Spaghetti squash for babies is a fun new vegetable that everyone will love. Whether you’re looking to serve it plain, as a puree, or with sauce as a family meal, we’re sharing how to do it and the benefits of this squash.
Spaghetti squash is a fun vegetable that kids of all ages love! But can babies have it? The answer is thankfully, yes!
What are the benefits of spaghetti squash for babies?
There are so many greta nutritional benefits of spaghetti squash for your little. Here’s what Healthline tells us:
- Full of vitamins and nutrients – Vitamin C, manganese, Vitamin B6, pantothetic acid, niacin, potassium.
- Contains fiber and protein. 2.2 grams a 1 gram respectively in 1 cup.
- Antioxidants, including lots of beta carotine
How do you serve this vegetable to babies?
If you’ve bought a spaghetti squash, first thigns first is you’ll want to cook it. The easiest way is to microwave it if you have one! I usually use the instructions on the sticker, but this is a great tutorial.
I now usually bake it since I have no microwave, though. Just cut in half width-wise, remove the insides and oil the cut ends. Prick the outside and place cut side down on a baking sheet. Bake at 400 for 30-40 minutes or until the squash is easily pierced through the skin.
Serve it pureed or mashed.
If you’re starting your baby on purees, spaghetti squash can be popped into a blender and blended smooth. If it’s soft and you’ve progressed to slightly chunky purees, try mashing the squash with a fork.
Strands, plain
If you’re focusing on baby led weaning or your baby has moved past purees to whole foods, spaghetti squash strands are great for baby!
Use a fork to gently remove and separate the strands from the shell. Then simply serve! You can cut them if you feel they’re a but too long.
With toppings
Spaghetti squash for babies is also a great alternative to traditional pasta. It packs more nutrients and might be easier on her little belly. If you’re serving as a normal pasta with sauce, just be mindful of the salt content.
Here are some topping ideas we love:
Hidden veggie spaghetti sauce
Hidden veggie pesto
Ricotta cheese (or cottage cheese)
Butter or olive oil and a light sprinkle of parmesan cheese (be mindful of salt!)
A white beschamel
As always when adding multi-ingredient sauces or dishes, make sure baby has tried all of the ingredients that go into it to ensure you’re able to note any poor reactions and find the source.
More first foods for baby and how to serve them
Carrots for babies
Banana for Baby
Sweet potato for baby
Leave a Reply