How to Cook Squash for Baby

Your baby is likely to enjoy squash, with its natural sweetness and creamy texture. It is also a good source of vitamins A and C. According to La Leche League International, your baby may be ready to try eating squash and other solids when he is between 4 and 6 months old. You can use fresh squash to cook your own economical food at home.

Choose a fresh squash to use for your baby. Look for one that is firm, brightly-colored and free of blemishes. You will want to use it within a day or two of purchase.

Wash the squash by scrubbing it with your hand or a vegetable brush under clean running water. This helps prevent dirt or bacteria from being transferred to the flesh when you cut the squash open.

Cut the ends off of the squash with a knife. Registered dietitian Bridget Swinney states on Babycenter that you should also cut the squash into small pieces.

Fill a pot with water and allow the water to boil. Once it is boiling, add the squash and let it boil for six to eight minutes or until it is soft.

Pour the contents of the pot into a colander or strainer to separate the squash from the water.

Place the squash in a food mill, food grinder, blender or food processor.

Puree the squash 3. You can add water, breast milk or formula to the puree to make it your desired consistency. As your baby gets used to eating pureed food, you can increase the thickness.

Tips

Serve the pureed squash at room temperature. Store leftover squash in an airtight container in the refrigerator and use it within two days. You can also store leftovers in the freezer.

You can also cook the squash by slicing it in half and roasting it for an hour, steaming it over boiling water or microwaving it for about seven minutes with a couple of tablespoons of water.

Try adding seasoning or flavors to the squash for your baby to taste. You can sprinkle parmesan cheese on the squash before roasting it or combine pureed squash with a pinch of cilantro.

Wait three days after introducing squash to your baby before introducing her to something else. Babycenter states that this will help you identify a possible allergic reaction.

Warnings

Avoid feeding a baby under 3 months old squash, beets, carrots or spinach. These vegetables are high in nitrates that can cause methemoglobinemia, a type of anemia.

Do not sweeten the squash by adding honey or corn syrup. According to Babycenter, these sweeteners can cause your baby to get botulism, a type of food poisoning.