Potatoes for Babies- Health Benefits and Quick Recipes

Babies grow up so fast, and before you know it, they are ready to eat solid foods. As a mother, you will be sceptical about introducing different foods to your baby. Have you had some experienced mothers tell you that you can feed potatoes to your baby when you are weaning him out? If yes, you are probably wondering how much and in what form you can feed your baby this vegetable. Well, you will find all the answers in this article. Read on to know all about potatoes, their benefits, when to feed your baby and some simple recipes that you can prepare in no time.

When to Introduce Potatoes in a Baby’s Diet?

Potatoes are available in almost all parts of the world. They are rich in carbohydrates and provide ample energy to your growing baby. It is one of the safest vegetables that may be introduced as an early food to your baby. Boiled or steamed potatoes are decent sources of not just complex carbs; but also some complex proteins and vitamin C. To avoid loss of nutrient loss, potatoes should not be fried.

Let’s take a look at the nutritional value of potatoes.

Nutritional Value of Potatoes

Potatoes are power-packed with energy. One medium-sized potato would provide 35kcal of energy. Refer the table below to know the other nutrients in a medium-sized potato:

Source: IFCT 2017

The table above mentioned the approximate values present in one medium-sized potato, and these may vary as per the size of the potato.

So, how exactly are potatoes beneficial for your baby? Let’s find out.

Health Benefits of Potatoes for Babies

Potatoes are a great energy food for your baby. Here are some more benefits that your baby may derive from potatoes:

1. Good for Your Baby’s Gastrointestinal Health

Potatoes can help develop your baby’s gastrointestinal health- only if consumed non fried. Potatoes assist in the growth of friendly bacteria. The substantial amounts of alkaline sugars in potatoes keep the acid levels down in your baby’s body and thus keep acidity at bay.

2. Lowers the Chance of Infections

Some varieties of potatoes, such as those with red flesh, are loaded with anthocyanins, a pigment which has antioxidant properties. They help in fighting various diseases. Therefore, adding potatoes to a baby’s diet can keep the risks of infections at bay.

3. Good for Your Baby’s Skin

Potatoes have starch, vitamin C, and various enzymes that can protect and nourish the skin. 

4. Supports Brain Development

Potatoes contain choline, a nutrient essential for brain development and cognitive function. Including potatoes in your baby’s diet can support their growing brain and nervous system.

5. Provides Energy for Growth

Potatoes are rich in carbohydrates, providing a steady source of energy for your baby’s growth and development. Carbohydrates are the primary fuel for the body and are crucial for maintaining energy levels, especially in active babies.

After reading about the benefits of potatoes for babies, we are sure you are eager to feed your little one this energy food. But, there are certain things you must bear in mind before you pick that spoonful of mashed goodness.

How Should You Serve Potatoes to Your Infants?

When introducing potatoes to infants, it’s important to prepare them safely and appropriately to ensure easy digestion and minimize choking hazards. Here’s how you can serve potatoes to infants at different stages of their development:

1. 6 Month Old

Mashed or pureed potatoes are ideal for 6-month-old infants who are just starting on solid foods. Ensure that the potatoes are well-cooked and mashed to a smooth consistency to avoid any choking risks.

2. 9 Month Old

At 9 months, you can introduce slightly textured mashed potatoes to encourage your baby’s chewing skills. You can also offer small, soft potato pieces that are easy for them to pick up and eat with their fingers.

3. 12 Month Old

By 12 months, your baby can handle more variety in textures. Offer diced or cubed boiled potatoes as finger foods or incorporate them into other dishes like soups or stews. Make sure the potato pieces are cooked until soft to prevent choking.

4. 18 Month Old

At 18 months, your toddler can eat mashed, diced, or even roasted potatoes with supervision. Encourage self-feeding by providing bite-sized potato pieces that they can pick up and eat independently. Keep monitoring them closely to ensure safe eating habits.

Things to Remember While Feeding Potatoes to an Infant

Potatoes are healthy for babies. However, you need to note the following points before feeding a potato to your baby:

1. Clean and Peel the Potatoes Thoroughly

Potatoes are grown underground, and therefore you must get rid of all the dirt and pesticides before giving it to your baby. Make sure you wash it thoroughly before cooking it properly.

2. Start Small

Babies like the taste of potatoes, but that does not mean that you feed them in excess.  Therefore, begin by giving a few spoons of thoroughly cooked mashed potato only. 

3. Give Steamed or Baked Potatoes

Include steamed or baked potatoes in your baby’s diet. This is because when you boil the potatoes and throw away the water, most of its nutrients are lost. You may steam and mash the potatoes and give it your baby.

Potato Puree Recipe for Your Baby

The best way to give potatoes to babies is in the pureed form as it can be gummed when babies cannot chew their food. Here’s how you can make some potato puree.

Ingredients

• 2-3 potatoes
• Water

Method

1. Take the potatoes, wash them thoroughly, and peel off the skin.
2. Cut the potatoes into small chunks.
3. Take a steamer basket and place the chunks on it. Take water in a saucepan (1/4th of the saucepan).
4. Keep the steamer basket in the saucepan and cover it with a lid.
5. Steam the potatoes; keep checking the water. If required, add some more water.
6. When the potatoes are steamed to perfection (soft and mashable), take them off from the flame and puree them in the mixer to your desired consistency. Add the leftover water if required.
7. Your baby’s potato puree is ready.

If your baby has grown past the age of eating plain pureed potatoes, and you are introducing more foods into his diet, you may try some of the recipes given below also.

