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Zucchini baby food 6 months


When Can Babies Eat Zucchini? - First Foods for Baby

When can babies eat zucchini?

Zucchini may be introduced as soon as your baby is ready to start solids, which is generally around 6 months of age.

Background and origins of zucchini

From curries to dolmas to ratatouille, zucchini shows up in dishes from all over the world. The dark green, oblong variety are popular, but zucchini comes in all sorts of colors, shapes, and sizes—a perfect pick for taste tests babies! It’s also a great way to teach older kids about history: this abundant summer squash has origins in Central America, where gourds have been grown for agricultural, ceremonial, and domestic purposes for thousands of years. A staple food for Native Americans, squash was brought by Spanish colonizers to Europe, where the gourds called ayohtli by the Nahuatl people of Mesoamerica changed in shape and size through cultivation by Italians, who called the squash by the diminutive of zucca, their word for squash. Today, zucchini have different names depending on where you live: calabacín, courgette, marrow, and quả bí ngòi to name a few.

Zucchini plants thrive in the sun and typically produce lots of fruit (yes, botanically speaking, zucchini is a fruit!), making this prolific squash an economical and nutritious addition to your baby’s diet. You can even eat the blossoms (delicious on frittatas, quesadillas, and pizzas) though they’re best reserved for toddlers who have developed chewing and swallowing skills.

Store your zucchini in a paper bag to keep it fresh! Zucchini needs access to air to slow down the skin from becoming slimy and soft.

Is zucchini healthy for babies?

Yes. Zucchini is loaded with beta-carotene that our bodies convert to vitamin A, which supports our immune system and powers our eyesight along with the lutein and zeaxanthin that are also present in the summer squash. Zucchini also offers plenty of vitamin C, which helps our bodies absorb iron from plant-based foods to create healthy blood cells. Lastly, zucchini contains vitamin B6, folate, vitamin K, and copper—important vitamins and minerals that your baby needs to thrive. Vitamin B6 is essential for brain development and folate is vital for growth, and both nutrients can be insufficient in toddlers’ diets.1

Is zucchini a common choking hazard for babies?

No. You won’t find zucchini listed as a common choking hazard, and the risk is low when the squash is cooked to a soft consistency. That said, an individual can choke on any food, so be sure to create a safe eating environment, always stay near your baby during mealtime, and check out our age-appropriate serving suggestions.

For more information, visit our section on gagging and choking and familiarize yourself with common choking hazards.

Is zucchini a common allergen?

No. Cases of zucchini allergy have been reported but it is not a common allergen. 2 However, individuals with ragweed allergy may experience symptoms of Oral Allergy Syndrome (also called pollen-food allergy syndrome) after consuming raw or lightly cooked zucchini.3 4 Symptoms can include oral itching and tingling and occasionally mild abdominal pain. The good news is that Oral Allergy Syndrome is only rarely associated with serious reactions.

As you would when introducing any new food, start by offering a small quantity on its own for the first couple of servings. If there is no adverse reaction, gradually increase the quantity over future meals.

How do you prepare zucchini for babies with baby-led weaning?

Every baby develops on their own timeline, and the suggestions on how to cut or prepare particular foods are generalizations for a broad audience. Your child is an individual and may have needs or considerations beyond generally accepted practices. In determining the recommendations for size and shape of foods, we use the best available scientific information regarding gross, fine, and oral motor development to minimize choking risk. The preparation suggestions we offer are for informational purposes only and are not a substitute for child-specific, one-on-one advice from your pediatric medical or health professional or provider. It is impossible to fully eliminate all risk of a baby or child choking on any liquid, puree, or food. We advise you to follow all safety protocols we suggest to create a safe eating environment and to make educated choices for your child regarding their specific needs. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read or seen here.

6 months+: Cook zucchini and serve on its own as spears or sticks. Roasting or steaming spears of zucchini makes a great meal for baby and a delicious side dish for the rest of the family. And don’t bother peeling the skin—at this age, baby can scrape the soft zucchini flesh away from the skin and the skin will help it hold the piece together in baby’s hand. Shredded zucchini is another way to offer this nutritious vegetable to your baby. It can be served on its own with a pre-loaded spoon or easily mixed into other foods like grain dishes, mashed legumes or root vegetables, scrambled eggs, or yogurt.

