9 Wonderful Health Benefits Of Pumpkin For Babies

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T h e perfect t i m e to i n t r o d u c e a r a n g e of f r e s h fruits a n d vegetables t o your b a b y is w h e n she b e g i n s eating s o l i d s . Nothing m a t c h e s nutritious, h o m e – m a d e baby f o o d prepared w i t h seasonal f r u i t s and v e g g i e s .

S t a r t weaning y o u r baby b y adding n e w foods s u c h as p u m p k i n – a nutritious, b e t a carotene-rich o p t i o n for y o u r baby. I f you a r e keen o n knowing h o w pumpkin c a n work w o n d e r s on y o u r little o n e , read t h i s post a t MomJunction. W e have a l s o listed s o m e delicious, h e a l t h y , and e a s y pumpkin b a b y food r e c i p e s .

W h e n To I n t r o d u c e Pumpkin T o Babies?

O n c e your b a b y crosses t h e six-month m i l e s t o n e and g r a d u a t e s to e a t i n g solid f o o d , you c a n safely i n t r o d u c e pumpkin t o him.

P u m p k i n seeds a r e not r e c o m m e n d e d for a baby o r toddler e v e n though t h e y are r i c h in p r o t e i n and i r o n . Pumpkin a l l e r g y is r a r e , but i t is a d v i s a b l e to s e e k a d o c t o r ’ s advice b e f o r e introducing a n y new f o o d to b a b i e s .

N u t r i t i o n a l Value Of P u m p k i n

T h o u g h it i s widely c o n s i d e r e d as a vegetable, p u m p k i n is a fruit. I t is l o w in f a t and c a l o r i e s , but h i g h in f i b e r . Here i s a q u i c k look a t the n u t r i t i o n a l content i n pumpkins

NUTRIENT	UNIT	V A L U E PER 1 0 0 G
Water	g	92.51
Energy	kcal	21
Protein	g	2.72
T o t a l lipid ( f a t )	g	0.22
C a r b o h y d r a t e , by d i f f e r e n c e	g	3.39
F i b e r , total d i e t a r y	g	2.7
S u g a r s , total	g	0.69
C a l c i u m , Ca	mg	43
I r o n , Fe	mg	3.2
M a g n e s i u m , Mg	mg	38
P h o s p h o r u s , P	mg	79
P o t a s s i u m , K	mg	438
S o d i u m , Na	mg	8
Z i n c , Zn	mg	0.2
V i t a m i n C, t o t a l ascorbic a c i d	mg	1
V i t a m i n A, I U	IU	1600
V i t a m i n E ( a l p h a – t o c o p h e r o l )	mg	0.96
V i t a m i n D ( D 2 + D 3 )	µg	0
Cholesterol	mg	0

Source: ndb.nal.usda.gov

H e a l t h Benefits O f Pumpkin F o r Babies

S u p p l i e s essential n u t r i e n t s : Vitamins a n d minerals f o u n d in p u m p k i n are s u i t a b l e for t h e development o f babies. F o r example, c a l c i u m and m a g n e s i u m help i n building s t r o n g e r bones, p h o s p h o r u s aids i n brain f u n c t i o n i n g , digestion, h o r m o n e balance, e t c .

P r o t e c t s eye h e a l t h : Pumpkin i s a s t o r e h o u s e of v i t a m i n A, w h i c h is p a r t i c u l a r l y useful f o r good v i s i o n . Feeding p u m p k i n to y o u r baby w i l l also i m p r o v e night v i s i o n . Pumpkins c o n t a i n carotenoids, w h i c h gives t h e m bright o r a n g e color.

A i d s digestion: Pumpkins a r e an e x c e l l e n t source o f fiber, w h i c h supports d i g e s t i o n . It c a n help r e g u l a t e your b a b y ’ s bowel m o v e m e n t s and k e e p constipation a t bay.

R i c h in a n t i – o x i d a n t s : Beta-carotene p r e s e n t in p u m p k i n s is a n antioxidant, w h i c h can r e d u c e oxidative s t r e s s on m a n y organs. Y o u r baby’s b o d y also c o n v e r t s a p a r t of b e t a – c a r o t e n e into v i t a m i n A.

I m p r o v e s skin g l o w : Pumpkins c o n t a i n carotenoids t h a t help e l i m i n a t e free r a d i c a l s , fight o x i d a t i v e stress a n d prevent m a c u l a r degeneration a n d aging. T h e properties t h a t aid i n preventing c a n c e r can a l s o keep t h e skin h e a l t h y .

