Acorn squash for babies is a perfect first vegetable. This wholesome veggie is packed with nutrients and perfectly neutral with a hint of sweetness for new eaters.
If you’re looking for an easy to grasp, soft and slightly sweet first food for your little, you’ll love this option. It’s similar to butternut squash for babies, but a bit less sweet and requires less cook time. The flavor reminds me a lot of spaghetti squash.
It’s also perfect for serving the whole family, which makes it perfect for baby led weaning.
Benefits of acorn squash for babies
When starting solids with your little, we’re looking for something that is perfectly soft when prepared and enticing to littles Here are some of the health benefits of acorn squash.
- Essential vitamins like A, C, and potassium.
- 87% of the vegetable is water, so it’s super hydrating.
- Packed with beta carotene to boost immunity.
- Fiber to aid in digestion.
(source: USDA)
How to prepare and serve acorn squash for a baby
Acorn squash is a lesser-known but still great first food for baby. It’s similar to butternut squash in that it’s easy to gum and perfectly sweet naturally. But we’ve got to decide how to serve it!
Puree
BLW is not an end all be all. Veggie purees are easy option for those just starting solids.
Bake a whole acorn squash (Cut in half and bake cut side down until soft) the scoop the soft flesh into a food processor or blender to puree.
A little liquid or breastmilk can be added if you need to thin it out.
Practice BLW with purees by offering preloaded spoons!
Mashed
Mashed is perfect for babies! I like to use this Mashed Butternut Squash recipe but use acorn squash. I mash it all ahead of time without the sweeteners or butter, then set aside some for baby.
A bit of texture is fine, but avoid any big chunks if giving to a baby 6-9 months.
Feed to baby on the tray, allowing them to use their hand and fingers to pick up and feed themselves. Alternately, give baby preloaded spoons with the squash mush.
Whole
Acorn squash is perfect for serving as whole, baby led weaning approved wedges.
You can make “fries” out of them by cutting into crescents before baking then baking with the skin on.
The skin allows for a bit of a handle!
I’ve also baked them in halves like above and cut into wedges then. This is perfect for younger babies so there are no tough edges.
Read this post to learn about how to cut food for baby led weaning.
Diced
Cutting them can be a great option to hone baby’s pincer grip. Once the squash is baked, slice, remove the peel and dice small enough for baby (about .5 inch)
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