Avocado, with its rich and creamy flesh, makes a great first food for babies. Even better, it’s packed with vitamins and good fats that babies’ developing system needs. The carbohydrates and monounsaturated fat contained in avocado is perfect for brain and physical development, while the vitamin E in the fruit is a great immune system booster. If you are looking for a healthy, delicious food to feed your new eater, try some avocado.
How to Make Avocado Baby Food
Since avocado isn’t a high allergen food, it may be offered as a first solid food, usually around 4 to 6 months of age. And since the fruit is naturally soft and creamy, there is little to no preparing involved in making it edible for your baby.
Pick a ripe avocado and pit and skin it. For younger babies just starting out on solids, you can add the flesh to a blender or food processor to make it smoother. You may want to mix it with a little formula or breast milk to thin it out a little if it is still too thick.
You can also mix the pureed avocado with other foods if you would like. Combine it with mashed banana, applesauce, peaches, pears or yogurt for a new taste. Of course, do not mix avocado with anything your baby has not tried previously. Always have your baby try new foods one and a time so you can track back any weird reactions.
Storing Avocado Puree
Many parents who make avocado puree, or baby purees in general, make more than their baby will eat. This is where freezing purees comes in. You can freeze the puree, though the texture and color may change a little. Use an ice cube tray to freeze the puree in baby-sized portions.
Another option is cutting the flesh into slices and freezing those. You can simply take them out as needed, thaw and then mash or stick in the blender.
Avocado for Older Babies
Avocado isn’t just a great food for new eaters. It makes a healthy addition to older babies’ menus too. Here are some yummy ideas.
- If your baby is eating bread, spread some mashed avocado on a piece of toast
- Mash up a mild fish and with some pureed avocado
- Or grind up chicken or turkey and mix it with the avocado
- No meat yet? Try mixing it with tofu
- Add mashed avocado to your baby’s favorite pasta dish
Avocado, with is soft flesh and tons of nutrition, is a great beginner food for babies. Start with a ripe avocado, puree it and let your baby enjoy!