Sweet potatoes are one of the healthiest food options for infants and toddlers as they offer several health benefits. They are packed with nutrients like fibre, proteins, etc and help in the overall development of your child. Sweet potato recipes contain numerous minerals and are high in Vitamin C and Vitamin E which help in combating fever and the common cold. From sweet potato puree to mashed sweet potatoes, all recipes containing sweet potatoes are not only good for the kid’s health but also very delicious and sweet in flavour which makes them an ideal choice for infants as they consume them easily.
Key health benefits of BLW sweet potatoes
Good Digestion: The key benefit of sweet potatoes for kids is that they are an excellent source of fiber which helps in preventing problems like constipation and promotes healthy digestion.
Enhanced Immunity: Sweet potatoes are rich in Vitamins which help in boosting your child’s immunity and fight infections like the common cold. They make your child’s skin healthy and are very good for their eyes as well.
Prevents Anaemia: Sweet potato recipes for kids prevent problems like Anaemia as they are full of iron and calcium. This also helps in strengthening their bones and contributing to their overall physical development.
Easy BLW sweet potato recipes for kids
1) BLW Sweet Potatoes with Peas and Cauliflower
Suitable for: Kids over 8 months old.
Health benefits: Full of healthy vegetables like cauliflower, peas, and sweet potatoes
Ingredients:
- 1 sweet potato properly peeled and chopped.
- half a cup of green peas
- 4-5 cups of water
- half a cup of florets of cauliflower
How to cook:
- Pour all the vegetables into a pan. Add water and boil them until they are cooked.
- Take the pan off the gas and let the mixture cool for some time
- If you want to make a smooth paste, blend the mixture and serve it to your baby.
2) BLW Sweet Potato and Carrot Puree
Suitable for: Kids over 9 months old
Health benefits: Full of Vitamin A and is excellent for physical development and the immune system
Ingredients needed:
- One sweet potato
- Half a cup of water
- One carrot
How to cook:
- Chop the sweet potatoes into small, fine pieces
- Grate the carrot
- Pour both the carrot and diced potatoes into water and let them boil until cooked.
- Blend the paste to make a creamy puree
3) BLW Sweet Potato and Plantain Soup
Suitable for: Kids above 6 months old
Health benefits: Helps in boosting the immune system and is rich in nutrients
Ingredients needed:
- A peeled and diced sweet potato
- A peeled and chopped green plantain
- Olive oil-1 tablespoon
- Finely chopped onion-1
- a crushed clove of garlic 1
- Chicken or vegetable stock 1
- Bay leaf-1
- Half a cup of milk
How to cook:
- Pour the chopped garlic and onion into a pan and saute them until they turn golden brown.
- Add the green plantain to the garlic and onion paste and saute until brownish
- Add the bay leaf and chicken/vegetable stock to the mixture
- Add the diced sweet potatoes and reduce the heat.
- Let all the ingredients cook for a minimum of 30 minutes.
- Let it cool and remove the bay leaf from the mixture.
- Blend the chicken/vegetable stock with the plantain and sweet potatoes till you get a smooth mixture
- Pour the mixture into the pan again and heat it for 10-15 minutes
- Add milk and mix it properly
- Simmer the mixture for 15 minutes
- Serve it to your child after letting it cool
4) BLW Sweet Potato and Milk Rice
Suitable for: Kids who are 6 months or above
Health benefits: This sweet potato recipe helps in preventing constipation and is an ideal option if your child has a sweet tooth.
Ingredients needed:
- One full cup of rice
- Minimum 4 small sweet potatoes that are finely peeled and chopped
- Four cups of water
- A cup of milk
How to cook:
- Pour the diced sweet potatoes and rice into a pan and add the water
- Add milk to the mixture when it is half-cooked
- Stir the mixture for about 10 minutes
- Let it simmer for approximately 20 minutes
- Let it cool
- Serve it to your infant
5) Sweet Potato and Chicken Soup
Suitable for: Kids over 6 months
Health benefits: This easy recipe is packed with nutrients as it is rich in proteins that help in the overall development of your toddler’s body and is the best way to introduce chicken to your baby.
Ingredients:
- Diced chicken-100 grams
- Water-5 cups
- One sweet potato (cooked)
How to cook:
- Pour the chicken into a pot and add water
- Cook until tender
- Blend the cooked sweet potatoes and add the broth as well as the cooked chicken
- Blend all the mixtures until it forms a smooth paste.
- Add water to dilute the mixture.
FAQs
Are sweet potatoes healthy for babies?
Adding sweet potatoes to your infant’s weaning diet is a very good idea as they are high in vitamins and minerals and packed with nutrients. Sweet potatoes are very good for your baby’s eyes, skin, and immunity. They prevent constipation and contribute to overall physical growth. Sweet potatoes have iron, calcium, vitamins, and fiber.
When can I start feeding sweet potatoes to my child?
It is safe for kids over 6 months of age to start consuming sweet potatoes that are baked, roasted, or stir-fried. You can look for easy and simple sweet potato recipes on the Internet to ensure that your child is consuming a healthy meal that is both nutritious and delicious.
How do I get my toddler to eat sweet potatoes?
The best way to make your child consume sweet potatoes is by roasting them and topping them with honey. You can also boil them with healthy vegetables and blend them to make a smooth paste that your child will enjoy eating. There are several quick and easy baby-led weaning recipes available on the Internet.
