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Mothers are often eager to introduce their babies to solid food once the breastfeeding phase starts to fade. Amongst the wide variety of food choices, most of them can be fed only after your baby has grown a bit. However, banana puree for a 4-month baby has been known to be quite beneficial.
How to Select and Buy Bananas?
While choosing bananas, it is important to go for fresh and ripe ones. Opt for bananas whose outer peels are smooth and yellow without any spots. Green bananas are yet to be ripened properly, whereas bananas whose peels start showing black spots are way past their ripe date.
Ingredients Needed to make Banana Puree
- A ripe banana
- Water
- Breast milk or formula based milk
How to Make Banana Puree for Babies?
1. Purchase Bananas That are Fresh
A smooth and squishy texture for the puree is necessary for babies to consume it easily. Bananas that are ripe and healthy are essential for it. These mash well and their natural flavour turn out to be good, too.
2. Prepare the Banana by Washing, Peeling and Slicing it
Mix water with some vinegar and wash the banana with it. This removes all bacteria. Wash in cold water, dry the banana, then peel it. Slice the banana into small pieces, while discarding the end portions.
3. Mash the Banana to Create the Puree
It is best to puree the banana using a blender since the consistency will be uniform. A slight purplish-brown colour will start appearing in the puree. You may add water to thin the puree further. Another option is to use formula-based milk or breast milk to mix with the banana puree instead of water.
4. Add Texture or Flavour to it
Though the puree tastes pretty good on its own, mixing it with another food item can enhance the flavour. Fruits like peach, plum, cherries, or even yoghurt are great options to mix the puree with.
5. Refrigerate any Puree that Remains
Any puree that remains can be kept in a clean hygienic food-friendly container inside the fridge for up to a period of 3 days. This puree still remains good to feed the baby.
Things to Keep in Mind
- Use your judgement for the puree texture. The smoother it is, the easier it is for the baby to consume it.
- Don’t offer an entire bowl of puree to your baby. He will eat small amounts first then increase gradually.
- Bananas don’t cause constipation. Hence, it is safe to give puree to your baby up to three times in a week.
- Although puree can be refrigerated, it is best to serve fresh made puree.
- Ripe bananas are the best for creating purees. Not only do they taste better, but they are free from most allergens, too.
Introducing newer food items is always an interesting time. When it comes to multiple items of baby food, banana puree is quite a safe and healthy option. In any case, prior to introducing your baby to any food item beyond your breastmilk, it is recommended to get a go-ahead from your doctor since he might know of any potential allergy conditions your baby might have.
