Can You Boil Carrots to Make Baby Food?

If you enjoy making homemade food for your baby, you might wonder which foods are appropriate and which you should wait a little longer to present. Carrots are a common baby food, and you can boil fresh ones to prepare a highly nutritious meal or side dish for your little one. The nutrients present in carrots are numerous and making homemade boiled carrot baby food will give your baby the health benefits they have to offer.

Close-up of woman slicing carrot. Photo Credit mareciok/iStock/Getty Images.

Healthy Eating

Your baby relies on a variety of vitamins and minerals in foods to grow and develop normally. The nutrients present in vegetables such as carrots support your little one's growth and health and should be offered on a daily basis. When you serve your baby a variety of vegetables, she is more likely to get all the vitamins and minerals she requires each day. Pureed vegetables are one way to help your baby get exactly what she needs.

Benefits

A serving of boiled and pureed carrots supplies your baby with a small amount of fiber, which your little one needs for a healthy digestive system. The beta-carotene found in carrots is what gives them their vibrant orange hue. Beta-carotene is a plant form of vitamin A, which your baby needs for healthy eyes and white blood cells. Plenty of vitamin A also might boost your baby's immune system so she gets sick less often.

How To

Rinse and peel four to five large carrots. Slice the raw carrots into small pieces using a sharp knife. Place the carrots in a medium-size saucepan and cover with water. Place the saucepan over medium-high heat and bring to a boil. Boil the carrots for 10 to 15 minutes, or until easily pricked with the tip of a sharp knife. Remove the carrots from the heat and drain. Cool the carrots and puree in a blender until smooth. Portion into individual storage containers and place in the refrigerator or freezer until ready to serve.

Tips

Do not add salt to your baby's boiled carrots. Your baby will learn to like the taste of foods more easily if you do not add salt. If your little one does not seem to enjoy the taste of carrots, add a sprinkle of cinnamon or cloves to the boiled carrots when you puree them in the blender. If your baby has tried other fruits and vegetables, consider adding those to the carrots to enhance the flavor. Apples, peas, pears or green beans pair well with the sweet flavor of carrots. Keep offering carrots to your baby even if she will not eat them. It can take your baby up to 15 times of trying a food before she is willing to eat it.

www.livestrong.com