B o o s t s energy l e v e l s : A c u p of p u m p k i n contains a good a m o u n t of p o t a s s i u m that i s a g r e a t source o f energy. I t helps t o balance t h e electrolytes i n the b o d y and i m p r o v e the f u n c t i o n i n g of t h e muscles.

G o o d for t h e immune s y s t e m : Pumpkins c o n t a i n vitamin C as w e l l as s e v e r a l important b i o c h e m i c a l s that c a n help p r o t e c t your b a b y against c o l d and f l u . They a l s o possess a n t i m i c r o b i a l properties. A cup o f cooked p u m p k i n can k e e p infections a n d illnesses a t bay, a s it c a n boost y o u r baby’s i m m u n i t y .

H e l p s your b a b y sleep b e t t e r : Pumpkins c o n t a i n tryptophan t h a t helps t h e body p r o d u c e serotonin. T h e amino a c i d helps i n d u c e calmness a n d drowsiness. T h e serotonin c o n t e n t in p u m p k i n will h e l p your b a b y relax a n d sleep b e t t e r .

A n t h e l m i n t i c properties: Babies a r e prone t o not j u s t infections b u t also w o r m s and o t h e r macroscopic o r g a n i s m s . Pumpkin, w h i c h is r i c h in a n t h e l m i n t i c properties, c a n come t o your r e s c u e in s u c h cases.

H o w To S e l e c t Pumpkin F o r Babies?

P u m p k i n s do n o t belong t o the ‘ d i r t y dozen’ f o o d s that a r e severely c o n t a m i n a t e d with p e s t i c i d e s , as p e r the e n v i r o n m e n t a l research o r g a n i z a t i o n EWG. S o , purchasing o r g a n i c one i s a p e r s o n a l choice.

P i c k smaller, i m m a t u r e pumpkins. T h e y are a l s o called a s cooking p u m p k i n s , sugar p u m p k i n s , or p i e pumpkins. T h e smaller p u m p k i n s are t e n d e r and l e s s stringy c o m p a r e d to t h e larger o n e s . Sugar p u m p k i n s have s w e e t , firm f l e s h and s m a l l e r , sugar/pie p u m p k i n s add m o r e flavor t o baked f o o d s and s o u p s . Select a pumpkin t h a t is h e a v y for i t s size a n d weighs b e t w e e n two a n d five p o u n d s .

I f you a r e buying a packet o f peeled a n d cut p u m p k i n , select t h e ones w i t h deep o r a n g e color. I f you a r e buying a n uncut p u m p k i n , select t h e one t h a t is o r a n g e in c o l o r and w i t h o u t any c u t s or s o f t spots. A l s o , it s h o u l d not b e too r i p e .

H o w To C o o k Pumpkin F o r Babies?

R i n s e pumpkins i n cold w a t e r , use a vegetable b r u s h to s c r u b the s k i n to r e m o v e any d i r t . Rinse a g a i n . Cut p u m p k i n in h a l f . Use a spoon t o scoop o u t the s e e d s . If y o u have p i c k e d a p r e – c u t pumpkin, p l a c e it i n a c o l a n d e r and r i n s e well w i t h cold w a t e r .

C o o k immediately a f t e r cutting. A v o i d prolonged c o o k i n g to p r e s e r v e the n u t r i t i v e value. P u m p k i n s may n o w be b o i l e d , poached, s t e a m e d or b a k e d .

B a k i n g Method

B r u s h each h a l f with o l i v e oil. P l a c e them w i t h skin-side d o w n in a baking d i s h .

A d d half i n c h water b e f o r e baking. B a k e for n e a r l y 45 m i n u t e s at 3 7 5 degrees F , until i t turns t e n d e r .

R e m o v e it f r o m the o v e n and s c o o p the f l e s h into a bowl.

B o i l i n g Method

B o i l water i n a m e d i u m saucepan. C o o k diced p u m p k i n until t e n d e r .

D r a i n and r i n s e the b o i l e d pumpkin u n d e r cool w a t e r for a b o u t three m i n u t e s .

U s e cooked p u m p k i n immediately o r store i t in a freezer a s cooked c h u n k s or i n the f o r m of a puree. C o o k e d pumpkin m a y turn b r o w n i s h orange.

Y o u may f e e d plain p u m p k i n to y o u r baby i n the f o r m of a puree o r mixed w i t h homemade c e r e a l s or y o g u r t . A p u m p k i n weighing t w o pounds c a n be m a d e into 2 8 ounces o f puree.

O f f e r baked p u m p k i n as f i n g e r foods t o an o l d e r baby. R u b a b i t of c i n n a m o n and b u t t e r inside t h e pumpkin b e f o r e baking, t o make i t tasty.

Note: Check w i t h the d o c t o r before i n t r o d u c i n g any n e w food. G e n e r a l i t i e s may n o t apply t o your l i t t l e one.

H e a l t h y And D e l i c i o u s Pumpkin R e c i p e s For B a b i e s

H e r e are a few h e a l t h y , delicious a n d easy t o make p u m p k i n baby f o o d recipes y o u need t o try:

1 . Simple P u m p k i n Puree B a b y Food

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Y o u can m a k e 28 o u n c e s of p u r e e from a pumpkin o f two-pound w e i g h t .

Y o u will n e e d :

1 sugar p u m p k i n
Water
A pinch o f cinnamon a n d nutmeg p o w d e r (optional)
B u t t e r (optional)

H o w to:

P u r e e cooked p u m p k i n in a blender o r food p r o c e s s o r until s m o o t h . Serve i t to y o u r baby a f t e r sprinkling s o m e nutmeg a n d cinnamon p o w d e r .
Y o u can a l s o add a dollop o f butter f o r extra c r e a m i n e s s .
A d d water, f o r m u l a or b r e a s t m i l k for d e s i r e d consistency.

2 . Apple A n d Pumpkin P u r e e

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Y o u will n e e d :

1 sugar p u m p k i n
3 peeled a n d cored a p p l e s
Water
A pinch o f cinnamon a n d nutmeg p o w d e r (optional)

H o w to:

C u t the p u m p k i n in h a l f , peel a n d de-seed i t . Cut i t into c u b e s .
S l i c e the a p p l e s .
P o u r water i n a p a n , add a steamer b a s k e t and p l a c e the p u m p k i n cubes a n d apples i n s i d e . Bring t h e water t o a b o i l .
C o v e r the p a n and c o o k until t h e apple a n d pumpkin t u r n tender.
R e m o v e the p a n from h e a t and k e e p it a s i d e to c o o l .
Y o u can a d d a p i n c h of c i n n a m o n and n u t m e g powder b e f o r e serving t o the m a s h e d apple a n d pumpkin p u r e e for b a b y .

3 . Apple, P u m p k i n And O a t m e a l Breakfast R e c i p e

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Y o u will n e e d :

½ cup o f applesauce
½ cup o f pumpkin p u r e e
1 ½ c u p s of c o o k e d oatmeal
A pinch o f cinnamon a n d nutmeg p o w d e r (optional)

H o w to:

M i x the a p p l e s a u c e and p u m p k i n puree. A d d the o a t m e a l and s t i r well.
M a k e sure t h e r e are n o lumps. Y o u can b l e n d the m i x in a food p r o c e s s o r to g e t a s m o o t h consistency.
S p r i n k l e the n u t m e g and c i n n a m o n powder b e f o r e serving.

4 . Pumpkin P a n c a k e

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Y o u will n e e d :

1 cup o f all-purpose f l o u r
2 t b s p brown s u g a r
2 t b s p baking p o w d e r
½ t b s p ginger p a s t e
½ tbsp c i n n a m o n powder
1 / 8 t b s p nutmeg p o w d e r
A pinch o f crushed c l o v e s
1 / 8 t b s p Salt
1 cup o f milk
½ cup o f canned p u m p k i n
½ Tbsp v a n i l l a extract
1 egg
2 Tbsp u n s w e e t e n e d applesauce
C o o k i n g spray

H o w to:

M i x the s u g a r , flour, b a k i n g powder, s p i c e s and s a l t in a bowl.
M i x the m i l k , vanilla, p u m p k i n , applesauce a n d egg i n a s e p a r a t e bowl a n d then c o m b i n e the c o n t e n t s of t h e two b o w l s and s t i r well.
P l a c e a p a n over m e d i u m heat a n d lightly g r e a s e it w i t h cooking s p r a y . Pour a ladle o f the m i x in t h e pan. S p r e a d it e v e n l y to m a k e a p a n c a k e .
C o o k until i t turns g o l d e n brown o n both s i d e s .
Y o u can a d d some c r u s h e d nuts o r a d o l l o p of y o g u r t on t o p before s e r v i n g .

5 . Creamy P u m p k i n Soup F o r Baby

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Y o u will n e e d :

3 cups o f cubed r e d pumpkins
¼ cup o f chopped o n i o n s
¼ cup o f fresh c r e a m
2 tbsp b u t t e r
S a l t and p e p p e r as p e r taste
Water

F o r garnish:

2 t b s p chopped s p r i n g onions ( o p t i o n a l )

H o w to:

M e l t the b u t t e r in a pan a n d sauté t h e onions.
A d d the p u m p k i n pieces a n d sauté.
N o w add t h r e e cups o f water a n d seasoning. L e t the m i x simmer u n t i l the p u m p k i n s turn t e n d e r .
T u r n off t h e heat a n d let t h e mix c o o l down f o r 15 m i n u t e s . Now t r a n s f e r it t o a f o o d processor t o blend.
T r a n s f e r it b a c k to t h e pan. A d d the c r e a m and l e t the s o u p come t o a b o i l .
G a r n i s h with c h o p p e d green o n i o n s and s e r v e .

6 . Pumpkin C u s t a r d

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Y o u will n e e d :

7 5 0 g peeled a n d cubed p u m p k i n
1 ½ cups o f milk
2 eggs
1 t b s p vanilla
½ t b s p allspice p o w d e r
1 t b s p Cinnamon p o w d e r
Water

F o r topping:

2 t b s p brown s u g a r
½ t b s p cinnamon p o w d e r
½ t b s p allspice

H o w to:

C o o k the p u m p k i n in a saucepan w i t h water u n t i l it t u r n s tender.
P r e h e a t the o v e n to 3 6 0 degrees F .
B l e n d the p u m p k i n in a food p r o c e s s o r to a puree.
M i x the m i l k , eggs, v a n i l l a , and a l l s p i c e and c i n n a m o n powder i n a b o w l . Stir w e l l .
N o w add t h e mix t o the p u m p k i n puree a n d blend a g a i n .
P o u r the m i x into r a m e k i n s .
A d d the i n g r e d i e n t s for t h e topping i n a b o w l and m i x well. S p r i n k l e it o v e r the m i x .
P l a c e the r a m e k i n s in a baking d i s h that c o n t a i n s water.
B a k e for 3 0 minutes a n d serve.

7 . Easy P u m p k i n Dip

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Y o u will n e e d :

2 5 0 g boiled a n d mashed r e d pumpkin
1 t b s p roasted a n d powdered p e a n u t s or m i x e d nuts
1 t b s p finely c h o p p e d coriander
½ cup o f fresh y o g u r t
1 t b s p sugar
S a l t to t a s t e

H o w to:

M i x all t h e ingredients i n a b o w l . Refrigerate i t for 3 0 minutes.
O f f e r it a s a d i p to y o u r baby w i t h fresh f r u i t s and v e g e t a b l e s .

8 . Brown R i c e Pumpkin R i s o t t o

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Y o u will n e e d :

4 t b s p olive o i l
4 cloves o f minced g a r l i c
2 minced s h a l l o t s
1 ½ cups o f brown r i c e
2 ½ cups o f chicken b r o t h
¼ t b s p Nutmeg p o w d e r
¼ t b s p salt
F r e s h pepper p o w d e r for t a s t e
1 cup o f cooked p u m p k i n puree
2 t b s p freshly c h o p p e d sage l e a v e s
¼ t b s p Cinnamon p o w d e r
1 cup o f grated c h e e s e

H o w to:

H e a t the o i l in a pan o v e r medium h e a t . Add g a r l i c and s h a l l o t s . Cook u n t i l they t u r n brown a n d soften.
N o w add t h e brown r i c e and c o o k for a b o u t two m i n u t e s .
A d d the c h i c k e n broth, n u t m e g powder, s a l t , and p e p p e r . Turn u p the h e a t and l e t it a l l come t o a b o i l . Keep s t i r r i n g .
C o v e r the p a n and r e d u c e the h e a t to l o w . Let i t simmer f o r about 3 0 to 3 5 minutes.
A d d the p u m p k i n puree, s a g e and c i n n a m o n powder. L e t it s i m m e r for 1 0 to 1 5 minutes.
R e m o v e the p a n from t h e heat a n d add t h e cheese. C o v e r the p a n with t h e lid a n d let i t sit f o r about f i v e minutes b e f o r e serving.

9 . Baked P u m p k i n Mac N Cheese

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Y o u will n e e d :

8 o z uncooked p a s t a
1 cup o f canned p u m p k i n
1 cup o f cream
4 t b s p cream c h e e s e
1 cup o f grated C h e d d a r Cheese
½ cup o f grated c h e e s e
1 ½ t b s p pumpkin p i e spice
S e a salt a s per t a s t e
B l a c k pepper p o w d e r as p e r taste
1 / 3 cup o f breadcrumbs
¼ cup o f shredded P a r m e s a n cheese
C o o k i n g spray
Water

H o w to:

