How To Serve Strawberries BLW and Toddler Recipe
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Are Strawberries Safe For BLW
Strawberries BLW can be introduced to babies from around six months of age during baby-led weaning, but with some precautions as finger food.
They are rich in vitamin C and antioxidants, making them a healthy foods for little hands.
However, this delicious fruit is also one of the more common allergenic fruits, so it’s important to offer them in small amounts initially and watch closely for any signs of allergic reactions, such as rashes, swelling, or difficulty breathing.
Strawberries should be cut into age-appropriate pieces to minimise choking risks, cut into quarters from 6 months old depending on your baby’s chewing ability.
Always ensure strawberries are washed thoroughly to remove any pesticides or dirt before serving.
How To Prepare Strawberries For 6 Month Old
A whole strawberry can be introduced to babies from around six months old.
If using whole berries it is important to prepare them safely to avoid a potential choking hazard and start with a small amount.
Start by thoroughly washing the large strawberries and removing the green tops.
You can choose to blend the strawberries into a smooth strawberry puree the simple way to ensure a suitable consistency. If you had firm strawberries this would be the best way for baby’s age.
If you want to offer fresh strawberries later, you can also freeze the puree in ice cube trays, allowing you to thaw small portions as needed or frozen into bars for teething gums.
This method preserves the fruit’s nutrients and flavour, making it convenient for quick, nutritious meals for your little one, which is a good idea.
What Does A Strawberry Allergy Look Like In Babies
A strawberry allergy in a baby from six months old can present as several noticeable symptoms following exposure. Pay close attention to a choking risk.
These may include redness and swelling around the babies mouth in the high chair, face or lips or baby’s tongue, as well as skin reactions such as hives or eczema flare-ups.
The baby might also show signs of discomfort, irritability, or excessive crying. Keep a close eye.
In some cases, digestive issues like vomiting, diarrhoea, or stomach cramps can occur.
More severe reactions, although rare, may involve difficulty breathing, wheezing, or swelling of the throat, requiring urgent medical attention.
It is important to introduce new foods cautiously and in a small amount and easy way and monitor for any adverse reactions closely. Seek medical advice if you are worried.
Benefits Of Strawberries
Strawberries are an excellent choice for baby-led weaning due to their natural sweetness, vibrant colour, and rich nutrient profile.
They are packed with vitamin C, which supports a healthy immune system and aids iron absorption, crucial for growing babies. Strawberries also contain fibre, promoting good digestion and preventing constipation.
Their soft texture when ripe makes them easy for babies to grasp and chew, encouraging the development of motor skills and self-feeding independence.
Introducing strawberries early on can help babies develop a taste for fresh fruit, fostering healthy eating habits from the start.
Other Strawberry Recipes
Strawberries are a versatile fruit that can be incorporated into a variety of baby-led weaning recipes.
Simple options include mashed strawberries mixed with natural yoghurt for a creamy, nutritious snack or blended into porridge for added flavour and vitamins.
You can also prepare strawberry muffins made with minimal sugar and wholegrain flour, perfect for little hands to grasp.
For a refreshing summer treat, try freezing pureed strawberries in ice lolly moulds to create a ice lolly that babies can suck on safely.
Strawberry and avocado salad pieces offer a great combination of sweetness and healthy fats, ideal for encouraging exploration of new textures.
Ingredient information
Whole strawberries - I have used fresh raw strawberries at the peak of ripeness for this recipe. Ripe strawberries are great for babies from 6 months, the squishier the better.
You could use a pre prepared strawberry puree too if you did not have juicy strawberries that are fresh.
White strawberries can be used too.
Serving suggestion
These are great served on their own as an easy snack, dessert or to help with teething gums.
If you did want to serve with something I would suggest with a teaspoon of nut butter that is 100% nut such as almond butter for dipping.
Other great strawberry recipes: Frozen hearts, strawberry dessert or frozen yogurt bark.
Storage instructions
Once these are made they can be stored in the freezer.
They can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months in an airtight container or in a freezer-safe bag.
From 6 months old, you can leave the frozen yogurt bars out of the freezer for a few minutes to soften slightly if preferred.
Equipment used to help with this recipe
Ice mould for strawberry bars - These are sold as water bottle freezer sticks but I think they are perfect for frozen treats and they are just the right size for little fingers!
Airtight container - I much prefer the click-shut lids on these containers compared to others. They are also dishwasher and freezer safe and BPA free, so very suitable for food use.
Nutri bullet - I have found a blender to be an invaluable tool in the preparation of many of my baby led weaning recipes.
Recipe | How To Serve Strawberries BLW and Toddler Recipe
How To Serve Strawberries BLW and Toddler Recipe
These are a great idea if you wanted a quick weaning recipe. They are quick to prepare and great from 6 months old for teething gums.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Start by washing the strawberries and then removing the stalks.
- Pop the strawberries into a Nutri bullet or food processor and blitz to a smooth puree.
- Gently pour the strawberry puree into the mould.
- Place the mould into the freezer for a minimum of 5 hours, overnight is best.
Notes
Feel free to use different berries for this recipe such as blackberries, raspberries or blueberries. Which are all great for baby’s diet.
You could even mix blitzing berries together for extra flavour.
Hope you and your whole family enjoy!
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