Top Ways to Prepare Butternut Squash for Babies Learning to Eat Solids
January 2023
Author:
Hyemyung Kim, RD, CDN, CNSC, CLC
Coauthors:
Erinn Jacobi, M.S. OTR/L
Stefanie Kain, B.S. M.Ed
Johane Filemon, MS, RDN, CLT
About Kids Eat in Color
Created by experts, Kids Eat in Color is the leading resource for families seeking evidence-based information and strategies on child nutrition and feeding.
Author:
Hyemyung Kim, RD, CDN, CNSC, CLC
Coauthors:
Erinn Jacobi, M.S. OTR/L
Stefanie Kain, B.S. M.Ed
Johane Filemon, MS, RDN, CLT
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Inside: Is your baby ready to try butternut squash? Keep reading to learn why we love preparing butternut squash for baby eaters! Plus, we’ll teach you how to make butternut squash puree and how to cut it for baby-led weaning.
Learn the best way to cook and prepare butternut squash for babies. Get step-by-step instructions for pureeing butternut squash and serving it for baby-led weaning. Find out if it’s a common allergen and how to get your baby to like it.
Butternut squash, known for its pale yellow-orange skin and its oblong shape, is a winter squash that is part of the gourd family and related to the pumpkin.
Although it is commonly mistaken as a vegetable, butternut squash is technically a fruit because it contains seeds and comes from the flowering parts of plants.
This fruit is a great first food to introduce to babies considering it is affordable, nutritious and easy to prepare.
Benefits of butternut squash for babies
Butternut squash is a rich source of vitamin A (beta-carotene) and vitamin C, and is a good source of vitamin E, vitamin B6, manganese and magnesium.
These nutrients are essential for babies for cell growth, eye health, immune function and bone mineralization, as well as red blood cell formation.
Also, vitamin A (beta-carotene) and vitamin C act as antioxidants to help fight the body from cell damage.
And don’t forget that vitamin C helps to optimize your baby’s absorption of iron as well.
Avoid letting your child eat when distracted or worked up.
What does gagging look like?
While your baby is learning to eat butternut squash, you might see them gagging occasionally. Gagging is normal and is the body’s natural protective response to prevent choking.
Gagging includes:
Gurgling
Coughing
Spitting
Audible gagging noises
When gagging happens, do not react. Remain neutral as your child works through it. Your baby’s tongue will thrust forward to remove the food piece from their mouth. Then, let them continue eating or engaging with the new foods.
What does choking look like?
Choking, however, is when the child’s airway is blocked. It can be life-threatening and requires immediate intervention.
A child who choking will:
Struggle silently/quietly
Be unable to cough
Be unable to or have a difficult time breathing
How to remember the difference between gagging and choking: If the baby is loud and red, they’re likely gagging and you should proceed with the meal like normal. If they’re quiet and blue, they need immediate help.
The most common way to prepare butternut squash is roasting or baking, although it can be steamed as well.
One trick to cut butternut squash for babies is to first pierce it several times with a knife and then microwave the whole squash for 2-3 minutes. This process helps loosen the skin and soften the squash.
Once the squash is peeled with the seeds removed, it can be cut into appropriate sizes for your baby and then bake it in the oven until fully cooked.
How to make butternut squash puree for baby
Prepare the butternut squash by washing, peeling and removing seeds.
Cut squash in half lengthwise.
Season squash using desired spices and herbs.
Roast each half of the squash facing up at 375 F / 190 C for 50 minutes or more, depending on the size of the squash. Tip: To shorten bake time, cut squash into smaller chunks.
Once cooked thoroughly, use a blender or food mill to puree the butternut squash to a smooth consistency.
Note: Is the puree too thick? To thin it out, breast milk, formula or even broth can be added to the butternut squash puree to reach your desired consistency.
Prepare the butternut squash by washing, peeling and removing seeds.
Cut the butternut squash into thick, finger-length strips or half moon shapes.
Bake squash at at 375 F / 190 C for 35-50 minutes, depending on the size of your pieces. Note: Make sure squash is easy to smoosh between your fingers before serving to your baby.
How to help baby develop their pincer grasp
Is your baby trying to pick up food with their thumb and index finger? This ability is called the pincer grasp.
Once a baby develops their pincer grasp, you can cut the butternut squash into bite-sized cubes. This allows your child to practice picking up the pieces with their fingers.
You can still continue to offer large pieces as well.
No. Butternut squash is not known to be a common food allergy. However, there are reports of skin reactions when cutting raw butternut squash, commonly known as “squash hands.”
While symptoms vary, those affected can notice itchy red skin, peeling skin or a thin sticky film covering their hands. Symptoms tend to resolve on their own.
If concerned, wear gloves or buy pre-cut squash to avoid contact.
To minimize skin reactions for your baby, wash your hands after handling uncooked butternut squash and make sure only fully cooked squash is given to your child.
How to tell if a baby is having an allergic reaction to butternut squash
Common allergen symptoms can be hives, itching, swelling of the lip or tongue, and rashes.
If signs of wheezing, throat tightness, difficulty swallowing or trouble breathing are observed, call the pediatrician immediately.
How to help your baby learn to like butternut squash
What if your baby doesn’t like butternut squash right away? Don’t stress. There are ways you can help teach your child to like butternut squash, help prevent some picky eating in general and support their overall development.
Play with butternut squash to get your baby to like it
Consider the following food play activity “Squash Painting” to help get your baby comfortable with butternut squash.
How to do it:
Place a small scoop of butternut squash puree on your child’s high chair tray.
Let your baby explore, bring the squash to their mouth, rub it back and forth, and smear it around.
Add a plastic ball or toy with wheels and invite them to roll it back and forth over the mashed squash.
Use clear, simple language to describe the action:
Model eating butternut squash to get your baby to try it
Let your child sit at the table with you while you eat butternut squash. This can be a safe way to expose babies to a new food.
If your baby is interested in your food, and the squash is prepared appropriately for babies, offer them a small piece.
Speak in simple language:
“I’m eating butternut squash today.”
“Butternut squash for dinner!”
“Warm and soft butternut squash.”
Let your baby play to develop the motor skills needed to eat
Allowing infants to lay down on the floor, roll around and push up while on their bellies will help them develop motor skills needed to eat. Offer them toys to reach for, grasp and bring to their mouths.
The more they practice these skills, the easier it will be to hold themselves up at the table, reach for food, and bring food to their mouths.
Here are some simple examples of what you can say while your baby plays:
Cichero, J. A. (2016). Introducing solid foods using baby-led weaning vs. Spoon-feeding: A focus on oral development, nutrient intake and quality of research to bring balance to the debate. Nutrition Bulletin, 41(1), 72–77. https://doi.org/10.1111/nbu.12191
About Kids Eat in Color
Created by experts, Kids Eat in Color is the leading resource for families seeking evidence-based information and strategies on child nutrition and feeding.
Hyemyung Kim has been a registered and certified dietitian and nutrition support clinician for 10 years. She initially started her career as an inpatient dietitian with the adult population but fell into the role as a neonatal and pediatric dietitian after a co-worker needed to go on maternity leave. This led to her falling in love with this population and working with parents. She continued to progress her career working in the neonatal and pediatric intensive care units as the nutrition support dietitian and in the nutrition clinic as the outpatient dietitian. During this time, she also obtained her certification as a certified lactation counselor to promote breastfeeding and provide education and support for mothers.
It was while working as a clinical dietitian that Hyemyung got to meet and talk to parents about their struggles with picky eating, finding her passion for teaching and educating parents on tips to help their children to eat. She is passionate about working with parents on this common but tough issue and finds it rewarding when she hears about progress. Now as a new mom to a 1 year old boy, she is also dealing with selective eating and can empathize how parents feel when they are experiencing this. In her role as the dietitian and weaning specialist, Hyemyung strives to approach each parent with empathy, understanding and compassion as she educates and provides support.
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Inside: Is your baby ready to try butternut squash? Keep reading to learn why we love preparing butternut squash for baby eaters! Plus, we’ll teach you how to make butternut squash puree and how to cut it for baby-led weaning.
Packed with vitamins and minerals, butternut squash is a great option for babies starting solid foods.
Learn the best way to cook and prepare butternut squash for babies. Get step-by-step instructions for pureeing butternut squash and serving it for baby-led weaning. Find out if it’s a common allergen and how to get your baby to like it.
Article contents:
Butternut squash for baby
Benefits of butternut squash for babies
How to find butternut squash
Is butternut squash a choking hazard?
How to prepare butternut squash for baby
How to make butternut squash puree
How to cut squash for baby-led weaning
Is butternut squash considered an allergen?
How to help your baby learn to like butternut squash
Butternut squash for baby
Butternut squash, known for its pale yellow-orange skin and its oblong shape, is a winter squash that is part of the gourd family and related to the pumpkin.
Although it is commonly mistaken as a vegetable, butternut squash is technically a fruit because it contains seeds and comes from the flowering parts of plants.
This fruit is a great first food to introduce to babies considering it is affordable, nutritious and easy to prepare.
Benefits of butternut squash for babies
Butternut squash is a rich source of vitamin A (beta-carotene) and vitamin C, and is a good source of vitamin E, vitamin B6, manganese and magnesium.
These nutrients are essential for babies for cell growth, eye health, immune function and bone mineralization, as well as red blood cell formation.
Also, vitamin A (beta-carotene) and vitamin C act as antioxidants to help fight the body from cell damage.
And don’t forget that vitamin C helps to optimize your baby’s absorption of iron as well.
Related: Iron-Rich Foods for Babies & Kids
How to find butternut squash for babies
Butternut squash can typically be found year-round in grocery stores and farmers markets.
However, since they are grown in the summer and harvested in the fall, they are more readily available during the fall and winter.
When shopping for butternut squash, look in the produce section. Pre-cut squash is sometimes available as well.
Butternut squash can also be found in the frozen food aisle.
Related: Best Fruits for Kids + When They’re in Season
Is butternut squash a choking hazard for babies?
Butternut squash is considered a low-risk choking food, although the seeds are considered a choking risk.
To prevent your baby from choking on butternut squash
While butternut squash is low risk, choking can occur with any food, so it’s important to be diligent when your child is eating.
To prevent choking on butternut squash:
What does gagging look like?
While your baby is learning to eat butternut squash, you might see them gagging occasionally. Gagging is normal and is the body’s natural protective response to prevent choking.
Gagging includes:
When gagging happens, do not react. Remain neutral as your child works through it. Your baby’s tongue will thrust forward to remove the food piece from their mouth. Then, let them continue eating or engaging with the new foods.
What does choking look like?
Choking, however, is when the child’s airway is blocked. It can be life-threatening and requires immediate intervention.
A child who choking will:
How to remember the difference between gagging and choking: If the baby is loud and red, they’re likely gagging and you should proceed with the meal like normal. If they’re quiet and blue, they need immediate help.
Related: Common Choking Hazards for Babies
How to prepare butternut squash for baby
The most common way to prepare butternut squash is roasting or baking, although it can be steamed as well.
One trick to cut butternut squash for babies is to first pierce it several times with a knife and then microwave the whole squash for 2-3 minutes. This process helps loosen the skin and soften the squash.
Once the squash is peeled with the seeds removed, it can be cut into appropriate sizes for your baby and then bake it in the oven until fully cooked.
How to make butternut squash puree for baby
Note: Is the puree too thick? To thin it out, breast milk, formula or even broth can be added to the butternut squash puree to reach your desired consistency.
Related: How to Introduce Baby Utensils + Top Picks
How to cook butternut squash for baby-led weaning
How to help baby develop their pincer grasp
Is your baby trying to pick up food with their thumb and index finger? This ability is called the pincer grasp.
Once a baby develops their pincer grasp, you can cut the butternut squash into bite-sized cubes. This allows your child to practice picking up the pieces with their fingers.
You can still continue to offer large pieces as well.
Related: When to Introduce Cups to Babies & Which to Use
Is butternut squash considered an allergen?
No. Butternut squash is not known to be a common food allergy. However, there are reports of skin reactions when cutting raw butternut squash, commonly known as “squash hands.”
While symptoms vary, those affected can notice itchy red skin, peeling skin or a thin sticky film covering their hands. Symptoms tend to resolve on their own.
If concerned, wear gloves or buy pre-cut squash to avoid contact.
To minimize skin reactions for your baby, wash your hands after handling uncooked butternut squash and make sure only fully cooked squash is given to your child.
Related: What Is Early Introduction of Allergens?
How to tell if a baby is having an allergic reaction to butternut squash
Common allergen symptoms can be hives, itching, swelling of the lip or tongue, and rashes.
If signs of wheezing, throat tightness, difficulty swallowing or trouble breathing are observed, call the pediatrician immediately.
How to help your baby learn to like butternut squash
What if your baby doesn’t like butternut squash right away? Don’t stress. There are ways you can help teach your child to like butternut squash, help prevent some picky eating in general and support their overall development.
Play with butternut squash to get your baby to like it
Consider the following food play activity “Squash Painting” to help get your baby comfortable with butternut squash.
How to do it:
Use clear, simple language to describe the action:
Related: Food Play Every Day: Activities for Kids Ages 1-10
Model eating butternut squash to get your baby to try it
Let your child sit at the table with you while you eat butternut squash. This can be a safe way to expose babies to a new food.
If your baby is interested in your food, and the squash is prepared appropriately for babies, offer them a small piece.
Speak in simple language:
Let your baby play to develop the motor skills needed to eat
Allowing infants to lay down on the floor, roll around and push up while on their bellies will help them develop motor skills needed to eat. Offer them toys to reach for, grasp and bring to their mouths.
The more they practice these skills, the easier it will be to hold themselves up at the table, reach for food, and bring food to their mouths.
Here are some simple examples of what you can say while your baby plays:
References
Lally, J. R., & Mangione, P. L. (2017). Caring Relationships: The Heart of Early Brain Development. Young Children, 72(2). https://www.naeyc.org/resources/pubs/yc/may2017/caring-relationships-heart-early-brain-development
Cichero, J. A. (2016). Introducing solid foods using baby-led weaning vs. Spoon-feeding: A focus on oral development, nutrient intake and quality of research to bring balance to the debate. Nutrition Bulletin, 41(1), 72–77. https://doi.org/10.1111/nbu.12191