As we grow as parents we learn about things we could have done better. Things we should have thought about. Foods we should have cooked because they are better then any store bought baby food.
I am no different. I wish I did an better job as a parent when it came to my babies food choices. I wish I gave them more homemade baby food, especially butternut squash.
The choices of first foods play an important role in shaping our child’s taste preferences and nutritional intake. Among the array of options, butternut squash is one that stands out. Not only does butternut squash offers health benefits but it’s super easy to work with.
Below I’ll explain the nutritional advantages of introducing butternut squash to your baby’s diet, effective storage methods, and provide a collection of delicious and easy-to-make recipes, even as a parent.
What is Butternut Squash
Lets start with what the heck is butternut squash? Butternut squash is similar to a pumpkin or acorn squash. So much so that in Australia & New Zealand it’s known as butternut pumpkin. When roasted it taste like a cross between a pumpkin and a sweet potato with a bit of a nutty taste. It’s a very versatile and forgiving food to cook with.
Health Benefits of Butternut Squash
Butternut squash is considered a ”Superfood” making it an ideal choice for baby-led weaning. If you would like to know more about Superfood I found this post on Live Science that does a great job explaining superfood.
Rich in Vitamins
This vibrant vegetable is a potent source of Vitamin A and Vitamin C, which are crucial for immune support, healthy vision, and skin development. Vitamin C aids iron absorption, an essential nutrient for growing infants.
Butternut Squash is also a great source of B Vitamins. Specifically B-6 which, according to the Mayo Clinic, is important for normal brain development and keeping the nervous system and immune system healthy.
Mineral Boost
Butternut squash is rich in minerals like potassium and magnesium, aiding in proper muscle function and maintaining healthy blood pressure.
Fiber Content
Its dietary fiber content promotes healthy digestion and regulates bowel movements, a vital aspect of infant nutrition. You’ll find that when starting out on solid food your baby’s bowl movements will change and constipation is a common Issue for many parents. Adding fiber rich foods like butternut squash can help with constipation.
Antioxidant Powerhouse
The presence of beta-carotene, a powerful antioxidant, contributes to your baby’s overall well-being by neutralizing harmful free radicals.
Storage Tips
To ensure you always have butternut squash on hand, proper storage is crucial.
Whole Squash
Unpeeled butternut squash can be stored in a cool, dark place for several weeks. Ensure it’s kept away from direct sunlight and moisture.
Peeled and Cubed
For convenience, peel and cube the squash, removing seeds and fibers like you would a pumpkin. Store these in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week.
Freezing
Butternut squash can be blanched, cooled, and frozen in portions for longer storage. This is especially handy when you have a surplus during the harvest season or when you spot sales in stores. I suggest cutting into small pieces or small cubes to make storing in the freezer and processing into baby food easier later on. When frozen it’s good for 4-6 months up to 12 months.
Choking Hazard
Even though butternut squash is considered a low risk for choking I always worried about anything and suggest the following
– Never serve raw
– Cut to an appropriate size for your baby’s age and development
– Don’t over cook them in the oven making them Crispy
– Supervise them closely while eating.
Butternut Squash Recipes
You’ll see we don’t actually measure ingredients but do it by taste, so “recipe” might be a stretch but like I said you can’t really go wrong when it comes to what you add to it and you can adjust to you and your babies preference.
French Fries
Here are some tasty recipes for baby-led weaning butternut squash french fries. French fries are particularly great to teach pincer grasp motor skills. These could also be a great hit for the whole family.
Butternut Squash Fries
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Peel 1 butternut squash, remove the seeds, and cut into thin strips.
- Toss the strips in to 1 Tbsp of olive oil to coat the french fries. Add more if needed.
- Arrange the strips in a single layer on a parchment paper covered baking sheet.
- Bake for about 20-25 minutes, turning them once halfway through, until they are soft and slightly golden brown.
- Once cooled, serve as a finger food.
Cinnamon Maple Butternut Squash Fries
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Peel 1 butternut squash, remove the seeds, and cut into thin strips.
- In a bowl, mix a drizzle 1 Tbsp of maple syrup, a dash of cinnamon, and a small amount of melted coconut oil.
- Toss the butternut squash strips in the mixture until coated.
- Spread the strips on a baking sheet and bake for about 20-25 minutes, turning them halfway through, until they are soft and slightly golden brown.
Note: make sure the above squash fries are cooked enough so you can squish it between you fingers.
Enjoy those delicious and nutritious butternut squash fries with your baby. It’ll be a great way to show them how to eat them and bond with them at the same time.
I also found this recipe for Cinnamon Roasted Butternut Squash and my whole family loves it.
Purée
Below are a few homemade butternut squash puree recipes that are a great option because you can vary the consistency depending upon their age. You can make baby food purees as a smooth puree so they flow easily through a preloaded spoon, or less blended with more texture for older babies.
Basic Butternut Squash Purée
– Peel 1 butternut squash, remove seeds, and cut it into small cubes.
– Steam or boil the cubes until they are soft and easily mashed with a fork. I prefer steaming to keep as much nutrients in them as possible.
– Mash or blend, in a food processor, the cooked butternut squash until you achieve a smooth, lump-free consistency.
– Allow the puree to cool before serving.
Butternut Squash and Banana Purée
– Prepare butternut squash cubes as mentioned in the “Basic Butternut Squash Purée recipe.
– Steam or boil the butternut squash until tender.
– In a separate bowl, mash a ripe banana.
– Combine the mashed banana and cooked butternut squash, then mash or blend them together until smooth.
Butternut Squash and Spinach Purée
– Prepare butternut squash cubes as mentioned in the “Basic Butternut Squash Purée recipe.
– Steam or boil the butternut squash cubes until they are soft and easily mashed with a fork.
– Blanch a handful of fresh spinach leaves in boiling water for about a minute, then immediately transfer them to ice water to preserve the color.
– Blend the cooked butternut squash and blanched spinach until you achieve a vibrant green puree.
Remember to adjust the consistency of the puree according to your baby’s age and developmental stage. Always prioritize safety by ensuring that the food is an appropriate texture for your baby’s ability to chew and swallow.
Butternut Squash and Spinach Pancakes
– Mix steamed and mashed butternut squash with finely chopped spinach.
– Add this mixture to your regular pancake batter.
– Cook as you would regular pancakes.
There are many other recipes out there just searching “BLW Butternut Squash Recipes“ on Pinterest yields hundreds of recipes probably may way better then any of these.
Allergen-Friendly and Versatile
Butternut squash is low on the list of common allergens, making it a safe option for early introduction. Its mild flavor pairs well with various herbs and spices, allowing you to gradually expose your baby to new tastes.
Caution
While butternut squash is generally well-tolerated, it’s essential to watch for any signs of allergic reaction, or sensitivities when introducing it to your baby. That should go off when trying all new foods. Always consult your pediatrician before starting any new foods in your baby’s diet.
Incorporating butternut squash into your baby-led weaning journey is a flavorful and nutritious choice that introduces your little one to a world of tastes and textures. Its a great first food rich array of vitamins, minerals, and fiber contributes to your baby’s growth and development, while its versatile nature allows for the creation of delightful recipes that stimulate the palate and encourage healthy eating habits. By understanding proper storage techniques and embracing a variety of recipes, parents can provide their little ones with a solid foundation of nutrition and a lifelong appreciation for delicious, healthy foods.
For more about baby-led weaning check out this post on when should you give your baby water.
