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Baby food combinations with spinach


Best Baby Food Combinations (50 Easy Recipe Ideas + Tips)

Learn this simple approach to making baby food combinations with this master list of ideas. With this post, you’ll always have ideas for easy baby meals that both taste great and are realistic for you to execute…even with a busy schedule!

Baby Food Combinations

Moving from single ingredient baby foods to combinations in stage 2 baby food is such a fun stage of feeding babies because things can get so much more flavorful and interesting! And it means that you can batch cook basic purees and then combine them in so many delicious ways to keep things interesting and nutrition varied.

And while I am not opposed to sometimes buying baby food, each of these ideas is super easy—even if you are very busy. I love to have a stash of these in the freezer to use for quick meals in a pinch. (And to be honest, we still use them in the toddler years as easy ways to offer up veggies!)

TIP: Scroll to the recipe at the end of the post for all of the details, and read through the post for answers to common questions and basics about making baby food combos.

Ingredients in Baby Food Combinations

To make the baby foods in this post, you’ll need basic ingredients (that will obviously vary according to which specific puree you choose). The base purees are made with:

  • Apples
  • Bananas
  • Blueberries
  • Butternut Squash
  • Carrots
  • Mango
  • Pear
  • Peas
  • Spinach
  • Sweet Potatoes

TIP: Then, to mix things into combinations, you can add in peanut butter, plain whole milk yogurt, Baby Oatmeal, Baby Rice Cereal, and other purees including those made with beans, chicken, pineapple, avocado, peach, and more.

How to Make Stage 2 Baby Food Combinations Step-by-Step

Here’s a look at the simple process involved in making this sort of stage 2 baby food. Scroll down to the bottom of the recipe for the full information.

  1. Make your base purees.
  2. Store or freeze until ready to combine.
  3. Stir together the purees, adding any optional spices or ingredients, until uniform.
  4. Serve with a spoon or in a reusable pouch.

TIP: I like to make the single ingredient purees and freeze them, then mix and match frozen cubes of purees into yummy combinations. This ensures that you have flexibility to adjust if baby doesn’t love one combination and that you can change up the flavors you’re offering regularly.

How do you combine baby food?

With the way I do it, you simply make two purees (or one puree if you plan to combine it with something like yogurt or oatmeal) and mix them together. You can really do any combinations that sound good to you. I have 10 base purees and 5 easy combination ideas for you to get started, but then you can totally run with it!

Best Baby Food Containers

For storing baby food, I like these Wean Green Storage Cubes (they are glass and are insanely durable—I’ve been using the same set for 8 years), these Beaba Clip Containers, and these Wee Sprout Containers. My go-to reusable pouches include this silicone one from Squeasy Gear and these Wee Sprouts BPA-free plastic ones. (I prefer the 3 ounce size for babies in both pouch options.)

Apple Baby Food Ideas

Once you make basic Apple Puree, you can combine it with so many yummy flavors!

  • + plain whole milk yogurt = Apple Yogurt
  • + Baby Oatmeal = Apple Oatmeal
  • + Spinach Puree = Apple Spinach Baby Food
  • + Carrot Puree = Apple Carrot Baby Food
  • + Butternut Squash Puree = Apple Squash Baby food

Banana Baby Food Ideas

Try these easy combinations that start with Banana Puree.

  • + Peanut Butter Puree = Banana Peanut Butter Baby Food
  • + plain whole milk yogurt = Banana Yogurt
  • + Baby Oatmeal + Banana Oatmeal
  • + Bean Puree = Banana Bean Puree
  • + Avocado Puree + Banana Avocado Puree

Baby Food Combinations with Blueberries

Start with Blueberry Puree, then transform it into these fun flavors.

  • + plain whole milk yogurt = Blueberry yogurt
  • + Baby Oatmeal = Blueberry Oatmeal
  • + Banana Puree = Blueberry Banana Puree
  • + Mango Puree = Blueberry Mango Puree
  • + Peach Puree = Blueberry Peach Puree

Baby Food Combinations with Butternut Squash

Smooth Butternut Squash Puree is a great base as it’s rich in nutrients and has a naturally mild flavor. (Any of these would be great with a tiny pinch of cinnamon.)

  • + Pear Puree = Squash Pear Puree
  • + Bean Puree = Squash Bean Puree
  • + Banana Puree = Squash Banana Puree
  • + Applesauce = Squash Apple Puree
  • + plain whole milk yogurt = Squash Yogurt

Baby Food Combinations with Carrots

Start with Carrot Puree, then add in new flavors!

  • + Apple Puree + Sweet Potato Puree = Carrot Apple Sweet Potato Puree
  • + Pear Puree + Sweet Potato Puree = Carrot Pear Sweet Potato Puree
  • + Banana Puree = Carrot Banana Baby Food
  • + Quinoa Baby Food = Carrot Quinoa Baby Food
  • + Bean Puree = Carrot Bean Puree

Baby Food Combinations with Mango

Mango Puree is a cinch to make and is so intensely flavorful—which makes it play really well with other purees!

