![]() ![]() Eat some squash spears alongside the child to model how it’s done! ![]() If baby needs help, pass a squash spear in the air for the child to grab. Serve the squash spears as finger food on their own or as a side to a meal and let the child self-feed by scooping with their hands. Keep the squash for adults and older children warm while the squash for baby cools to room temperature. See our Sodium and Babies FAQ for information on when to start adding salt to baby’s foods. Season spears for adults and older children with salt to taste. If you like, roll the squash spears for baby in ground-up peanut to add grip. Set aside some squash spears to serve to baby. When the squash is done, remove the tray from the oven and immediately drizzle the lemon juice over the spears. ![]() The baking process should take no more than 15 minutes. Summer squash contains mostly water, and overbaking causes the flesh to turn soggy, so take care to start checking at the 10-minute mark. If the spears are still quite firm, continue baking for another minute or two, then remove the tray from the oven. They are done when the tip of a knife easily inserts into the thickest part of a spear. Elevating the spears on a wire rack over the sheet tray helps minimize steaming, which causes a soggy texture in the squash.īake for 10 minutes, then check if the spears are ready. If you have a wire rack, now is a good time to use it. Make sure to leave plenty of space around each spear so that air can evenly circulate. If you like, season the spears with the thyme or your dried herb of choice.Įvenly space the spears on a sheet tray. Wash and dry the squash, then cut lengthwise into spears.Ĭoat the spears in oil. Preheat the oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit (204 degrees Celsius). Around 18 months, most babies that have been consistently practicing biting and tearing likely have the skills to manage thicker slices of raw squash (like rounds and half-moons). You can also consider offering raw summer squash at this age, cut into thin half-moons or matchsticks if you feel confident in your child’s biting and tearing skills. Try not to apply too much pressure-consistent and accurate utensil use will come in due time, probably between 18 and 24 months of age. Encourage the child to self-feed by scooping with their hands, and if you’d like to encourage utensil use, pre-load an age-appropriate utensil and rest it next to the food for the child to pick up. Continue serving bite-sized pieces and explore recipes with savory flavors from citrus juice, herbs, spices, and sauces. While shredded summer squash is delicious in breads and muffins, keep offering squash in ways that do not hide the vegetable so that the child builds familiarity with the whole food, too. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read or seen here. 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. It is impossible to fully eliminate all risk of a baby or child choking on any liquid, puree, or food. ![]() 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. 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. Your child is an individual and may have needs or considerations beyond generally accepted practices. How do you prepare summer squash for babies with baby-led weaning?Įvery baby develops on their own timeline, and the suggestions on how to cut or prepare particular foods are generalizations for a broad audience. ![]()
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |