones and this gives them their drier, more granular texture. They don't
keep their shape well during cooking, making them ideal for fluffy mashed potato! Examples of floury potatoes include
Russets, King Edwards, Maris Piper and Desiree.

At a glance...
The best potatoes for boiling and steaming:

Yukon Gold, Estima, Round White, Osprey, Charlotte, Viking

The best potatoes for roasting:
King Edward, Maris Piper, Desiree
The best potatoes for jacket potatoes (baked in their skins):
Russet, Estima, King Edward
The best potatoes for mashing:
Russet, Yukon Gold, Caribe, Saxon
The best potatoes for potato salad:
Charlotte, Round White, red skinned, Maris Peer
The best potatoes for pureeing:
Fingerling

Potato puree
We don't actually recommend pureeing potatoes (with the exception of the delicate Fingerling potatoes, which are
actually quite good pureed!).

The reason for this is that pureed potato tends to have the consistency of glue - unappetizing, to say the least.
Mashing is a far better method of preparation and gives a texture that most babies can cope with very well.
However, the relative blandness of potato means it's not always ideal served alone - in fact, our little ones have
always gagged on plain potato! It's best when paired up with another pureed or mashed vegetable.

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Potato baby food ideas

• Make a finger food for even the youngest self-feeders by boiling new potatoes with a little fresh mint or dill
until fork tender, then cooling and cutting into dice.
• Make an eye-catching and nutritious dish by swirling cooked sweet potato and white potato together.
• Mash cooked potato with hot milk (use breast milk or formula if you prefer) and add a little roasted garlic for
a simple yet tasty version of mashed potato.
• Simmer peeled, diced potatoes in low sodium or homemadechicken stockorvegetable stock, with a clove of
garlic thrown in for an interesting and savoury flavour. Serve it 'as is' for older babies or mash well for
younger ones.
• Mash warm, cooked potato withcream cheese, cottage cheese or ricottafor an extra helping of all-
importantcalcium.
• Fill an icing bag with pureed mash potato. Pipe out designs for your baby on to a greased baking sheet.
Cook at 400 deg F (200 deg C) until golden.
 • Mash potato withbutternut squash,carrotorswede (rutabaga). Pair up mashed potato with more watery
purees, such aszucchini (courgette)- it will thicken them nicely. Add a chunk of cooked potato to any puree
you make for your baby that needsthickening.
• Mix mashed potato with a little unsalted butter, warm milk, a tablespoon of cooked, boneless, white fish and
a tablespoon of grated Cheddar cheese for a simple fish pie.
• Steam waxy potato dice, then toss with olive oil and fresh, chopped chives and parsley.

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Homemade baby food equipment...

Homemade baby food accessories

Hand blenders for creating perfect purees for baby

Recommended baby food processors, mills and grinders

Potato baby food recipes

Save time in the kitchen...
You can save loads of time by cooking a lot of jacket potatoes all in one go (and to speed up THEIR cooking time,
push a metal skewer through them - they'll cook up to 25% faster).
The day you cook them, serve jacket potatoes for dinner ('flesh' only for younger babies).
The next day, slice up one of the cooked potatoes and saute the slices in a little olive oil until golden for a tasty finger
food.
On the third day, mash the potato flesh with a little unsalted butter and natural yogurt!
And don't forget the skins...
Sprinkle with Parmesan cheese, place under the grill/broiler until the cheese has melted and serve with a natural
yogurt dip to older family members.

Potato baby food recipes - Simple Root Veggie Mash

1 medium potato, peeled and cubed
1 mediumcarrot, peeled and sliced
1 medium parsnip, peeled and sliced
low sodium or homemadechickenorvegetablestock
Place the prepared vegetables in a small saucepan and just cover with the stock.
Simmer until all the vegetables are fork tender (5-10 mins).
Mash thoroughly or - if you want it completely smooth - puree in a food processor.
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Potato baby food recipes - Super Stuffed Baked Potato

1 medium potato (Russets or King Edwards are best)
1 clove garlic
3 spring onions (scallions or green onions), chopped
fresh herbs
2 tsp olive oil
2 tsp unsalted butter
Heat the oil and butter in a small frying pan/skillet.
Saute the onions with the garlic until tender. Remove from the heat.
Using an apple corer, remove the centre of the potato as you would with an apple. Save the piece of potato you
remove.
Fill the cavity in the potato with the onion/garlic mixture and fresh herbs. Use two pieces of the potato you cut from
the middle to make 'lids' for either end of the potato.
Push in the 'lids', then wrap the potato in foil.
Bake at 400 deg F (200 deg C) for 1 to 1 1/2 hours, until tender.
Remove the foil, then halve the potato and scoop out the flesh.
Mash well for a delicious potato dish that's infused with flavour!
You can also add cooked meat - or anything else your baby loves - to the 'stuffing' before baking.
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Potato baby food recipes - Cheesy Potato Veggie Soup

1 lb potatoes (Russets are ideal), peeled and cubed
2 oz (1/4 cup) sweet potato, peeled and cubed
1 tbsp butter
2 spring onions (scallions or green onions), sliced
1 clove garlic, chopped
1 tbsp flour
4 fl oz (1/2 cup) milk
2 oz (1/2 cup) grated cheese
Place the cubed white and sweet potatoes in a saucepan and pour in 4 fl oz (1/2 cup) water.
Simmer until tender.
Using a slotted spoon, remove around half of the cooked potatoes and set aside. Pour the remaining potatoes and
cooking water into a blender and puree until smooth.
Melt the butter in a saucepan and cook the onion and garlic until tender.
Stir in the flour, then slowly add the milk, creating a sauce.
Stir in the pureed veggies, cooked potato dice and cheese into the sauce.
Baby's soup is ready!
You can experiment with the quantities used to create a thick or thin texture to suit your baby's preferences.
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Potato baby food recipes - Baby's Creamy Potato Salad

2 medium potatoes (preferably Charlotte, Maris Peer or Nicola), peeled and diced
1 Hassavocado, skin and pit removed
1 tbsp naturalyogurt
Steam or boil the potato dice until tender.
Mash the avocado well and stir in the yogurt.
Combine the avocado/yogurt mixture with the potato whilst the potato dice are still warm (this helps them absorb the
mixture and gives a creamier result).
Serve warm or chilled.
Our little ones love this mixed with a little canned tuna!
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Handy tip...
Have you ever accidentally added too much salt to a soup, stew or casserole for the grown ups?
Just toss in a peeled potato and cook the dish for another 30 minutes. Remove the potato and throw it away - it will
have absorbed a lot of the salt and your dish should be palatable again!

Potato baby food recipes - Cheesy Potato Bake

3 medium potatoes, peeled
4 fl oz (1/2 cup) milk
4 fl oz (1/2 cup) half and half (thin cream)
1 garlic clove, crushed
1 sprig thyme
pinch nutmeg
2 tbsp Parmesan, grated
2 oz (1/4 cup) Swiss cheese
Preheat the oven to 375 deg F (190 deg C).
Slice the potatoes to a thickness of around 1/3 inch.
Pour the milk and cream into a saucepan and bring to the boil.
Add the potatoes, garlic and seasonings. Simmer until the potatoes are fork tender.
Using a slotted spoon, remove the potatoes and spread out half of them on the bottom of a small, oven proof dish.
Sprinkle with half the Parmesan and half the Swiss cheese.
Spread the rest of the potatoes on top of the first layer and sprinkle with the rest of the cheese.
Pour the milk/cream mixture (in which you originally cooked the potatoes) all over the potatoes in the baking dish.
Bake for 15-20 mins, until the mixture is bubbly.
Chop up or mash well.
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Potato baby food recipes - Easy Peasy Potato Fries

1 medium potato
olive oil spray
Preheat the oven to 425 deg F (220 deg C).
Cut the potato into fries (leave the skin on for extra vitamins!).
Rinse the fries under running water, then dry thoroughly.
Spread the fries out on a baking tray and spray with olive oil.
Bake until lightly golden, turning once during the cooking time.
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Potato baby food recipes - Potato Pancakes

These are ideal for self-feeders who are chewing well.
12 oz (1 1/2 cups) potato, peeled
2 tbsp finely chopped onion
pinch freshly ground black pepper
1 tbsp butter
Grate the potato using a medium sized grater.
Add the onion and black pepper to the grated potato.
Melt the butter in a small frying pan/skillet and ensure the sides and bottom of the pan are coated.
Tip the potato mixture into the pan and spread evenly, flattening with a spatula.
Cover the pan and cook over a low heat for 15 mins, until the underside is golden.
Remove from the heat and - using a wide spatula or 2 smaller ones - turn the pancake over.
Return the pan to the heat but do not cover.
Cook for a further 15 mins, until the bottom is golden.
You can add fresh, chopped herbs to this recipe if your baby enjoys them!
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Potato baby food recipes - Bubble and Squeak

This is a traditional British recipe, designed to use up the veggie leftovers from 'Sunday Roast'!
leftover roast potatoes
little butter
leftover veggies (cabbage, carrots, broccoli - anything will do!)
Mash up the leftover potatoes, adding a little butter and milk if necessary. Don't puree the mixture - it will be sticky
and difficult to shape. And don't overdo the milk - the mixture will be too thin.
Finely chop the leftover cooked veggies and stir them into the mashed potato.
Use your hands to form the potato/veggie mixture into shapes that your baby will find easy to manage. Little round
'patties' or 1 inch fingers are ideal!
To cook the Bubble and Squeak...
EITHER
Fry the fingers/patties in a little olive oil in a frying pan/skillet until golden, turning once.
OR
Brush them with olive oil, place on a greased baking sheet and cook in the oven for about 20 mins at 350 deg F (180
deg C) until golden.
Cool to a safe serving temperature and give to your baby to feed himself.
Not only is this a great way to use up your leftovers, it's also a great way to sneak some extra veggies into your
baby's dinner (we have more tips for encouraging your baby to eat veggies here!).
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Potato baby food recipes - Potato Gnocchi

12 oz (1 1/2 cups) potato, peeled and sliced
1 oz (1/4 cup) flour
Simmer the potatoes in water until fork tender.
Drain the potatoes and - whilst still warm - puree them in a blender.
Slowly stir the flour into the potato, until the mixture becomes smooth and a little sticky. Different types of potato need
different amounts of flour to achieve this texture.
On a floured surface, roll out the potato mixture and form it into a 'sausage', about 1/2 inch thick.
Cut the 'sausage' into 1 inch lengths, then press each piece across the prongs of a fork and roll gently to create the
distinctive 'gnocchi' shape.
Bring a saucepan of water to the boil. Drop the gnocchi into the boiling water. Once the gnocchi rise to the surface
(about 3-4 mins), they are done.
These are a super finger food, served with pureed veggies as a dip or sauce.
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Potato baby food recipes - Potato Scones

8 oz (1 cup) cooked mashed potato
2 tsp butter
approx 2 oz (1/2 cup) flour
3 tbsp olive oil
Mix the mashed potato with the butter, then stir in enough flour to form a dough. The dough should be quite pliable -
not dry. Different potatoes require slightly different amounts of flour.
On a floured surface, roll out the dough to a thickness of around 1/4 inch. Cut into desired shapes.
Prick all over with a fork.
Heat oil in a heavy bottomed pan and cook scones for 3 mins, until the undersides are golden.
Turn and cook for a further 3 mins.

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