  • + plain whole milk yogurt = Mango Yogurt
  • + Baby Oatmeal = Mango Oatmeal
  • + Banana Puree = Mango Banana Puree
  • + Avocado Puree = Mango Avocado Puree
  • + Peach Puree = Mango Peach Puree

Pear Baby Food Combinations

Ripe pears make delicious Pear Baby Food that freezes and combines well.

  • + Avocado Puree = Pear Avocado Puree
  • + Baby Oatmeal + Cinnamon = Pear Cinnamon Oatmeal
  • + Banana Puree = Pear Banana Puree
  • + Pea Puree = Pear Pee Puree
  • + Carrot Puree = Pear Carrot Puree

Baby Food Combinations with Peas

Keep a bag of frozen peas in the freezer and homemade Pea Puree is just minutes away. Then try:

  • + Apple Puree = Pea Apple Puree
  • + Pear Puree = Pea Pear Puree
  • + Mango Puree = Pea Mango Puree
  • + Banana Puree = Pea Banana Baby Food
  • + Pineapple Puree = Pea Pineapple Puree

Baby Food Combinations with Spinach

My Spinach Baby food already has peas in it (to ensure it’s smooth and mellow in flavor). You can also combine it with:

  • + Apple Puree = Spinach Apple Puree
  • + Pear Puree = Spinach Pear Puree
  • + plain whole milk yogurt = Savory Spinach Yogurt
  • + Quinoa Baby Food and pinch Parmesan cheese = Spinach Parmesan Quinoa
  • + Bean Puree = Spinach Bean Puree

Sweet Potato Baby Food Ideas

Start with a batch of Sweet Potato Baby Food and then try these yummy options:

  • + Chicken Puree = Sweet Potato Chicken Baby Food
  • + Bean Puree = Sweet Potato Bean Puree
  • + Applesauce = Sweet Potato Applesauce
  • + Carrot Puree + Cinnamon = Cinnamon Sweet Potato Carrot Puree
  • + Bean Puree + Cumin = Mexican Sweet Potato Bean Puree

How to Store Baby Food—and Send it to Daycare

I prefer to freeze batches of baby food in a silicone ice cube tray overnight, transfer it to a zip top freezer bag, then store it until I’m ready to serve or combine it. You can then mix and match from the single ingredient purees you have in the freezer by adding a cube or two of two purees to a container. If you do that the night before you plan to serve the food, it will thaw and be ready to stir together.

This makes it easy to batch cook and have a lot of option to feed baby at home or at daycare.

Tips for Making the Best Baby Food Combinations (Stage 2 & Stage 3)

  • These Stage 2 baby foods are great to introduce after baby has started solids with single ingredient baby foods.
  • For a 6 month old baby, 1-2 tablespoons baby food may be plenty for a single serving. For a 9 month old baby, they might want ¼ cup or more.
  • Adjust the servings based on your child’s hunger, using a roughly one to one ratio of the purees in each combination.
  • Read more about the differences in Baby Food Stages here.
  • Find my best tips for Baby Food Storage here.
  • Add in a little mashed avocado, coconut oil, or Prune Puree to help with baby constipation.
  • Serve with a spoon or in a reusable pouch.

I’d love to hear your feedback on these ideas, so please comment and rate the recipe ideas below! I appreciate all of your comments so much.

Prep Time 15 minutes

Cook Time 10 minutes

Total Time 25 minutes

Author Amy Palanjian

Cuisine American

Course Baby Food

Calories 5kcal

Servings 6

1-2 tablespoons Butternut Squash Puree and with one of the following
  • ▢ 1-2 tablespoons Pear Puree
  • ▢ 1-2 tablespoons Bean Puree
  • ▢ 1-2 tablespoons Banana Puree
  • ▢ 1-2 tablespoons Applesauce
  • ▢ 1-2 tablespoons plain whole milk yogurt
1-2 tablespoons Spinach Puree and one of the following:
  • ▢ 1-2 tablespoons Apple Puree
  • ▢ 1-2 tablespoons Pear Puree
  • ▢ 1-2 tablespoons plain whole milk yogurt
  • ▢ 1-2 tablespoons Quinoa Baby Food and pinch Parmesan cheese
  • ▢ 1-2 tablespoons Bean Puree
1-2 tablespoons Sweet Potato Puree and one of the following:
  • ▢ 1-2 tablespoons Chicken Puree
  • ▢ 1-2 tablespoons Bean Puree
  • ▢ 1-2 tablespoons Applesauce
  • ▢ 1-2 tablespoons Carrot Puree and pinch cinnamon
  • ▢ 1-2 tablespoons Bean Puree and pinch cumin

  • Prepare each puree. Freeze in a silicone ice cube tray, transferring the cubes to a freezer bag once solid, or store in the refrigerator as needed.

  • Place roughly equal amounts of the two (or more) purees you plan to combine into a bowl. Stir together. (If the purees are frozen, place a cube or two of each into a bowl or storage container. the night before you plan to serve and let thaw overnight in the fridge before stirring together. Or thaw at room temperature for about 2 hours.)

  • Serve or store for later.

  • Mixing Bowl

  • Reusable Pouch

  • Silicone Ice Cube Tray

  • Taste the purees and add more of a sweeter one if needed.
  • Add small pinches of spices like cinnamon, ground ginger, and cumin to add flavor.
  • Add small pinches of ground flaxseed to add healthy fats.
  • Serve with a baby spoon or in a reusable pouch.
  • Pack for daycare if needed in small airtight containers.
  • Serve cold or warm just slightly.
  • If. baby has a dairy intolerance, use a nondairy, unsweetened nondairy yogurt.
  • If baby has a nut allergy, use a nut-free alternative that's unsweetened such as Sunbutter.

Calories: 5kcal, Carbohydrates: 1g, Protein: 1g, Fat: 1g, Saturated Fat: 1g, Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g, Monounsaturated Fat: 1g, Cholesterol: 1mg, Sodium: 2mg, Potassium: 11mg, Fiber: 1g, Sugar: 1g, Vitamin A: 30IU, Vitamin C: 1mg, Calcium: 5mg, Iron: 1mg

Tried this recipe?Rate in the comments and tag @yummytoddlerfood on IG!

Spinach Apple Baby Puree (rich in iron)

This Spinach Apple Baby Food Puree is high in iron and a perfect puree to introduce to baby around 6 months of age. With the addition of cinnamon, ginger, and cloves, this combination puree tastes amazing! Great Stage 2 Baby Food or 6+ months and up.

Apple Spinach Puree for Baby

This flavorful and nutrient-dense puree is a great way to introduce spinach 🌱 to baby!

Because spinach can be an intense taste for some babies, we are going to start by simmering some apples in a pinch of cinnamon, cloves and ginger before adding the spinach and pureeing to a smooth and silky texture. This spices, while optional, are a great way to balance out the entire puree.

REASONS TO LOVE THIS SPINACH APPLE PUREE
  • creamy and smooth
  • nutrient-dense – filled with 2 kinds of fiber, iron, antioxidants, vitamins and minerals
  • baby food for 6+ months – stage 2 baby food puree
  • toddler & kid-friendly 
  • freezer-friendly
  • fast – done in less than 20 minutes
  • budget-friendly

Spinach Apple Puree Video

Watch this video to see how easy it is to make this puree!

Ingredients
  • Apples: make up the bulk of the puree as the spinach blends down to just an ounce of actual puree. I would recommend using a sweeter apple for this puree to balance out the spinach. I have a list of great apple options below.
  • Spinach: is really the main star of the show. You can add 1-2 cups of spinach to this recipe. If it’s the first time you are giving baby spinach, you may want to start at 1 cup and add more the next time you make this puree.
  • Spices: we will be using a pinch of cinnamon, cloves, and ginger powder in this recipe, which helps even out the sweetness of the apples. While I love the added flavor of the spices, you can omit them if you prefer.

Benefits of Spinach Apple Puree

This puree is loaded with fiber, manganese, folate, magnesium, copper, calcium, antioxidants and vitamins K, A, B2, B6, E, and C. WOW! That’s a ton of nutrients for such a yummy tasting baby puree.

  • high in fiber to help build a healthy heart and aid in digestion
  • has a good amount of vitamin C, which is important for skin, eye, immune and brain health
  • are a great source of the mineral boron, which is important for building strong bones and supporting brain function
  • apples are a high-antioxidant food and have a very significant source of flavonoids that help combat free-radicals
  • great source of iron that helps muscles store and use oxygen, and it is vital for brain development

BEST APPLES TO USE

I recommend using a sweeter apple such a Pink Lady or McIntosh, but really can you use any apple you prefer or have on hand.  

Here are some great options:

  • Pink Lady
  • Kanzi
  • Honeycrisp
  • Fuji
  • McIntosh
  • Jazz

The only apples that I have found are a little difficult to work with are Golden Delicious and Red Delicious (get too grainy and soggy) and Granny Smith (too tart), but other than that you can go with whatever you can find in your local grocery store. 

Apple Tip: since apples are on the EWG dirty dozen list, I would recommend serving organic apples to baby if you are able. 

STEP-BY-STEP INSTRUCTIONS
  • Prep Apples: peel, core, and roughly chop apples.
  • Cook: in a medium saucepan, place the apples, water and spices (if using), cover and heat on medium-low for 12-15 minutes or until the apples are tender. Remove from heat.
  • Add Spinach: add the spinach on top of the apples, cover and let sit for 1-2 minutes.
  • Puree: transfer the apples and spinach to a blender or food processor and puree until smooth.
  • Serve or freeze.

HOW TO STORE SPINACH APPLE PUREE
REFRIGERATOR

You can store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. 

FREEZER 

This puree can be frozen for up to 4 months.

  • Spoon puree into a freezer storage container (this is my favorite freezer storage container) – do not overfill. 
  • Place the lid on the storage container or cover with a piece of saran wrap and label with date and recipe name. 
  • Place the tray into the freezer and let freeze completely – preferably overnight. 
  • Pop out the baby food cubes and place in a zip-lock baggie or stasher bag – don’t forget to re-label the baggie or stasher bag for future reference.

Need more information on how to store your baby foods – head over to my Best Baby Food Storage Containers – Plus 6 Tips on Freezing and Thawing post!

When Can Baby Have Spinach?

Baby can be introduced to spinach around 6 months of age. Since it is hard to serve just plain Spinach Puree to baby, this combination puree is a Stage Two puree and should be served to baby after apples have been introduced.

Tips
  • Start Small: I would recommend starting with adding 1 cup of spinach to this recipe if it’s baby’s first time eating spinach and then add more from there. Spinach can be bitter for some babies, so it’s best to start slowly.
  • Picky Eaters: if your baby or toddler is in a picky-eating phase you can try to put this puree into a reusable pouch and serve it as a snack. Most kids love applesauce in the pouch and this one tastes just as good!
  • Use Pears: another great option for this puree is to use pears in place of the apples. The rest of the cooking times and process is the same.

HELPFUL TOOLS
  • Blender or Food Processor
  • Storage Containers for Fridge
  • Freezer Tray
  • Stasher Bag
  • Reusable Pouch

Or watch a shortened version of this video here.

  • 6 apples, peeled, cored and chopped
  • 1-2 cups fresh baby spinach, packed (see notes)
  • 1/2 cup water
  • 1/2 tsp cinnamon
  • 1/8 tsp ginger powder
  • 1/8 tsp cloves

  • Cook: In a medium saucepan, add the apples, water, cinnamon, ginger and cloves. Cover and cook over medium-low heat for 15 minutes or until apples are tender when pricked with a fork, stirring occasionally. Remove from heat.

  • Spinach: Add the spinach on top of the apples, cover and let sit for 1- 2 more minutes.

  • Transfer: Add all of the ingredients into a blender or food processor.

  • Puree: starting on low speed and working your way up, puree the ingredients for 1-2 minutes or until completely smooth and all bits of spinach or blended.

  • Serve: Let cool and serve to baby or freeze for a later meal.

Age: 6 months and up. For older toddlers and kids, spoon puree into reusable pouches and serve as a quick snack on-the-go.

Yield: roughly 25 ounces

Notes on Spinach: If this is your first time serving spinach to baby, I would recommend you start by adding 1 cup of packed spinach to this recipe and work your way up from there.  

Frozen Spinach: I haven’t tried using frozen spinach in this recipe, but frozen spinach is packed down in the freezing process, so if you try it, I would start by adding 1/4-1/2 cup and adding more from there. You can add to the cooked apples, but let it simmer with the apples for 3-4 minutes before pureeing. 

Did you make this recipe?

Tag @babyfoode on Instagram and hashtag it #babyfoode!

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Spinach for children - Encyclopedia Baby food

Viktoria Levchuk©

Children don't always like spinach. It is a green leafy vegetable that can taste bitter. Bitter is not sweet! Therefore, children often sabotage spinach in complementary foods. Consider at what age can you give spinach to children? How to get to know him so that the children fall in love with him?

What is spinach?

Contents:

Spinach is a vegetable with green leaves. It is a rich source of vitamins A and C and the mineral iron. The scientific name for spinach is Spinacia oleracea. nine0005

Spinach is widely grown throughout the world. It requires cool weather and rich, moist soil to grow. Spinach is one of the few vegetables that can survive a light frost.

spinach

Spinach is an annual plant. This means that it only grows one season and needs to be repotted every year. People grow it to eat only the leaves. Spinach leaves can be either smooth or wrinkled. They are roughly triangular in shape. The leaves are collected in a ring called a rosette. nine0005

Spinach is sold fresh, canned and frozen. People eat it as a green salad or as a boiled vegetable. It can also be used to make soups and sauces.

Spinach - is an excellent source of many vitamins and minerals, including vitamin A, vitamin K1, vitamin C, folic acid, iron and calcium.

History of spinach

spinach harvest

Spinach is believed to have originated in ancient Persia and its surrounding areas. The edible domesticated greens were thought to have originated from selective propagation of wild leafy species , but much of the history of spinach is unknown.

In time, spinach spread to neighboring countries around Persia, traveling through India, and was introduced to Nepal and China sometime before 647 AD. It was also introduced to Italy around 827 AD. through the Arabs, and by the 10th century, the plant was found throughout the Mediterranean. In the 13th and 16th centuries, it was widely grown throughout Europe, creating new domesticated varieties, and the greens became a favorite ingredient of the nobility and royalty.

Spinach gained great prestige when Catherine de Medici took the throne of France in 1547. Originally from Florence, she ordered the court cooks to add spinach to each of her dishes. nine0005 spinach nutrition

Spinach was also introduced to the New World and was found in home gardens in the United States by the 19th century. Spinach is grown all over the world today.

In the 1930s, the appearance of cartoon character Popeye, a comic book hero who eats spinach to acquire superhuman qualities, gave a new impetus to the vegetable with its wide green leaves. In the United States, at least, its consumption has skyrocketed as the growers of the green have erected a monument to it in Christy City, a Texas town that lives mostly off its sale. nine0005

In Russia, spinach is less popular; it began to be eaten around the middle of the 18th century in aristocratic homes. From the middle of the 19th century, it became accessible to the middle class.

Benefits of spinach in baby food

spinach for children

Spinach is a rich and varied nutritional composition. Water accounts for 91.4%, fiber - 3.6%, protein - 2.9%.

Spinach also contains many vitamins and minerals such as vitamin A, C, K, folic acid, iron calcium, minerals such as magnesium, potassium, etc. . nine0005

Considered one of the most important vegetables in the world, its nutrient content is very high. Juicy and tender leafy greens are rich in vitamins, minerals and volatile substances. They provide the body with powerful antioxidant protection.

It is rich in calcium and is an excellent substitute for animal dairy products. Instead of fighting oxidative stress, spinach helps the body fight inflammatory diseases, cardiovascular disease, and some types of cancer (especially prostate cancer).

Unlike other vegetables that contain phytonutrients, researchers have found over a dozen different flavonoid compounds in spinach that help prevent inflammation and cancer, making it an ideal food for children and teens.

Thanks to the above vitamins and minerals, the leafy vegetable is known as a superfood. When consumed, spinach will bring maximum health benefits to children.

Vitamins in spinach

spinach for children

Spinach is a source of three important vitamins, namely vitamin A, folic acid and vitamin K.

This vegetable is rich in vitamin A, which has a number of important functions for good health. The key functions of vitamin A are to strengthen vision and the immune system, improve skin condition, and increase iron absorption capacity.

Folic acid is traditionally associated with women's health and pregnancy. In addition, folic acid is needed by the body in many other processes. Just as vitamin A is essential for the functioning of the immune system, and iron plays an important role in counteracting fatigue, folic acid contributes to the amino acid structure. Therefore, folic acid is needed to be able to produce protein and build muscle. nine0005

Spinach contains vitamin K. This vitamin plays a very important role in our blood's ability to clot. Vitamin K also helps build strong bones, and more than just calcium is needed for bone health!

It is also worth talking about vitamin C or ascorbic acid, which is also found in spinach. This vitamin is important for the formation of collagen, which strengthens blood vessels, skin, teeth, and bone structure. Vitamin C helps absorb iron from food and is important for protecting cells from free radicals, meaning that it protects fat-soluble vitamins and other fats in the body from oxidation. nine0005

Minerals in spinach

spinach for children

Spinach is an important source of calcium. It is well known that calcium is a mineral that basically strengthens and maintains skeletal strength throughout life. However, the mineral also plays a fundamental role in the growth of muscles and the nervous system. Like vitamin K, calcium is important for blood cells and blood clotting.

What about iron? Of course, spinach - an excellent additional source of iron, but it does not cover all daily requirements for this mineral.

Recommendations for introducing spinach to children vary greatly. Some pediatricians say it's OK to introduce spinach at 6-7 months of age, while others advise waiting until 8 or even 10 months. As an example, American pediatricians recommend after 6 months, Russian doctors - after 7-8 months.

I think it's best to delay introducing the product to your baby's diet until 12-18 months , with 12 months being the earliest age to introduce spinach. nine0005

Research has shown that can increase nitrate levels in spinach if not stored properly. Another reason why spinach is not usually recommended as an early complementary food for children is that it is difficult for a child's body to absorb the iron and calcium it contains.

Spinach complementary foods Infographics - CLICK ON ME!!!

The oxalates in these greens also interfere with the baby's absorption of calcium from breast milk when given together.

Thus, it is possible to give spinach to children not too often about 1-2 times a week in the amount of 30-50 grams after 12-18 months. I remind you that for the first 3-4 days we carefully observe any signs of an allergic reaction or digestive discomfort in a child.

The first feeding of spinach only after heat treatment. It is preferable to steam it.

We offer fresh spinach for children after 3 years in a salad.

can children give spinach

Personally, my children got acquainted with spinach in pizza after 3 years, then I offered a fresh salad. In our Russian diet, it is not such an important product that you should definitely introduce a child into complementary foods early. It is possible that the taste of spinach after 2 years is not to your liking, because they are very picky. But is my task as a parent of to ensure the palatability of basic foods, for me it is not included in this list. So if my child eats spinach omelet, cheese and spinach pizza, and green borscht, this is a nutritional success of a varied diet. Let them learn the rest when they grow up. nine0005

Of course, if a child has iron deficiency anemia, then children can be given spinach as a way to assimilate and enrich the body with iron through food. But with such a diagnosis, it is important to consult a good Hematologist.

Also, do not forget about the seasonality and age of the child. If your baby is too young during the spinach growing season to get to know him, then it is best to produce complementary foods for the next year. If spinach is vital for a baby, then we introduce a frozen product or offer half the recommended serving. nine0005

Spinach allergy in children

spinach baby food

Spinach allergy is not common but not uncommon. It contains certain proteins and nutrients that are not recognized by a person with an allergy and therefore a reaction to spinach occurs, such as inflammation of the tissues and shortness of breath.

Introduce the child to spinach from a small amount to easily notice any adverse reaction, and then gradually increase the amount.

Spinach alternative

Does spinach cause constipation in a child?

High in fiber and water, which are well known to help prevent constipation, spinach promotes healthy digestion. It has a good property - a slight laxative effect.

Spinach and Sorrel are the same

spinach vegetable

Spinach and Sorrel are among the most vitamin herbs among vegetables. Outwardly, they are extremely similar, the ripening period is also the same, in some dishes they can be alternated. However, there is still a difference between them. nine0005

Tastes like sorrel sourish , and spinach - sour-bitter . The appearance is also different, but not significantly, so they are confused. With the help of sorrel, you can get more useful trace elements, unlike spinach. However, sorrel contains more acids, which makes it dangerous for diseases of the gastrointestinal tract.

Moreover, sorrel is preferable to taste. Therefore, it is better to introduce the child to spinach at the beginning.

How to give spinach

children can be given spinach

The first spinach food is mashed potatoes if the child is 12-18 months old. It can also be served as a smoothie or raw.

To get all the nutrients from spinach, you need to pay attention to the method and time of preparation. A new study shows that spinach can lose up to 90% of its lutein content if not cared for properly.

In addition, the more spinach is cooked and the higher the cooking temperature, the less lutein remains in it. nine0016 Thus, the worst cooking method is to sauté spinach, because only 40% of the original lutein remains after 2 minutes.

It can be quite viscous when cooked, so ideally served as a smoothie or puree, it is the safest choice for young children.

Why is spinach bitter?

Spinach contains an organic compound called oxalic acid, which, together with the tannins in leafy greens, makes it bitter in taste. nine0005

How to choose and store spinach

spinach

Spinach can be bought in the market or in small vegetable stalls in the city, as well as in very large hypermarkets, such as Metro.

Selecting a leafy vegetable based on its appearance. It is necessary that the leaves are green and crispy without tears and darkening. We pay attention to sluggish or yellowed leaves, they should not be.

Do not wash spinach before putting it in the refrigerator. Leaves may spoil faster. nine0005

Unwashed spinach can be stored for approx. 3-4 days in a loose plastic bag ; while wrapping the leaves with paper towels. It is better to use a zip bag to squeeze out as much air as possible, then the shelf life can increase up to 5-6 days.

The grocery store sells bagged spinach, which is great because it's pre-washed. Buying frozen spinach is also a convenient option.

The best way to wash fresh spinach…

spinach

Immerse the leaves completely in a bowl of water and “wash” them with your hands to remove dirt. Then drain the water and refill the bowl with fresh water, repeating the process until the water in the bowl runs clear.

Wash it thoroughly before use as the sandy soil it is planted in can get stuck between the leaves and the white stem.

Nitrates and spinach

spinach pasta

Spinach contains a substance called nitrate, which can be converted into nitrite in the body, which in turn can impair oxygen absorption. In young children with low blood volume, this can be harmful, so it is advised to avoid large amounts of spinach during the first year of life. The same goes for other vegetables that are high in nitrates, such as beets, celery leaves, nettles, and chard. nine0005

The risk of a reaction increases with the amount of spinach the child eats, so portions of it in baby food are relatively small. Also, do not panic, if the baby ate pasta colored with spinach - they are so little used for coloring that there is no danger.

The process of steaming, boiling or blanching significantly reduces the nitrate content of spinach.

Contraindications

spit for children food

Spinach is a food that contains oxalates as well as nitrates, so it is a good idea for children under 12 months of age to eat these homemade greens in moderation, if at all.

Very little is said about the dangers of spinach. The truth is that it's not much, but basically there are two things you need to know. If the child is prone to kidney stones and is taking blood thinners.

Kidney stones are formed from acid and mineral salts that stick together where calcium oxalate stones are most common. Spinach contains like calcium and oxalate . While it's still unclear how dietary oxalates affect kidney stones, it's a good idea to limit spinach if your child has problems with it.

These greens are also high in vitamin K , which may affect those taking blood thinners. It is important to consult with your doctor here.

Intended consumption

Spaghetti spinach

Spinach for children can be prepared in the form of mashed potatoes and smoothies. They also love bright green dough products. Hue can be created with spinach.

  • Spinach cooked in cream is good and easy to prepare: boil the cream until it becomes a little smooth. Let the leaves simmer in the cream for 3-4 minutes. Pepper, salt and serve.
  • Add spinach puree to pasta as a sauce.
  • Stir-fry spinach with garlic and eat it as a side dish or add it to freshly cooked pasta, top with cheese. nine0144
  • Stir-fry spinach with garlic and spices, turn into sauce.
  • Lentil soup with potatoes and spinach makes an interesting soup.
  • Spinach omelette is a wonderful breakfast.

In general, it can be used fresh, in the form of sauces for pasta and pizza, in green soups or borscht, as a separate side dish for vegetables, and used fresh in smoothies. For children, we are just looking for a convenient way to consume, at least one.

How to cook spinach

spinach salad

First, let's see what spinach looks like. Young leaves are ideal for salad and disappear almost completely when heated. The coarser leaves are not as good for chewing raw, but have a much more interesting appearance when cooked. For example, blanch, steam, stew or fry with garlic. Spinach is also good in a feta or goat cheese pie or in a frittata.

It is about 90% water, so it loses a lot of volume when cooked.

150g (3 packed cups) spinach may look bulky but only makes 1/4 cup spinach puree. nine0005

Cooking spinach is easy for kids. Can be steamed or boiled in water for about 1 minute for a softer texture and sweeter taste. Once the spinach is cooked, puree with fresh water until it reaches the desired consistency. Spinach puree can be eaten alone or added to other sweet or savory purees for a nutritional boost.

How to blanch spinach

spinach for kids

Blanching is suitable for vegetables with short cooking times and is an excellent method for spinach. In this way, you can prepare beautiful leaves without losing taste, color and usefulness. We do the following:

  • Immerse the leaves in lightly salted water that is already boiling.
  • Let it boil for about 1 minute.
  • Use slotted spoon and dip immediately into cold water.
  • Drain and serve.

Blanching is the best way to cook spinach, as this process releases the natural oxalic acid from the leaves. The acid can put stress on the baby's kidneys. For the same reason, you should not use water after boiling spinach.

How to make spinach tasteless?

Blanching spinach for 20-30 seconds in well-salted boiling water is said to remove a fair amount of oxalic acid, which makes some children dislike it.

How to Steam Spinach

Spinach

Steam cooking is more gentle on vegetables than immersing them in boiling water. With this method, crispy spinach leaves are obtained, in which the taste, color and usefulness remain.

You can use a steamer or multicooker for steam cooking. And you can make a steam apparatus out of a spacious pan with a lid, a small amount of boiling water at the bottom and a colander. Spinach for children should be steamed for about 3 minutes. Let the water drain before serving. nine0005

How to make spinach puree for kids

spinach

Transfer the leaves to a blender or food processor and process until smooth. Add some water or breast milk to reach the desired consistency.

Spinach puree may not be the most appetizing puree on its own. If the child does not accept it, why not try mixing it with other purees. The combinations are endless, and don't forget you can add spices and herbs to your baby food for extra flavor. nine0005

How to remove bitterness from fried spinach?

One of the healthiest and easiest ways to hide the bitterness of spinach is with citrus fruits. Choose between lemon, lime and orange depending on the taste of the dish. Drizzle freshly squeezed juice over the leaves as soon as they are cooked. We take into account the age of the child, since citrus fruits can cause an allergic reaction.

Freezing Spinach

Freezing Spinach

Eating fresh, unfrozen spinach is probably the best way to consume this vegetable in terms of nutritional value. But even when frozen, it contains many useful substances. Especially if it is fresh spinach, which is frozen immediately after harvest. Not all vitamins and minerals are lost due to scalding or freezing. nine0005

Frozen spinach must be added immediately during cooking without defrosting, then the taste and color of the product is preserved. You can store a frozen product for 3-6 months in an airtight bag, it is better to vacuum the bag, if possible.

In addition to spinach leaves, you can also freeze spinach puree.

First, refrigerate the puree in an airtight container for up to 24 hours. Next, place the puree in ice cube trays in the freezer. Once completely frozen, remove from the mold and place in a freezer bag or container. Return to the freezer and store for up to 2 months. Freezing in this way allows you to take out small portions as needed. nine0005

Spinach juice or smoothie

Spinach smoothie

Can spinach be juiced? It is possible with due diligence. Is it necessary? If only using juice to make green noodles.

Approximately spinach juice or smoothie can be used by children over 3 years of age as raw product is used.

I hope you understand that you need a juicer to make juice. Spinach is not the main product, it is added to celery or apples.

Smoothie is a busy, tired mom's dream because it's easy to make and a great way to get plenty of nutrition for growing kids in one glass. nine0005

Smoothie is perfect for a sick child or on the go.

However, spinach can cause a protest in the child, so we use it in small quantities, for the first time more for coloring the smoothie than for taste.

Finger Food and Spinach

Spinach Finger Food

Not the most obvious food to eat with your fingers. For finger food, spinach as an independent product is not very suitable. Although it is worth a try, boil it for a couple and put the product directly into the highchair without a plate. Here it is worth watching the baby, how he will knead and eat this product. It is important to be close, as spinach can get stuck on the palate or on the tongue. nine0005

It can be used for cooking finger food. For example, soft dough with spinach, noodles with spinach, balls of spinach and cheese, hash browns or bread sticks, etc.

How children will love spinach

The most important thing is not to hide it. One thing is green spaghetti with spinach, where the taste of ordinary pasta, and a leafy vegetable is only for color and a small amount of nutrients. But a lot of spinach is completely different, and accordingly a taste that children will not always like, especially for the first time. nine0005

Picky Eater and Spinach

Pizza Spinach

Picky Eater and spinach is a complex combination. Despite the fact that my child loves everything green, he eats this leafy vegetable only fresh in a salad. Therefore, for picky parents, it is important to understand in what form he is ready to eat a leafy vegetable. Spinach needs to be prepared in a variety of ways and be creative. Older children can use it themselves in the preparation of ordinary familiar dishes.

children can be given spinach

It is also important to note the ability of the product to color foods green. This should be used to expand the child's diet. It is important to tell the child that the green tint comes from the spinach and the flavor comes from other foods.

Ideal to serve spinach for the picky eater with pasta or spaghetti . Since the latter are considered safe foods, the addition of a green tint may appeal to children. We are trying to use spinach as a sauce or side dish. It is important to remember that some children do not like to mix food, so for the first time, you can use a separator plate. Or put a mixture of pasta and spinach in the amount of 1 spoon to see the reaction of the child. nine0005

Recipes with spinach

  • Apple + spinach + pea puree
  • oats + spinach + puree from avocado
  • puree + cilantro with cilantro
  • strawberries + spinach + puree of green onion
  • Leek + Asparagus + Spinach Mini Quiche
  • Cabbage + Spinach + Apple
  • Spinach + Cheese Dough
  • Leek + Spinach + Parsley Cheese Pasta (Pasta)
  • Chicken + Spinach Carrot Meatballs
  • Baby smoothie - blueberry + spinach with flax seeds
Sweet potato puree with spinach and peas - CLICK ME!!! Pasta with mushrooms and spinach - CLICK ME!!! Salmon with pumpkin and spinach - CLICK ME! !!Spinach Cookies - CLICK ON ME!!!

Spinach baby food

spinach pasta

Spinach baby food is presented in the form of colored pasta and crepe soup from Mamako. So parents will have to cook spinach dishes for their children on their own. nine0005

  • Cream-SUP Mamako from spinach with goat milk 150 grams from 8 months
  • A mixture for soups Smeshariki with lentils and spinach 180 grams
  • Macarone Smeshariki with spinach, etc.

Foods that go well with spinach:

  • spinach cake

    Avocado

  • Rice
  • Egg
  • Different types of cheeses 9014 4 corn
  • 0519 The effect of Lamictal on weight has been little studied and various clinical trials have found minimal effect. In fact, some researchers even considered the drug as a possible remedy for obesity and as a remedy for overeating. This information should be reassuring for people with bipolar disorder, as many of the medications used to treat this condition can cause weight gain.

    Lamictal findings and weight gain or loss
    Lamictal is an anticonvulsant drug that can be used to treat seizures such as epilepsy. It is also used as a mood stabilizer for bipolar disorder.
    In the first clinical trials with the drug, 5 percent of adults with epilepsy lost weight while taking Lamictal, while 1 to 5 percent of patients with bipolar I disorder gained weight while taking the drug. The researchers do not disclose how much weight patients have gained or lost. nine0519 Meanwhile, a 2006 study comparing the effects on weight of Lamictal, lithium, and placebo found that some Lamictal-treated patients gained weight, some lost weight, and most remained about the same weight. Weight changes are usually not many pounds anyway. Obese patients taking Lamictal lost an average of four pounds, while the weight of non-obese patients remained virtually unchanged.
    Relationship between weight gain and other bipolar drugs
    Weight gain from medications used to treat bipolar disorder is unfortunately quite common. Some mood stabilizers commonly used for bipolar disorder, especially lithium and Depakote (valproate), carry a high risk of weight gain.
    In addition, the atypical antipsychotics Clozaril (clozapine) and Zyprexa (olanzapine) tend to cause significant weight gain in people who take them. Finally, some antidepressants, notably Paxil (paroxetine) and Remeron (mirtazapine), have been associated with weight gain. nine0519 Therefore, if you are already overweight, you and your psychiatrist may want to consider additional weight gain when determining your bipolar medication regimen. Based on this, Lamictal may be a good choice.
    Lamictal as a possible treatment for obesity
    Lamictal has also been studied as a possible treatment for obesity in people without epilepsy or bipolar disorder.
    In a small clinical study of 40 people conducted in 2006, researchers randomly assigned participants to receive either lamictal or placebo for up to 26 weeks. Each participant in the study had a body mass index (BMI) between 30 and 40, placing them in the obese group to the level of severe obesity. Those who took Lamictal lost an average of just over 10 pounds.

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