First Meals - Banana

I'm a big believer in starting your baby on solids with a fresh whole food rather than a bland baby cereal.  Introducing your baby to solid food is not just about teaching her to swallow food from a spoon, it's also about getting her excited about mealtime.  The best way to accomplish that is by exposing her to as many yummy tastes, textures and aromas as possible.  Baby cereals on their own are fairly bland tasting and are certainly not as enticing as a fresh fruit or veggie puree.

                     

Banana puree is one of the best first foods for your baby.  It is full of nutrients, is easy to digest and is not allergenic.  Bananas are binding and can be helpful when your baby has diarrhea.  They are also a comfort food and can be soothing when your baby isn’t feeling well.  Look for bananas that have a nice yellow color and some brown speckles.  Under ripe or green bananas do not have the same flavor or creamy consistency as ripe bananas, allow them to ripen on your counter.  Ripe bananas will stay fresh at room temperature for 3-5 days.

                   

1 Large Banana = 4 oz puree

*Peel the banana, break it in half and place in a bowl.

*Mash with the back of a fork until smooth and serve.  Add breast milk or formula, if needed, to thin puree.  

*Banana puree can be stored in your Sage Spoonfuls jars for 1 day in the refrigerator and up to 3 months in the freezer.  Some discoloration during storage can be expected.

*No cook puree!

Banana puree tastes great at room temperature, warm or cool.  For a creamier consistency with added nutrition, mix puree with a little breast milk or formula and a baby cereal (rice or oatmeal) and serve warm.  For extra flavor, add a pinch of cinnamon.

Stored in Sage Spoonfuls jars, banana puree will stay fresh in your cooler with the frozen ice pack for up to 12 hours and out of the refrigerator or cooler for up to 2 hours.  Some discoloration is normal.  Banana puree can also be easily prepared while on-the-go: pack a whole banana, a spoon and an empty jar.  When it’s time to eat, mash the banana in the jar and serve. 

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