Purée Perfection

Weaning your child can seem like a daunting task, whether you’re a nervous newcomer to the kitchen or a keen cook. Introducing your baby to new foods can feel like a big responsibility, but it really is a lot easier than you might think.

Deciding which foods to put in front of your child and how to combine them draws a great deal on the flavour combinations we enjoy as adults, and thankfully the techniques needed to get the food on the table are equally as simple. 

Pre-packaged baby food is convenient, there’s no doubt about it, but there are lots of advantages to making your own. Making your own baby food means you know exactly what your baby is eating, and you can adjust the texture and food types to taste. There's also the added bonus of that little bit of ‘mum-pride’ you get when your baby enjoys something you made them yourself. 

Homemade purée meals are full of flavour and packed with goodness. Try starting with vegetables first and don’t be tempted to add any salt, sugar or butter; pure, pureed fruits and vegetables are all your baby needs. One of the best fruits to start this of is an Avocado

Is avocado healthy for babies? 

Yes (but please check for allergies). Avocado is a very popular first food for babies. The fruit is easy to prepare and rich in fibre and the healthy fats that babies need to support digestion and brain development. 

Are avocado safe for babies?

Avocado is an ideal food for your baby and many Pediatrician’s puts it on their top ten list of fruits for babies after six months.  Avocados are rich in fibre, which helps with digestion, they provide vitamins B6 and E, zinc, potassium and folic acid. These nutrients have been linked to improve immune functionality, helps boost brain development, improved eye health, and even mood regulation. The unsaturated fat composition is also similar to that of breast milk, so an ideal chose for the start of weaning.

Can I use frozen avocado chunks?

Yes, you can. When avocadoes are defrosted, they can become a mushy texture, which might be easier to puree. Frozen or freezing avocado’s will not drastically change the healthful benefits. 

Here’s a pure and simple recipe idea for weaning… (Please check for allergies) 

Avo Mash

Prep time: 3 mins

1 ripe Avocado

Approx: 40ml of baby’s usual milk

Method:

Cut the avocado in half, remove the stone and, with a spoon, scoop out the flesh. Put the avocado flesh into a bowl and mash with a fork. Add the milk until you have a nice smooth purée and serve straight away.