Want to get started with one of my incredible pumpkin baby led weaning recipes, but no idea how to get hold of pumpkin puree? Don’t worry, I am here with a step-by-step guide on getting the flesh out of the pumpkins you’ve picked at the patch and turning it into one of the most versatile ingredients out there to create delicious and healthy baby led weaning recipes.
Why offer pumpkin to your baby?
Pumpkins have never been that much of a big deal in the UK, compared to the US, but in recent years we have started enjoying the delights of pumpkin at our local coffee shops and visiting a pumpkin patch in October has become all the rage!
But, what are the benefits of offering pumpkin to your baby?
Technically a fruit, pumpkins are planted between May and July and are ready to harvest in October – hence why they are very much associated with Halloween.
The health benefits of pumpkins are plentiful:
- Rich in antioxidants which enhances the immune system – very much needed during the cold autumn and winter months!
- Contains calcium and magnesium which help build strong teeth and bones
- Rich in phosphorus which is great for digestion and brain health
- Pumpkins contain tryptophan that helps the body produce serotonin. This amino acid helps induce calmness and drowsiness which could help your baby sleep better! (A huge reason to feed pumpkin errrryday!)
Pumpkin Recipes for Babies
Making pumpkin puree
Whether you’ve got hold of your pumpkin at the supermarket or the pumpkin patch, it’s perfectly good to eat.Don’t chuck away the contents of the pumpkin when carving your jack-o-lantern, save every scrap to create delicious pumpkin puree to use across a range of baby led weaning pumpkin recipes.
If you plan to use the pumpkin to later create a jack-o-lantern:
- Get hold of a very sharp knife and slice the top off the pumpkin so you can access the inside.
- Remove the seeds and pulp and set to one side. I don’t use the pulp for anything else, but the seeds are extremely nutritional and taste delicious when toasted.
- Use the knife carefully to cut out the flesh. To really get close to the skin, an ice cream scoop works well to pull out flesh.
- Place all the flesh into a large pan and fill with boiling water. Simmer on the stove for 20 minutes (or until very soft)
- Use a blender to crush the pumpkin flesh into a puree.
- The pumpkin puree can be kept in the fridge for up to 5 days, or frozen in batches for up to a month.
If you do not plan to make a jack-o-lantern:
- Get hold of a very sharp knife and slice the top off the pumpkin so you can access the inside.
- Remove the seeds and pulp and set to one side. I don’t use the pulp for anything else, but the seeds are extremely nutritional and taste delicious when toasted.
- Peel the skin off the pumpkin.
- Cut the pumpkin into chunks.
- Place all the chunks into a large pan and fill with boiling water. Simmer on the stove for 20 minutes (or until very soft)
- Use a blender to crush the pumpkin flesh into a puree.
- The pumpkin puree can be kept in the fridge for up to 5 days, or frozen in batches for up to a month.
Our favourite baby led weaning products
- Easy to disassemble and carry along.
- Safety belt included.Recommended for indoor use
- MUNCHKIN SPOON SET: This essential baby feeding set of 6 spoons combines a smart baby weaning spoon design with flexible tips and long handles. Suitable for 4 months and over
- VERSATILE BABY PLASTIC SPOONS: Coming in six vibrant colours, the soft tips of the baby and toddler spoons are flexible yet strong. Featuring ergonomically designed easy-grip handles
- EASY CARE BABY FOOD SPOONS: These durable toddler and baby feeding spoons are top rack dishwasher safe and BPA-free. Great for boys or girls, for picnics, lunchboxes, at home or on the go
- THE PERFECT SIZE FOR LITTLE MOUTHS: The shallow spoon bowl is comfortable for babies and young children, and the soft tips are gentle on gums. Long handles are great for easier high chair feeding
- PART OF THE MUNCHKIN WEANING RANGE: Complete your baby weaning set with the Munchkin infant feeding and dinnerware range for babies and toddlers. Discover our matching plates, bowls and sippy cups
- Eco-Friendly Material: Baby weaning set is made from sustainable bamboo, ensuring a safe and environmentally friendly option for feeding babies and toddlers.
- Suction Base: Each bowl and plate in the set features a strong silicone suction base, preventing spills and making mealtime easier for both babies and parents.
- Complete Kit: This weaning set includes bowls, plates, and spoons, providing everything needed for a baby’s first eating experiences, whether for a boy or girl.
- Safe and Gentle: The bamboo and silicone materials are gentle on a baby’s gums and teeth, making it perfect for those crucial first months of weaning and feeding.
- Perfect Gift: The bamboo weaning set comes in a beautifully designed bundle, making it an ideal gift for new parents and a great addition to any baby shower.
- COVERALL BIBS FOR BABY WITH ADJUSTABLE SLEEVES – Our adjustable toddler bib fits any highchair perfectly, with or without trays. Simply attach your silicone feel bib to any highchair, pram or table to keep even the messiest of tots clean and dry.
- PERFECTLY SIZED FOR TODDLERS AND BABIES – Our one-size-fits-all baby bibs for eating come with adjustable sleeves for utmost comfort. With a breathable neck design, this short-sleeved bib fits children aged 6 months to 3 years and is a great long-use alternative to silicone bibs.
- EASY-WIPE & WASHABLE TODDLER BIBS – Spend more time having fun with your toddler and less time cleaning their BIBADO bibs. Just wipe off any food from the easy-wipe fabric using a clean, dry cloth or load them in your washer at 40 degrees for a thorough clean.
- HELPS TODDLER DEVELOPMENT AND BABY LED WEANING – Our coverall feeding bibs are also compatible with our BIBaDO Clip-On Handi Cutlery. They come with ‘no drop’ straps, so you won’t have to pick up spoons & forks from the floor while your little one learns how to use them. (Handi Cutlery are sold separately or as a bundle).
- MULTIPLE DESIGNS AVAILABLE – Offering lots of different designs to make eating more fun for your babies as they explore the animals and characters on our bibs
How do you blend the pumpkin puree?
I have a handheld Russell Hobbs blender* which is a godsend for blending up soups and is less than £15!
You could also mash the pumpkin with a masher or fork or chuck it into a food processor too!
What can you use pumpkin puree for?
If you’re following the traditional method of weaning, you can simple spoon feed pumpkin puree to your baby as it is.
If you’re baby led weaning, pumpkin puree can be thrown into loads of things such as pancake or waffle batter, pasta sauces, soups, curries or can even be used to make cookies and cake. The options truly are endless!
Pumpkin Puree for Babies
- Total Time: 30 minutes
Description
Discover how to simply make pumpkin puree to either feed to your baby directly or to use in recipes such as pumpkin muffins, pumpkin pancakes and pumpkin waffles
Ingredients
- 1 pumpkin
Instructions
1. Get hold of a very sharp knife and slice the top off the pumpkin so you can access the inside.
2. Remove the seeds and pulp and set to one side. I don't use the pulp for anything else, but the seeds are extremely nutritional and taste delicious when toasted.
3. Peel the skin off the pumpkin.
4. Cut the pumpkin into chunks.
5. Place all the chunks into a large pan and fill with boiling water. Simmer on the stove for 20 minutes (or until very soft)
6. Use a blender to crush the pumpkin flesh into a puree.
7. The pumpkin puree can be kept in the fridge for up to 5 days, or frozen in batches for up to a month.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Additional Time: 0 hours
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Baby Led Weaning
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1
- Calories: 5
- Sugar: 1
- Sodium: 0
- Fat: 0
- Saturated Fat: 0
- Unsaturated Fat: 0
- Trans Fat: 0
- Carbohydrates: 1
- Fiber: 0
- Protein: 0
- Cholesterol: 0