The Super Food Blueberry – A great Stage One Baby Food
Blueberries are often referred to as a “Super Food” because they have a whole host of amazing nutrients contained within a tiny package. Blueberries are high in antioxidants and are also thought to reduce cholesterol.
As a food to feed to baby, you can’t go wrong with these little blue dynamos!
Are Blueberries Allergenic?
Blueberries are not a common allergen and are not in the allergenic “berry” family like strawberries or raspberries and babies love them.
When Can Babies Eat Blueberries?
Start introducing blueberries to babies around the age of 7 months. You can stew them (see recipe below) or just wash and smoosh them up.
Mix and Pair Blueberries With These Foods
Pair blueberries with:
- applesauce
- pears
- bananas
- yogurt
- chicken
- oatmeal
- rice or wheat cereals
- other berries like strawberries, raspberries and blackberries
Blueberries Offer Convenient Toss and Go Snacking
As a parent, I always found that one of the greatest things about blueberries is their portability. No prep work needed to serve blueberries; wash ’em & toss ’em in a small bag or snack bowl and off you go! Pair blueberries with cut up strawberries and diced or sliced bananas for a great snack for older babies and toddlers.
Blueberries and Baby’s Poop
After eating blueberries, baby’s poop may be a bit grey in color & you may see little seeds – this is ok in most cases!
Read more about poop and how foods may affect your baby’s bowel movements.
Buy Organic Blueberries?
Good news! For 2018, blueberries are off the “Dirty Dozen” list. If a food is not on the Dirty Dozen list, there is no pressing need to buy the food organically grown.
It is always a good practice to purchase organic foods for your baby (if not for the whole family) whenever possible!
Do Blueberries Have to be Cooked?
When serving and prepping blueberries for your baby, blueberries are generally a “no cook” food.
You may want to stew the blueberries if you introduce blueberries to your baby earlier than 7-8 months. This would be important if you know that your little one has troubles with digesting other foods.
Blueberries for Baby Food – Stage 1 and 6 Months of Age
This recipe for stewed blueberries is a perfect recipe for serving to babies. A nice bonus is that you can reserve the blueberry “water” and use it as a juice or blended with other foods.
- 1 pint blueberries ( (fresh or frozen))
- 1/2 cup water
- Bring water to a boil. Add blueberries, simmer for 15 minutes or until soft.
- If needed, add some of the liquid to blueberries. Cereal or another fruit can be used to thicken up
- Transfer blueberries to blender or food processor using a slotted spoon – keep the water – puree.
Stewed blueberries will freeze well but some separation will occur. You can also freeze the “blueberry water” into ice cubes and used whenever you need a flavor boost!