Apple Pear Puree For Baby Weaning(6 months+)

Hey there my fellow parents! Are you looking for a recipe to wean your little one on? Worry not! This Homemade apple pear puree is one of the tastiest and nutritious options for your baby’s first food adventure.

As a mom, we get anxious on what to wean our babies on. Will they love it? is it enough? Are some of the questions that cross our mind.

Pear apple puree is a simple recipe to start weaning your baby on. You only need two ingredients: apples and pears, plus water for blending.

You may add a pinch of cinnamon, but I wouldn’t recommend that on your baby’s first meal. Start with simple ingredients and adjust with time.

This Apple apple pear recipe is really simple. It is gluten-free, diary-free, sweet, and 100% vegan. Am sure your baby will love it as mine did.

Pear apple puree is packed with vitamins and minerals like vitamin C and fiber, but they’re also gentle on your little one’s tummy. Say goodbye to constipation woes!

Why do we introduce our babies to solid foods?

Also known as baby weaning or complementary feeding.

While breast milk or formula provides essential nutrients for infants, introducing solids around 6 months of age helps meet their growing nutritional needs and supports their physical and cognitive development.

Solid foods introduce new tastes, textures, and sensory experiences, laying the foundation for healthy eating habits later in life.

Additionally, learning to eat solid foods helps babies develop oral motor skills, coordination, and independence in feeding.

When to wean babies

This transition typically begins around 6 months of age when babies start showing signs of readiness, such as sitting up with support, showing interest in food, and being able to swallow properly.

The 3 stages of baby weaning

1. Stage 1 (6-7 months): Introduction of single-ingredient purees or mashed foods to familiarize babies with different tastes and textures.
2. Stage 2 (7-9 months): Gradual introduction of thicker textures and combination foods to encourage chewing and swallowing skills.
3. Stage 3 (9-12 months): Transition to chopped or finger foods to promote self-feeding and independence in eating.

Health benefits of apples and pears to babies

Nutrient-Rich

Apples and pears are packed with essential vitamins and minerals that support overall health and development in babies. They contain vitamin C, which boosts the immune system and aids in iron absorption, and potassium, which helps regulate fluid balance and blood pressure.

Digestive Health

Both fruits are high in dietary fiber, which promotes healthy digestion and prevents constipation in babies. The fiber content also helps regulate bowel movements, ensuring smooth and regular digestion as babies transition to solid foods.

Hydration

Apples and pears have a high water content, which helps keep babies hydrated, especially during hot weather or when they are unwell. Proper hydration is crucial for maintaining overall health and preventing dehydration, particularly in young infants.

Gentle on the Stomach

The mild and naturally sweet flavor of apples and pears makes them gentle on a baby’s delicate stomach. These fruits are less likely to cause digestive discomfort or allergies compared to some other fruits, making them suitable choices for introducing solids to babies.

Energy Boost

The natural sugars found in apples and pears provide a quick source of energy for active and growing babies. This energy boost can help support their rapid growth and development during the early months and years of life.

Dental Health

Chewing on slices of apple or pear can help stimulate the gums and promote oral motor development in babies. The act of chewing also helps strengthen the muscles involved in eating, which is essential for the progression to more textured foods as babies grow older.

Antioxidant Properties

Both apples and pears contain antioxidants such as flavonoids and polyphenols, which help protect cells from damage caused by harmful free radicals. These antioxidants have anti-inflammatory and immune-boosting properties, which may contribute to overall health and well-being in babies.

Puree ingredients

Apple: Choose organic fruits if possible. Such as gala or fuji. Always choose ripe and fresh fruits.

Pear: such as barletta or Anjou. Should be fresh and ripe

Water: used tap water for cooking the apple and pear.

Optional: A pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg for flavour.

Choose fruits that are free from blemishes and bruises.

Step by step instructions

Prepare your fruits: Wash your fruits thoroughly under clean running water to remove any dirt. Then using a kitchen knife or a vegetable peeler, peel the skin off the fruits.

Core and chop: Cut your apple and pear into small cubes. Remove seeds and the tough core.

Cook: To cook apple and pear puree, you can choose a method from these methods:baking, steaming and boiling. I prefer steaming as it preserves all the nutrients. Add a little water and cooking until tender.

Blend: Once cooked. Put everything in a food processor and mix until it’s nice and smooth. When blending, you can add water, infant formula or breast milk, until you achieve desired thickness.

Tips for cooking

• Use minimal water when boiling to minimize nutrient loss.
• Cook until tender. Do not overcook. Cooking for too long can result in a decrease in the nutritional value.
• If you opt to bake, always cover with an aluminium foil to prevent excessive moisture loss.

Nutritional value/ facts

How to store leftover pear apple baby puree

Allow to cool. Transfer into an airtight container and refrigerate for 3 to 4 days. You can also put it in ice cube freezer trays and freeze for 3 to 4 months.

Safety precautions to adhere to during preparation

• Ensure proper hygiene. Wash your hands, wash the fruits and utensils.
• Endure the puree is smooth. Chunks may be a choking hazard for your baby. Start with 2 to 3 spoonfuls.
• Introduce one food at a time as you observe for allergies.

Other apple pear blend recipes

• Apple pear spinach puree. Add steamed baby spinach and blend.
• Apple pear banana smoothie. Add banana to the above recipe.

RECIPE