Babies grow up so fast, and before you know it, they are ready to eat solid foods. As a mother, you will be sceptical about introducing different foods to your baby. Have you had some experienced mothers tell you that you can feed potatoes to your baby when you are weaning him out? If yes, you are probably wondering how much and in what form you can feed your baby this vegetable. Well, you will find all the answers in this article. Read on to know all about potatoes, it’s benefits, when to feed your baby and some simple recipes that you can prepare in no time.
Potatoes are available in almost all parts of the world. They are rich in carbohydrates and provide ample energy to your growing baby. It is one of the safest vegetables that may be introduced as an early food to your baby. However, it is low in nutrition and high in calories, which may make it a little difficult to digest if your baby is not moving much. Therefore, ideally, potatoes should be introduced to babies at around 7 to 10 months of age, when they are more active.
Let’s take a look at the nutritional value of potatoes.
Potatoes are power-packed with energy. One medium-sized potato would provide over 100 calories of energy. Refer the table below to know the other nutrients in a medium-sized potato:
Nutrient | Amount |
Vitamin C | 19.7 mg |
Vitamin A | 2 IU |
Folate | 15 ug |
Potassium | 425 mg |
Magnesium | 23 mg |
Phosphorus | 57 mg |
Calcium | 12 mg |
Iron | .81 mg |
Sodium | 6 mg |
Zinc | 30 mg |
Source: https://www.nutrition-and-you.com/potato.html
The table above mentioned the approximate values present in one medium-sized potato, and these may vary as per the size of the potato.
So, how exactly are potatoes beneficial for your baby? Let’s find out.
Potatoes are a great energy food for your baby. Here are some more benefits that your baby may derive from potatoes:
Potatoes can help develop your baby’s gastrointestinal health. Potatoes assist in the growth of friendly bacteria. The substantial amounts of alkaline sugars in potatoes keep the acid levels down in your baby’s body and thus keep acidity at bay.
Some varieties of potatoes, such as those with red flesh, are loaded with anthocyanins, a biochemical which has antiviral properties. They help in fighting various infections like influenza. Therefore, adding potatoes to a baby’s diet can keep the risks of infections at bay.
Potatoes are good for the health of your baby’s liver and can protect it from various kinds of chemical damages.
Gently rubbing a slice of potato on an insect bite or bug bite can reduce the inflammation and can help reduce the symptoms of dermatitis in babies. However, some babies may not respond to this remedy and might develop an allergy or a side-effect. When you are sure that you can use this remedy, be very gentle when rubbing the potato slice.
Potatoes have starch, vitamin C, and various enzymes that can protect and nourish your baby’s skin.
The magnesium and calcium in potatoes can help strengthen your baby’s bones during his growth years. When your baby has been introduced to combination foods, potatoes can be mixed with other ingredients to increase the nutritional value of your baby’s meals.
After reading the benefits of potatoes for babies, we are sure you are eager to feed your little one this energy food. But, there are certain things you must bear in mind before you pick that spoonful of mashed goodness.
Potatoes are healthy for babies. However, you need to note the following points before feeding a potato to your baby:
Potatoes are grown underground, and therefore you must get rid of all the dirt and pesticides before giving it to your baby. Make sure you peel the skin and wash it thoroughly before cooking it properly.
Babies like the taste of potatoes, but that does not mean that you feed them in excess. Potatoes are rich in starch; hence too much of it will be difficult for your little one to digest. Therefore, begin by giving a few spoons of thoroughly cooked mashed potato only.
Include steamed or baked potatoes in your baby’s diet. This is because when you boil the potatoes, most of its nutrients are lost. You may steam and mash the potatoes and give it your baby.
Here’s how you can make potato puree with steamed potatoes:
The best way to give potatoes to babies is in the pureed form as it can be gummed when babies cannot chew their food. Here’s how you can make some potato puree.
Ingredients
Method
If your baby has grown past the age of eating plain pureed potatoes, and you are introducing more foods into his diet, you may try some of the recipes given below also.
Here are some variations of potato recipes you could try for your baby. If you like, you can add other vegetables along with the potatoes to introduce different taste, textures and also increase the nutritional value of the meal.
This is a mashed potato recipe with a twist, and it is definitely a nutritious option for your baby. Here’s how you can make it.
Ingredients
Method
This recipe is ideal baby food for babies who are older than 6 months.
Ingredients
Method
This recipe is filled with the goodness of beetroot and potatoes. It is easy to make and is another healthy way you can feed potatoes to your baby.
Ingredients:
Method:
Potatoes are generally one of the first foods of babies. You may include this amazing vegetable in your baby’s diet as soon as you start weaning him on to solid foods (after he turns six months old). If you wish to include potatoes in your baby’s diet, it is suggested that you consult a doctor first. And, when you do, feed the vegetable baby in mashed or pureed form. However, bear in mind that you do not feed him in excess as it could lead to medical and weight issues.
References and Resources: