I really encourage parents to remain neutral to any foods that they are offering to their babies. Butternut squash is no exception, and I encourage parents to not bring their bias to this food. I also find that babies, who are typically unbiased, tend to love squash.
We used roasted squash when feeding the baby. I find that squash often lives up to its name. Babies love squashing it and feeling it in their hands and fingers. This is a good thing because it is all part of the learning process for them. I can’t say it enough; the process of babies learning to eat is messy, and that’s okay. Just let them do what they will with the food that’s presented to them. You may even get a chuckle out of it later when you find dried food on the wall from months earlier. Washing walls was not a common occurrence for me until I had kids who were eating solid food!
It’s a good idea to present squash in different forms. For example, cubes and “French fry” sticks work well. If you are using it on pasta, as a pureed soup or baked into something don’t try to “hide” it from your baby or anyone else in the family. I think it’s always important to talk about what you are having for dinner so that every family member is in the know. Read more about hiding vegetables here.
Butternut squash is a great source of fibre and vitamins A and C, magnesium, and potassium (to name a few). Serving the squash with high iron foods will help your baby absorb the iron.
Wondering how to feed your baby without subjecting them to your bias? Contact Jill, Nurture The Future’s Registered Dietitian at [email protected]