in

Baby Food Recipes: Sweet Potato

When I first introduced my daughter to solid foods almost three years ago, I started with homemade sweet potato puree. After considering the merits of homemade versus commercial baby food, I decided to make my own. Not only could I make big batches for pennies compared with store-bought versions, homemade baby food also generally offers bolder flavors to developing taste buds. Thus, back in April when he turned six months old, I also introduced my son to homemade sweet potato baby food that I lovingly prepared in my own kitchen.

A perfect first food, sweet potatoes are low in sodium; very low in saturated fat and cholesterol; high in dietary fiber, vitamin B6, and potassium; and very high in vitamin A, vitamin C, and manganese. Making homemade baby food from sweet potatoes is incredibly simple. I started with an organic sweet potato and some fluoride-free baby water. First I washed, peeled, and chopped the sweet potato. After combining the pieces with some water in a glass bowl, I microwaved the vegetable for about ten minutes until cooked to tenderness.

After allowing the cooked sweet potatoes to cool slightly, I spooned the sweet potatoes into my Baby Bullet and added some additional water. I then blended the mixture into a thin puree. (For older babies, use less water for a thicker mash.) Once puréed, I spooned the baby food into freezer containers and ice cube trays for easier freezing. After the puree froze, I moved the frozen cubes into freezer safe baggies for easier storage. Now as my son needs vegetables, I simply thaw a few cubes in the refrigerator or microwave. Easy peasy!

Organic Sweet Potato Chopping the Peeled Sweet Potato

Cooked Organic Sweet Potato Pureeing the Organic Sweet Potato

Homemade Sweet Potato Baby Food in Freezer Containers Homemade Sweet Potato Baby Food in Silicone Ice Cube Trays

Does your baby like sweet potatoes? Do you make your own baby food? Also try adding parsnips to your sweet potatoes for a fun first food combination.

Image Credits

Organic Sweet Potato © 2015 Heather Johnson
Chopping the Peeled Sweet Potato © 2015 Heather Johnson
Cooked Organic Sweet Potato © 2015 Heather Johnson
Pureeing the Organic Sweet Potato © 2015 Heather Johnson
Homemade Sweet Potato Baby Food in Freezer Containers © 2015 Heather Johnson
Homemade Sweet Potato Baby Food in Silicone Ice Cube Trays © 2015 Heather Johnson

Toddler Breastfeeding

Breastfeeding May Lower Risk of Childhood Leukemia

Back of Diaper Safari One-Size Diaper Cover at Fifteen Pounds

Diaper Safari One-Size Diaper Cover Review