9 months+: Once baby develops the pincer grasp (where the finger and thumb meet), try moving down in size to bite-size pieces of cooked zucchini. If you’d like to continue to offer cooked spears or sticks, by all means do so; these shapes offer great practice for learning how to bite, tear and spit, all critical skills for becoming a safe eater.

12 months+: Continue serving bite-size pieces of cooked zucchini and mixing this nutritious squash into your casseroles, egg, grain, and lentil dishes. At this age, zucchini fritters, noodles, or pancakes are a great choice, too. As your toddler grows older, keep introducing zucchini in identifiable ways, such as in roasted sticks described above to build familiarity with the squash in its whole form. It can be tempting to hide shredded zucchini in breads or muffins—a fine option when served in moderation—but offering the squash in this way may not build familiarity with the taste of zucchini on its own.

18 months+: At this age many toddlers are ready for raw zucchini. Try bite size pieces or sticks. A great pre-dinner snack! If you’ve mostly been doing bite size pieces of cooked zucchini up until now, try going back up in size to spears so your toddler can practice biting and tearing skills as well.

Cooked, soft zucchini spears for babies 6 months+Bite-sized pieces of cooked zucchini for babies 9 months+

For more information on how to cut food for babies, visit our page on Food Sizes & Shapes.

Recipe: Zucchini Quinoa Fries with Yogurt Dip*

Ingredients

  • 2 small zucchini
  • 2 eggs
  • 3 tablespoons breadcrumbs or cornmeal
  • 1/2 cup cooked quinoa (optional)
  • 1 tablespoon chickpea flour or flour of choice (optional)
  • 1 tablespoon minced cilantro (optional)
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 2 tablespoons avocado oil, safflower oil, or high-heat oil
  • 1/4 cup plain yogurt

Directions

  1. Preheat the oven to 475 degrees Fahrenheit / 250 degrees Celsius. Grease an oven-safe dish or tray with a high-heat oil, such as avocado or safflower oil.
  2. Wash and dry the zucchini. Cut off the stem ends. Quarter the zucchini lengthwise, then cut crosswise to create spears that are about the length of your fingers. Set aside.
  3. Crack the egg in a shallow bowl and whisk to combine the yolk with the whites. Add the breadcrumbs (or cornmeal) to a separate shallow bowl and, if you’d like to add a little flavor and nutrition, mix in the quinoa, flour, herbs, and cumin. If the mixture is too clumpy, add more flour.
  4. To make the zucchini fries, dip each spear in egg, then roll in the breadcrumb mixture and place on the prepared tray. If the mixture is not sticking to a spear, use your hands to press breadcrumbs around the spear. Continue until all spears are coated.
  5. Bake until the fries are crispy and golden, about 30 to 40 minutes. Let cool before serving. Serve alongside the yogurt and encourage your baby to dip.*This recipe contains food allergens (egg, dairy, and wheat) so introduce with care.

Flavor Pairings

Zucchini are mild in flavor and develop a slightly sweet taste when cooked, which makes the squash a versatile ingredient that can act as a blank canvas for your favorite flavors and seasonings. Try mixing cooked zucchini pieces into amaranth, quinoa, or your favorite grain; serving spears alongside iron-rich foods like black beans or lentils; adding shredded zucchini to eggs, or stirring zucchini into pasta.

Reviewed by

J. Truppi, MSN, CNS

V. Kalami, MNSP, RD

K. Rappaport, OTR/L, MS, SCFES, IBCLC

S. Bajowala, MD, FAAAAI. (allergy section)

R. Ruiz, MD Board-Certified General Pediatrician and Pediatric Gastroenterologist

  1. Dewey, K. G. (2013). The Challenge of Meeting Nutrient Needs of Infants and Young Children during the Period of Complementary Feeding: An Evolutionary Perspective. The Journal of Nutrition, 143(12), 2050–2054.
  2. Reindl, J., Anliker, M. D., Karamloo, F., Vieths, S., & Wüthrich, B. (2000). Allergy caused by ingestion of zucchini (Cucurbita pepo): Characterization of allergens and cross-reactivity to pollen and other foods. Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology, 106(2), 379–385.
  3. American Academy of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology. Oral Allergy Syndrome (OAS) or Pollen Fruit Syndrome (PFS). Retrieved August 27, 2020
  4. Mayo Clinic. Food Allergy. Retrieved August 27, 2020

Zucchini Baby Puree - Healthy Little Foodies

All Posts, by Date » Baby Friendly Recipes » Puree Recipes » Zucchini Puree

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This zucchini (courgette) baby puree is mild tasting and a great first stage puree. Serve it as it is, mix with other purees or add fresh herbs for flavour.

Reasons to Love this Puree

  • TEXTURE – Zucchini (courgette) has a high water content which makes the puree nice and thin and easy for your baby to swallow. It is fantastic for thinning out thicker vegetable/meat purees.
  • TASTE – Zucchini has a delicate flavour making it a great first taste food. It combines well with a range of vegetables, meats and is a good canvas for experimenting with different herbs and spices.
  • NUTRITION – Zucchinis are a good source of vitamins and minerals including beta carotene (which converts to vitamin A), vitamin C, Vitamin B6, folate, vitamin K, potassium, phosphorus, magnesium and calcium.
  • FREEZER FRIENDLY – Prep ahead for busier nights.

Watch How to Make it (Video)

Zucchini is the only ingredient needed to make zucchini puree. Due to their high water content, no extra liquid is needed.

Basil (or herb of choice) adds flavour, try serving it with and without herbs to provide your baby with a variety of flavours.

How to Choose and Store Zucchini

  • Look for zucchinis that are small to medium-sized (no larger than 15 – 20cm (6 to 8 inches)), larger zucchinis tend to be more watery, flavourless and have larger seeds.
  • Choose zucchinis with vibrant, smooth skin free of nicks and cuts.
  • Ensure your zucchinis are dry and store them in the vegetable drawer of your refrigerator. Do not wash them until just before using. Avoid wrapping in plastic bags, as they can cause excess moisture and the zucchini can get soft/slimy.

Process Shots and Cooking Tips

  1. WASH & SLICE: Wash, top and tail the zucchini. Cut zucchini in half lengthwise and then slice.
  2. STEAM: Steam for around 8-10 minutes or until soft and tender.
  3. MASH / PUREE: Puree smooth or mash to offer your baby a more textured puree. It is always good to start adding texture and not only offer smooth purees.

Zucchini Baby Puree Combinations

Zucchini has quite a mild flavour and is a good canvas for adding other flavours. Good partners with zucchini include:

  • corn puree
  • pea puree
  • eggplant puree
  • butternut squash puree
  • bell pepper
  • lentil puree
  • eggs
  • chicken puree
  • mashed potato
  • sweet potato puree

Try changing up the flavour by adding…

  • basil
  • garlic
  • lemon
  • marjoram
  • onion
  • parsley
  • thyme

Storage Instructions

Store in the refrigerator for 2 days or freeze for up to two months. Read more on how to safely store baby food.  

Frequently Asked Questions

Is zucchini a common food allergen?

Zucchini is not a common allergen although cases of zucchini allergy have been reported. (1)

What age is this puree suitable from?

Zucchini puree can be introduced once your baby is ready to start solids, which is generally around 6 months of age. It is a great stage one/first tastes puree.

Should I peel the zucchini skin?

No, there is no need to peel the skin. When zucchini is cooked the skin is soft and perfectly edible. Most of the nutrients in zucchini are contained in the peel so it is best to leave it on.  

Do I need to remove the seeds?

No, the seeds in zucchini are very soft and are easily pureed/mashed.

Looking for zucchini finger food ideas? Why not try

  • Zucchini Bites
  • Zucchini Muffins
  • Zucchini Fritters

Looking for more healthy kid recipes?Sign up for my free recipe newsletter to get new family friendly recipes in your inbox each week! Find me sharing more kind-friendly inspiration on Pinterest and Instagram.

5 from 1 vote

Zucchini (Courgette) Puree

Zucchini steamed and pureed. Delicious on its own or mixed with other purees.

Print Pin This

  • ▢ 2 medium zucchinis
  • ▢ 1 or 2 basil leaves (optional)

  • Wash and remove the ends of the zucchinis. Slice into rounds.

  • Steam the zucchini for 8-10 minutes or until soft.

  • Add cooked slices to a blender along with the basil. Blend until smooth.

Basil is optional or can be replaced with a different herb such as parsley or thyme. 

As babies age, you want to add more texture. This puree can be easily mashed for a chunkier texture. 

I find you need 2 zucchinis for a larger blender to blend properly. If you have a smaller blender or plan to mash then you can half the recipe. 

Nutritional information is a rough guide only, calculated using an online nutrition calculator.  

Nutrition Facts

Zucchini (Courgette) Puree

Amount Per Serving

Calories 7 Calories from Fat 9

% Daily Value*

Fat 1g2%

Saturated Fat 1g5%

Polyunsaturated Fat 1g

Monounsaturated Fat 1g

Sodium 3mg0%

Potassium 103mg3%

Carbohydrates 1g0%

Fiber 1g4%

Sugar 1g1%

Protein 1g2%

Vitamin A 83IU2%

Vitamin C 7mg8%

Calcium 6mg1%

Iron 1mg6%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.

Course:Baby Food

Cuisine:Puree

Keyword:Courgette Puree, Zucchini Puree

Did you make this recipe?Tag me on Instagram at @healthylittlefoodies or leave me a below.

References

  1. Reindl, J., Anliker, M. D., Karamloo, F., Vieths, S., & Wüthrich, B. (2000). Allergy caused by ingestion of zucchini (Cucurbita pepo): Characterization of allergens and cross-reactivity to pollen and other foods. Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology, 106(2), 379–38

Disclaimer: This guide is for informational purposes only. It is not intended to replace the personalised care and advice given to you by a health professional. You should never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read or seen here. Please refer to our full disclaimer for more info.

Meet Amy

Amy Whiteford runs the blog Healthy Little Foodies. She is a mum to two, has a BSc (Hons) Food Science, PGDE Primary Education and a Certificate in Childhood Nutrition. She uses her experience and knowledge to create healthy and delicious recipes for kids. Explore the site for creative ideas, tips, and inspiration! Read more

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Zucchini puree for the first feeding

The introduction of zucchini in the first feeding is recommended by WHO, and zucchini puree for feeding the baby can be prepared without any problems yourself. There is nothing complicated in growing zucchini and the mature fruits of many varieties can be stored throughout the entire frosty period. The pulp of the fruit with elementary heat treatment retains its beneficial properties and is easily absorbed by the child's body even from an early age.

Contents

  • How to cook courgettes for the first feeding
  • Courgettes for complementary foods in baby food
  • Composition of marrow
  • Benefits of zucchini for children and adults

How to prepare zucchini for first feeding

If you decide to start feeding your baby, start with zucchini. It will be the best addition to breast milk or adapted formula. Zucchini is a hypoallergenic product and contains a large amount of nutrients needed by the child.

Zucchini puree recipe

Cooking zucchini puree for the first feeding at home. Of the ingredients you need only zucchini and water. Let's start by rinsing the zucchini under cool running water. Peel off the skin and cut into cubes. Next 2 options. Either put it in boiling water, cook the zucchini for 6-10 minutes, while retaining the benefits of vitamin C. Or steam it, which will undoubtedly be tastier and healthier. Then we wipe through a sieve or grind with a blender.

You need to start complementary foods with one teaspoon, gradually day after day, increasing the number of spoons. It is important to introduce your child to this product at a very young age. When the child grows up, he will also need nutrients. And you can spoil him with many different zucchini dishes.

How to cook zucchini correctly and how much

For the first feeding, it is recommended to boil zucchini for up to 10 minutes. Usually this time is enough to soften the cut pieces. Do not forget that the longer the heat treatment of the vegetable takes place, the less vitamins and useful trace elements remain. Then everything is thoroughly crushed into puree and the first complementary foods are ready. Depending on the period of introduction of the puree to the baby, you can add a little vegetable oil to the puree if the mass of the portion of the puree has reached 100 g (usually on the 6th-7th day of feeding).

For the preparation of mashed potatoes, babies need to select only young and fresh zucchini fruits: without rot, cracks and dents. The fruit is thoroughly washed under running water. Then its lateral parts are cut off: the tail and the “butt”; peel is removed. The zucchini is cut lengthwise into several parts, from which the central soft part with seeds is removed. The remaining parts are cut into cubes. If the vegetable is bought at the market or in a store, it is recommended to soak the zucchini in clean water for about 2 hours to remove unnatural trace elements from the fruit in the form of fertilizers and pesticides.

How to freeze and defrost zucchini? Cooked cut fruit cubes in the right amount are placed in plastic bags or containers, and then in the refrigerator. For the preparation of frozen fruit puree, it is recommended to use a defrosted vegetable. To speed up the process, bags or containers with zucchini are placed in water at room temperature or under running tap water. After 1-2 hours, you can start cooking according to a known scheme.

Squash for complementary foods in baby food

Squash is widely used in baby food for its unique properties. In addition, vegetable squash purees are considered the most popular when introducing the first complementary foods to a child. One-component zucchini puree manufacturers recommend using for children from 4 months.

Table of the introduction of the first complementary foods with zucchini according to WHO recommendations

Baby food recommended for the first complementary foods includes Heinz zucchini puree, which additionally includes corn flour and water. A similar product is Hipp zucchini puree, which contains coarse rice flour. These products are sold in glass jars with a net weight of 80 grams, and the puree contains no salt, sugar, starch, preservatives or dyes.

At a later age, in baby food, zucchini is used with vegetables, fruits, cereals and meat. For children over 5 months:

  • Frutonyanya Broccoli and Zucchini Puree
  • Puree Frutonyan zucchini and potatoes
  • Frutonyanya puree cauliflower and marrow
  • Puree Frutonyanya apples and zucchini
  • Frutonyanya zucchini-oatmeal puree
  • Gerber potato and courgette puree
  • Puree Gerber apples and zucchini

Children's puree Tyoma beef with zucchini is recommended to try not earlier than 6 months from birth.

Ingredients of zucchini

Zucchini is a source of substances that have a beneficial effect on digestion. They contain a small amount of calories when cooked (20 to 25 kcal per 100 grams), so you can use them in food during therapeutic diets.

Fruits contain not only carbohydrates, fats and proteins, but also useful trace elements: sodium, iron, magnesium, zinc, iodine. In addition, the composition contains vitamins of groups B, C, E, H, PP, A.

Benefits of zucchini for children and adults

Zucchini has a very pleasant taste. Doctors advise them to use those who have undergone surgery on the stomach or intestines. I would like to mention that these fruits are very useful for those who suffer from edema.

Zucchini juice for men and women can help with obesity. Helps the body to get rid of toxins and slags, relieves constipation well, strengthens the heart. The glycogen in them has a positive effect on the activity of the liver. Zucchini significantly improves blood formation, helps to restore strength after prolonged exertion. Zucchini seeds will help get rid of worms. With hepatitis, regular consumption of zucchini will lead to a significant improvement in well-being.

Thus, the use of zucchini in the first feeding is the best option for both the child and the parents (of course, excluding the case of his individual intolerance).

pros and cons of complementary foods with zucchini, overview of manufacturers ~

The first complementary foods for a baby is a crucial moment and it must be approached competently. Every mother tries to make the child not only enjoy food, but also benefit. Zucchini puree diversifies the diet will improve the functioning of the gastrointestinal tract.

Baby food with zucchini: useful properties

Zucchini is considered a hypoallergenic product containing a large amount of iron, calcium, phosphorus, vitamin C, so zucchini complementary foods are not so much tasty as healthy for the baby. There are many baby food manufacturers on the market that offer similar products with minor differences in composition. Knowing the characteristics of the ingredients will help you make the right choice.

The presence of rice flour in baby food can be attributed to the advantages of . Rice stimulates the hematopoietic system, helps with anemia, has astringent properties. Its composition does not contain salt , it does not cause allergies. Calcium present in rice flour strengthens the skeletal system. Rice flour in baby food is rich in B vitamins. The absence of glutin in it makes it possible to use it as a thickener in the production of baby food. It is not recommended to use this product for babies prone to constipation.

Some manufacturers include cornmeal in their products. The grains of this culture contain trace elements of potassium, magnesium, iron. According to the content of vitamin C, it is not inferior to vegetables. However, it should be remembered that cornmeal, which is part of the puree, quickly causes a feeling of satiety. Corn flour in baby food is suitable for babies with overweight problems. If body weight is insufficient, then it is better to refuse dishes that contain corn.

Do not ignore products containing corn oil . It has its advantages: it does not lose its beneficial properties when heated, it helps to absorb vitamin A contained in vegetables, it saturates the blood with oxygen. It is recommended to include it in the diet at the 7th month of the baby's life. This product has no contraindications.

Baby purees with zucchini: a review of manufacturers If the manufacturer indicates “zucchini” in the composition, then it is possible that several varieties of vegetables were used in the manufacture of

. Then, in the event of any negative manifestations, it is difficult to determine what the baby's body reacted to.

Heinz (zucchini)

Plants for the production of products with the Heinz trademark are located in the Stavropol Territory, Ivanovo and other cities of Russia. Packaging in glass jars of 80 grams. Heinz with zucchini has a liquid consistency, is made without the addition of salt and sugar . The composition includes zucchini, water, rice flour. The dish is ready to use, it is enough to heat it in a water bath. The manufacturer recommends the use of product from 4 months . The diet should be introduced gradually. For the first time, 1 teaspoon (5 g) is enough, on the second day give 10 g, on the third day - 20 g. Then bring the portion to the norm of feeding in accordance with the age of the child.

Swaddling with zucchini

Zucchini puree "Spelenok" has an excellent taste and color. Contains only vegetable puree and water. Ideal vegetable complementary food from the age of 4 months. Packed in an antiseptic solid package weighing 125 g, glass jars 80 g and 125 g. Made according to specifications. Producer JSC "Gardens Pridonya" shelf life of open packaging - no more than a day.

Gerber

Poland supplies baby food "TM Gerber" on a vegetable basis "Only Zucchini". Packing - glass jar 80 g.

According to customer reviews, baby food Gerber with zucchini has a watery texture, mild taste, bitter aftertaste. Contains water and zucchini puree. It is recommended to use from 4 months of age.

Baby puree “Gerber zucchini only” – ideal for first feeding

Hipp

Hipp offers baby food with zucchini, made from vegetables and fruits of its own production, grown without the use of chemicals. "Zucchini. My first puree ”is introduced into complementary foods for babies from 4 months. Positive factors include the absence of salt, starch, preservatives, dyes. It is important that the composition includes 1 component - zucchini.

Reviews are not all positive, there are complaints about the presence of bitterness.

Grandma's basket

Puree "Grandmother's basket" with zucchini is packed in a glass jar 100 g. Produced in accordance with technical specifications. In the composition section, only zucchini puree is listed.

Fruto nyanya

Fruto nyanya, a producer of zucchini puree, indicates that the product is made from different varieties of vegetables. It also contains rice flour. When breastfeeding, such complementary foods should be introduced from the age of 6-7 months.

Packaging - 80 g glass jar

Bebivita

Bebivita puree with marrow contains corn oil in addition to vegetables and rice flour. This is a multi-component product that can be offered to children at the age of 7 months.

Topic

Baby food Topic with zucchini contains only water in addition to the vegetable. The plural implies the presence of several varieties of vegetable. Packaging in glass jars weighing 125 grams. It is recommended to apply from 5 months. Country of origin - Hungary.

The general rule for all baby foods is to keep unopened for no more than 24 hours.

Important : Manufacturers indicate on the label at what age it can be introduced into the diet. Don't be in a hurry. When breastfeeding, pediatricians do not advise diversifying the baby's food up to 6 months.

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