Other Potato Recipes for Infants

Here are some variations of potato recipes you could try for your baby. If you like, you can add other vegetables along with the potatoes to introduce different tastes, and textures and also increase the nutritional value of the meal.

1. Broccoli and Potato Puree

This is a mashed potato recipe with a twist, and it is definitely a nutritious option for your baby. Here’s how you can make it.

Ingredients

• 1 medium-sized potato
• 1/4th cup broccoli florets

Method

1. Take the potatoes, wash them, peel and chop them in small pieces.
2. Take the broccoli florets and wash them thoroughly.
3. In a steamer, steam the broccoli florets and the potato.
4. After the vegetables are cooked, mash them into a smooth puree.
5. You can add some water if required to make a smooth paste.
6. Cool the puree down to room temperature before feeding your baby.

2. Potato and Squash Puree

This recipe of potato for infants is ideal for babies who are older than 6 months.

Ingredients

• 1 acorn or butternut squash
• 3 to 4 medium-sized potatoes

Method

1. Take the squash and potatoes, clean them, and cut into small pieces.
2. Put them in a steamer and steam them till they are cooked.
3. Alternately, you can bake the squash and potatoes in an oven.
4. Once done, puree them to form a smooth paste, and feed your baby.

3. Potato and Beetroot Puree

This recipe is filled with the goodness of beetroot and potatoes. It is easy to make and is another healthy way you can feed potatoes to your baby.

Ingredients

• One medium-sized potato
• One medium-sized beetroot

Method

1. Thoroughly wash and peel the potato and the beetroot.
2. Chop them up into small pieces.
3. Pressure cook the chopped vegetables (2 to 3 whistles).
4. Mash the vegetables in a mixer/blender.
5. Add water if required to make a smooth paste.
6. Allow the puree to cool completely before feeding your baby.

4. Sweet Potato and Apple Mash

This sweet and savory dish of mashed potatoes for infants is packed with vitamins and fiber, making it an excellent choice for your baby’s mealtime.

Ingredients

• 1 medium-sized sweet potato
• 1 apple, peeled and diced
• Water for steaming

Method

1. Peel and chop the sweet potato into small cubes.
2. Peel and dice the apple.
3. Steam the sweet potato and apple cubes until tender.
4. Once cooked, mash them together until smooth, adding a little water if needed to reach the desired consistency.
5. Allow it to cool before serving to your baby.

5. Potato and Carrot Patties

These soft and nutritious patties make for a perfect baby-led weaning potato dish or as a finger food for older infants.

Ingredients

• 2 medium-sized potatoes, boiled and mashed
• 1 carrot, grated
• 2 tablespoons finely chopped parsley
• 1 egg (optional)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil

Method

1. In a bowl, combine the mashed potatoes, grated carrot, and chopped parsley.
2. If using egg, mix it into the potato mixture until well combined.
3. Shape the mixture into small patties.
4. Heat olive oil in a pan over medium heat.
5. Cook the patties for 3-4 minutes on each side until golden brown and cooked through.
6. Allow them to cool before serving. Cut into smaller pieces as needed for your baby’s age and chewing ability.

FAQs

1. Is potato a choking hazard for infants?

Potatoes can be a choking hazard for infants if not prepared properly. Ensure potatoes are cooked until soft and mashed or cut into small, manageable pieces to reduce the risk of choking.

2. Can babies be allergic to potatoes?

Yes, babies can be allergic to potatoes, although it’s not very common. Watch for signs of an allergic reaction such as rash, difficulty breathing, or vomiting after introducing potatoes to your baby’s diet.

3. Can you give your baby potatoes every day?

While potatoes are nutritious, it’s best to offer a variety of foods to ensure your baby gets a balanced diet. Offering potatoes occasionally as part of a diverse diet is recommended.

4. Can infants have mashed potatoes with milk?

Introducing mashed potatoes with milk can be done cautiously after the age of 6 months, ensuring your baby has no allergies to dairy. However, it’s advisable to avoid adding cow’s milk as a main drink until after the age of 1 year and to consult with a pediatrician regarding the introduction of dairy products.

Potatoes are generally one of the first foods of babies. You may include this amazing vegetable in your baby’s diet as soon as you start weaning him on to solid foods (after he turns six months old). If you wish to include potatoes in your baby’s diet, it is suggested that you consult a doctor first. And, when you do, feed the vegetable baby in mashed or pureed form. However, bear in mind that you do not feed him in excess as it could lead to medical and weight issues.

References/Resources:

1. From around 6 months; Better Health Start for Life; NHS UK; https://www.nhs.uk/start-for-life/baby/weaning/what-to-feed-your-baby/from-around-6-months/

2. Choking Hazards; Centers for Disease Control and Prevention; https://www.cdc.gov/nutrition/infantandtoddlernutrition/foods-and-drinks/choking-hazards.html

3. Potatoes, gold, without skin, raw; Food Data Central; U.S. Department of Agriculture; https://fdc.nal.usda.gov/fdc-app.html#/food-details/2346403/nutrients

4. Feeding your baby: 6–12 months; UNICEF; https://www.unicef.org/parenting/food-nutrition/feeding-your-baby-6-12-months

5. Foods for Constipation; Johns Hopkins Medicine; https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/wellness-and-prevention/foods-for-constipation

6. Are Potatoes Healthy?; Cleveland Clinic; https://health.clevelandclinic.org/are-potatoes-healthy/

Also Read:

Beetroot for Infants
Giving Onions to Babies
Sweet Potatoes for Babies
Benefits of Tomatoes for Infants