Sweet Potato offering for the first time (6months+)
Sweet Potato can be started as one of the first solid foods your baby when he turns six months old.
Center for Science in the Public Interest (CSPI) ranked the sweet potato as number one in nutrition of all vegetables. Sweet potatoes are a rich source of fibre as well as high in beta-carotene, vitamin A, vitamin B6 and vitamin C and minerals including iron, calcium, selenium, thiamine, niacin, potassium and copper. They are also a good source of protein, calcium, vitamin E.
Can I give Sweet Potato to 6month+ baby?
6months old Babies can be introduced to Sweet Potato for babies with Baby-Led weaning. Sweet Potato can also be one of the First food to start for Bbaies at 6months when the baby is ready for solids. To know whether the Baby is ready for Solid foods read this blog on BLW-how to be prepared before your child turns 6 months.
How do I prepare Sweet Potato to my baby?
Sweet Potato is very good for babies and so it can be introduced early. Babies love the taste.
Wash the Sweet Potato well and boil the Sweet potato in Steamer or Pressure Cooker without salt. I’ve found sweet potatoes take longer to cook to a soft consistency so you can keep it for more whistles if pressure cooking. If steaming using a steamer, please check if it’s cooked all the way through before offering it to your baby
How to serve Sweet Potato to Baby?
Remove the Skin and cut them into long pieces.
You can offer the Sweet Potato when its completely cool. Place them in a plate or on the highchair tray in front of your baby and let them reach out and grab the Sweet potato sticks. The size and consistency of Sweet Potato makes it easy for Babies to hold and gnaw.
Note: Remove the skin while offering to babies. The skin is little thin and so the babies will not like the bitter taste of the skin.
Alternatively, If the Sweet Potato cooks too much and becomes too soft, you can mash them nicely with fork and can offer in the spoon for Baby. Baby will grab the spoon and can take it to their mouth themselves in Baby Led Weaning style. It will take a few attempts to understand how to use spoons and you can model in front of them to help them understand.
What is Baby led Weaning Style of Feeding the Baby BLW – what is it? Is it the right choice for you?
When we introduced Sweet Potato to S, he took a little time with the new texture. He quite liked the taste and since it wasn’t too soft, he enjoyed chewing on it. We offered long cuts that were easy for him to hold onto and eat.
Tips for making Baby Led Weaning best Sweet potato baby Food:
- Always use the fresh sweet potato rather precooked or refrigerated Vegetable
- Do not add Salt up to 1 year of age
- Poke with a fork before boiling it for faster cooking.