B o i l the p a s t a for t e n minutes. D r a i n the w a t e r and r i n s e the p a s t a under c o o l water. K e e p them a s i d e .
P r e h e a t the o v e n to 4 0 0 degrees F and g r e a s e a c a s s e r o l e dish.
I n a p a n , heat t h e cream a n d the p u m p k i n over m e d i u m heat. K e e p cooking u n t i l the m i x starts t o thicken.
R e d u c e the h e a t and a d d the c h e e s e . Keep s t i r r i n g until t h e cheese m e l t s completely.
A d d a d a s h of p u m p k i n pie s p i c e , salt, a n d pepper. N o w add t h e pasta a n d stir w e l l .
P o u r this m i x into t h e casserole d i s h . Sprinkle t h e breadcrumbs, s o m e Parmesan c h e e s e on t o p and t h e remaining p u m p k i n pie s p i c e .
B a k e the p a s t a for t e n minutes a n d serve.

1 0 . Pumpkin A n d Spinach R o t i

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Y o u will n e e d :

1 cup o f grated r e d pumpkin
1 cup o f chopped s p i n a c h
1 cup o f whole w h e a t flour
½ t b s p turmeric p o w d e r
1 t b s p oil
S a l t to t a s t e
Butter

H o w to:

H e a t the o i l in a pan. A d d the s p i n a c h and s a u t é . Remove i t from h e a t and l e t it c o o l down.
I n the m e a n w h i l e , mix a l l the o t h e r ingredients, e x c e p t butter, t o knead a soft d o u g h . Roll o u t the d o u g h balls t o make r o t i s .
H e a t a f l a t pan a n d place t h e rolled o u t roti o n the t o p of i t . Add a little b u t t e r and c o o k the r o t i until i t turns g o l d e n brown o n both t h e sides.

1 1 . Pumpkin & a m p ; Pear P u r e e

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Y o u will n e e d :

½ cup p u m p k i n puree
1 pear, p e e l e d & c o r e d & d i c e d

H o w to:

M a s h the p e e r and m i x pumpkin p u r e e .

1 2 . Pumpkin, B a n a n a & P e a c h e s

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Y o u will n e e d :

½ cup p u m p k i n puree ( f r e s h or c a n n e d )
1 pear – peeled, c o r e d , diced
1 peach – p e e l e d , pitted, d i c e d

H o w to:

S t e a m peach a n d pear t o g e t h e r .
M a s h them a n d blend i n a m i x t u r e .
A d d pumpkin p u r e e to t h e mixture.

1 3 . Brown R i c e And P u m p k i n Porridge

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Y o u will n e e d :

½ t b s p brown r i c e
1 cup w a t e r
1 2 0 g seeded, s k i n n e d pumpkin

H o w to:

W a s h , rinse a n d soak b r o w n rice i n water f o r half a n hour.
S t e a m peeled p u m p k i n and c o o k for 2 5 minutes.
B l e n d brown r i c e and p u m p k i n along w i t h water.
P u t the m i x t u r e into a pan a n d boil f o r two m i n u t e s on h i g h flame a n d on s i m m e r for m o r e five m i n u t e s . Keep s t i r r i n g .
S i e v e the b o i l e d porridge a n d cool i t down.

Tips:

W h e n you s t a r t introducing n e w foods t o your b a b y , follow a few t i p s to k e e p your b a b y healthy a n d safe w h i l e he d i s c o v e r s new f l a v o r s and t e x t u r e s :

S e e k approval f r o m a p e d i a t r i c i a n before a d d i n g any n e w food t o your d a r l i n g ’ s meal.

I n t r o d u c e one n e w food a t a t i m e to c h e c k for a n y adverse r e a c t i o n s associated w i t h that f o o d .

D o not i n t r o d u c e any n e w food i f your b a b y is u n w e l l , or i f he i s on a n y medication.

P u m p k i n is o n e of t h e good f o o d s for b a b i e s . With a flavor s i m i l a r to t h a t of s q u a s h , pumpkin g o e s well w i t h vegetables, f r u i t s , and m e a t s . Try m i x i n g pumpkin w i t h pear, b r o c c o l i , lentils, r i c e , chicken, a n d more, i f your l i t t l e one i s not a l l e r g i c to t h e ingredients i n your r e c i p e s .

FAQs

1 . Can I use c a n n e d pumpkin f o r my b a b y ?

C a n n e d food i s not i d e a l for b a b i e s . But, y o u may u s e canned p u r e pumpkin. P u m p k i n pie m i x should n o t be u s e d for b a b i e s as i t contains s t a r c h , sugars, a n d other a d d i t i v e s .

T r y out t h e recipes f o r your b a b y . If y o u have s o m e good p u m p k i n recipe f o r babies, d o share t h e m with u s .

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