Baby Puree: Butternut Squash

As adults, we usually watch what we eat and try to stray away from foods with unnecessary additives, so why would we treat our babies any differently?

I started making my own baby food when Dax first began eating solids. He actually helped in the decision making when I once tried to feed him jarred bananas and he gagged, but he absolutely loved fresh bananas. My main reason for homemade baby food was health driven, but the savings from not purchasing jarred baby food was great too.

Naturally, I continued to make my own baby food with Cade. He was opposite of his brother who hated any kind of lumpy texture and always wanted a soupy consistency to his food. Cade never really cared for spoons or completely pureed food, so his was always thicker and able to be eaten with his own hands. Messy, yes...but he enjoyed it.

Making homemade baby food is so simple, here are the directions to one of Cade's favorites:

Homemade Butternut Squash Puree

Step 1: preheat oven to 400° and wash your squash.

Step 2: cut the squash in half lengthwise.

Step 3: scoop out all of the seeds and clean out the squash. This step is similar to cleaning out a pumpkin.

**sometimes I'll wash the seeds and bake those as a snack for me, they are pretty delicious!

Step 4: place the squash open side (flesh side) down in a pan of water, about 1 to 2 inches of water.

Step 5: place into preheated oven and cook for about 40 minutes...until the skin appears bubbly and a little brown.

Notice the toasted and bubbly appearance?

Step 6: Remove from water and scoop out the flesh.

Step 7: Depending on what stage food your baby is in will, this step can differ.

• Smooth consistency: blend in food processor or blender with water (or breastmilk if you prefer) until the puree reaches the smoothness you want.
• Thick consistency: don't add water, simply stir the squash as is with a spoon or fork. [This is the method we chose since our babe is a do-it-yourselfer when it comes to eating. 

Step 8: Spoon out desired amount into small bowl and serve as is, or sprinkle with a pinch of cinnamon.

Storing Homemade Baby Food

Step 1: Using parchment paper to prevent sticking, spoon [insert your own amount] puree onto freezer safe pan/plate as show. Freeze.

Step 2: Once frozen, remove from pan and place into freezer bags and place into freezer.

Ready to Eat?

To defrost, take out 1 or 2 frozen pieces and place into fridge to defrost overnight or even place in an individual bag to thaw in warm water. Heat as desired and feed to baby.

Yum!