Transitioning a baby from formula to solid foods is a huge milestone. The first time you feed your baby can be an enjoyable experience for both of you. Learning how to make carrot puree for baby offers an excellent opportunity to get your baby used to various flavors and textures. It could make them more willing to try new things, ultimately giving them a diverse and healthy diet.
Like most baby food, homemade baby food carrots absolutely throw store-bought jarred varieties out of the water. There is no match when it comes to the rich, slightly sweet flavor when you make a homemade one. In this article, we will give you a simple, yet healthy recipe on how to make carrot puree for baby.
Why Carrots?
Carrots are naturally sweet and tender, making them perfect for a baby’s simple palate. Moreover, they’re packed with essential nutrients and are safe to use as a baby food ingredient. Carrots are also very high in vitamin A, which supports your baby’s immune system, as well as the heart, kidneys, and lungs. It also supports eye health, especially the retina, cornea, and eye membrane. They’re a good source of fiber too, which your baby requires if you’re feeding them a lot of low-fiber foods like baby cereals.
Your baby can start eating carrot purees at about six months, and the options are endless. Carrot is a versatile veggie; after your baby has mastered single-vegetable purees, you can mix carrots with other fruits, vegetables, and even meats. Here’s how to make carrot puree for baby:
Ingredients and Instructions for Carrot Puree
Ingredients:
- One small carrot
- ½ cup – ¾ cup of water, depending on carrot size
- Few drops of ghee
Instructions on how to make carrot puree for baby:
- Take a carrot and wash it well. Cut the head and tail part, and then peel off the skin.
- Chop into small pieces. In a pan, add half a cup of water and your carrot pieces.
- Cook the carrots in medium flame for about 7 minutes or until the carrot becomes tender. Switch off the stove and let the mixture cool down for a few minutes. Transfer the mixture to a jar along with cooled water.
Note: You can roast the carrots first before taking the next step. Doing so brings out the natural sweetness of the carrots. Toss a small amount of olive oil and roast them at 425 degrees F until they little shriveled and little browned.
- Grind for two pulses. You can add more water since the water tends to evaporate a lot. Grind until desired consistency is achieved.
- Transfer to a feeding bowl, add few drops of ghee and mix well. Feed immediately.
- Cool your carrot puree and refrigerate any leftovers in BPA-free containers for up to 3 days. You can also freeze the puree leftovers for up to three months—just thaw overnight in your refrigerator.
Other Things to Consider
How to make carrot puree for baby is a healthy and delicious way to introduce solid food. You can also mix it with a variety of other vegetables, fruits, and meats for your baby to enjoy. Try mixing your carrot puree with:
- Green beans
- Broccoli
- Applesauce
- Peaches
- Zucchini
- Sweet potatoes
- Butternut squash
- Russet potatoes
- Lentils
- Beef
- Chicken
- Brown Rice
Here are a Few Things to Remember When Giving Your Baby a Carrot Puree:
- Give carrot water when you start introducing carrot puree to your baby. After 1 or 2 days, the carrot puree can be given.
- For babies above 6 months old, you do not need to grind the carrot in a blender anymore. Just mash well with a potato masher and feed as a thick puree.
- Salt should not be given to babies below 1 year.
How to Spot Carrot Allergy:
Carrot allergies are rare. However, if your baby is allergic to birch or mugwort pollen, he or she might also be allergic to carrots. Whenever you introduce new food to your baby, do not mix it with another new food yet and wait for three to five days to see if any allergic reaction develops. Be observant of symptoms like vomiting and diarrhea and other more subtle signs such as skin rash. Be particularly watchful if you or someone else in your family has any food allergy.
Conclusion
Carrots are the best way to incorporate solid food items into your baby’s diet. Carrot puree for a 6-month old baby can be quickly prepared and fed without trouble. Double-check with your doctor for the possibility of any complications, and you will always be in the safe zone.
How to make carrot puree for baby at home is pretty easy, and totally worth it. It saves you money, and you become in control of your baby’s healthy diet. It’s also a good bonding time for you and your little ones. Get more tips on baby food.