How to Cook Potatoes for Infants

Sweet potatoes are particularly rich in nutrients.

Potatoes, and particularly sweet potatoes, are an excellent baby food, as cooked and mashed potatoes have a naturally smooth consistency. Sweet potatoes are more nutrient rich than white potatoes, so parents may want to offer sweet potatoes only, particularly in the first year. While boiling and steaming are both options when cooking potatoes, often the easiest way to prepare potatoes is baking. Baking also prevents the loss of nutrients that can occur with boiling or steaming. Both sweet and white potatoes can be prepared this way.

Things You'll Need

• Potatoes
• Tin foil
• Blender
• Storage container
• Fork

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 400 degrees. While the oven is heating, thoroughly scrub the potatoes in warm water.

2. Poke several holes in each potato using a fork. Rinse them again in cold water.

3. Wrap each potato in tin foil. Twist the ends of the foil to make sure the potatoes are properly sealed inside.

4. Place the wrapped potatoes in your oven on a low rack. Allow them to bake for approximately 45 minutes. Larger potatoes will take longer to bake.

5. Remove the potatoes from the oven once they are soft. You can test this by poking each with a fork. If the fork slides in easily, the potato is cooked.

6. Slice open each potato from end to end. Using a spoon or fork, scoop out the inside "meat" of the potato.

7. Put all of the potatoes, but not the skins, in your blender and blend until they reach your desired consistency. If your child is just starting out with food, the consistency should be very smooth.

8. Store the pureed potato in a sealed container in the refrigerator. Alternately, you can freeze single portions in an ice cube tray. Once frozen, store the cubes in sealed baggies in your freezer.

Tips & Warnings

• If the potatoes seem too thick after pureeing, add water, formula or breast milk to thin them out.

• