Homemade Vitamin D-Rich Vegetable Purees Perfect For Babies And Toddlers

It is recommended by nutritionists and doctors alike to introduce infants to pureed or solid food after 6 months. No matter what, do not begin before 4 months. Also, the AAP (American Academy of Pediatrics) advises starting high-allergy foods like nuts and eggs early, between 4-6 months, to prevent allergies in the future. Since this precious developing phase can be a turning point for your baby in terms of palate and taste, it is important to introduce them to different kinds of food groups, like vegetables, lentils, fruits, and cereals. Give dairy a try as well to ensure their lactose tolerance.

But in this excruciating heat it is difficult to take them out for a spin in the sun for a necessary dose of natural vitamin D. One way to source these missing nutrients back into their diet is by pureeing vegetables and food groups, rich in vitamin D and other micronutrients, and feeding them to your toddlers. Change dishes and veggies every three days to introduce new food groups. Check out these top homemade vitamin D-rich vegetable purees that are perfect for babies and toddlers.

Vitamin D-Rich Vegetable Purees Perfect For Kids

1. Oatmeal and peanut butter puree

Oatmeal is packed with vitamin E, folates, zinc, iron, carotenoids, selenium and copper. Thanks to its high content of fiber and protein, oatmeal is the perfect first food for babies. Not only does it have anti-cholesterol and anti-cancer properties, but also gives your little ones all the energy they need to get through the day. Prepare oatmeal by boiling rolled oats in boiling water and then puree it in the blender with some milk, or yogurt, and peanut butter, for a nourishing puree that is filled with vitamin D.

2. Lentil and pea puree

Lentils are known for being loaded with calcium, potassium, phosphorus, iron, fiber, and protein, while peas contain more calcium and choline, a highly underrated nutrient necessary for healthy memory and brain function. Combine the two, and puree them in a blender with a little yogurt, water, or breastmilk for a smooth consistency. This puree will ensure your toddlers are growing smart and healthy.

3. Quinoa, pumpkin and cinnamon puree

Superfood quinoa packs a powerful punch of vitamins and minerals, along with fiber and amino acids necessary for bodybuilding. As for pumpkin, it is a vitamin champion with almost all vitamins between A to E lined in there. Make a wholesome and nutritious meal, that is both tasty and luscious with this quinoa, pumpkin and cinnamon puree food idea. Combine cooked quinoa, pumpkin, cinnamon and vegetable stock or water in the blender and blend till smooth. This vitamin-rich vegetable puree will fill up your baby’s energy levels right before playtime.

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4. Sweet Potato and butternut squash puree

Sweet potato is a rich source of beta carotene, potassium and vitamin C, while butternut squash is rich in calcium, magnesium, iron and multiple vitamins. These easily mashable veggies are highly enjoyable to babies once boiled and blended. Add minimal spices but include non-spicy herbs to ensure an enjoyable experience for your babies and toddlers, as they play with the fun, orange-colored food and enjoy its fluffy texture.

5. Beetroot and pear puree

Teeming with vitamin C and potassium, pears are the perfect fruity counterpart to vegetable purees. Pair them with the beautiful red color of beetroot and you have an eye-catching new puree, full of the goodness of veggies and fruits. Thanks to its high levels of calcium, iron and vitamins, beetroots are a wonderful vegetable to feed as puree to kids.

Tips to keep in mind while choosing and making vitamin D-rich vegetable purees for kids

• Babies need a daily dose of 400 IU (International Units) or 10 mcg of vitamin D for up to 24 months. Ensure the vegetable purees are well-paired with other nourishing food groups to hit the goal every day.
• Since vegetables, fruits, and cereals cannot puree well on their own without some liquid aiding the process, it is better to use water, vegetable broth, breastmilk, or cow’s milk for the process.
• Introduce your kids to new food groups every three days. This will not only help them develop a more mature food palette but also help identify and prevent allergies early on.
• Do not hesitate to use nut butters, dry fruits, and dairy as your babies and toddlers get accustomed to solid food, unless allergic.
• There are no strict rules while making vegetable purees, including fruits and cereals of different kinds to add new flavors, textures, and to switch things up for their taste buds.

Conclusion

Babies are the most delicate yet resilient creatures on earth. No matter how naughty or stubborn the little ones are, their well-being is always top priority for parents. And since vitamin D plays a crucial role in helping their bodies, parents need to ensure their babies get its daily dose naturally. Therefore, to ensure the wholesome development of babies and toddlers, give these homemade vitamin D-rich vegetable puree ideas a try as they are perfect for growing children.