Preparing baby food from scratch using the foods and appliances already in your home is easier than you think! A good time to start feeding your baby purees is around 6 to 8 months old -- when baby is sitting mostly unassisted and showing an interest in food. Consult baby’s pediatrician when in doubt!
Easy Homemade Sweet Potato Purée
This recipe takes advantage of the health benefits of sweet potatoes, a rich source of fiber loaded with an array of vitamins and minerals including iron, calcium, selenium, Vitamins B and C and beta-carotene.
Prep Time: 5 min. Cook Time: 20-30 min.
Ingredients:
- 2 sweet potatoes peeled and cut into quarters
- Water to cover (Breastmilk or formula can be used in place of cooking water)
Directions:
- Place sweet potatoes in a saucepan. Add water so sweet potatoes are covered. Bring water to a boil and cook until sweet potatoes are tender enough to smash easily with a fork.
- Transfer sweet potatoes to a food processor or immersion blender cup. Add 3/4 cup of cooking water and finely blend.
- Allow purée to cool before offering. Jar and refrigerate remaining purée.
Homemade Peas & Carrot Purée
This recipe uses the protein power of peas, which are also rich in fiber and Omega 3, and carrots -- another great source of beta-carotene. Total prep and cook time is 15 minutes.
Ingredients:
- 1/2 cup frozen peas and carrots
- Water, breastmilk, or formula to thin to desired consistency
Directions:
- Steam peas and carrots in a saucepan over medium-high heat for 8 to 10 minutes or until very soft.
- Transfer peas and carrots to a food processor or immersion blender cup. Add 1/4 to 1/2 cup of water, breastmilk, or formula and blend well.
- Pass the purée through a fine-mesh sieve to remove any pieces of skin.
- Allow purée to cool and then serve. Jar and store the remaining purée in the fridge.
These recipes are brought to you by the creators of teetherpop®, a patented, freezable teether designed for children six months and older. teetherpop can be filled with the above purées, as well as homemade smoothies, freshly-juiced fruits and veggies, Mother’s milk, water, or baby’s favorite drink. You can even freeze it for soothing relief for teething babies and a less messy substitute to traditional ice pops for toddlers.
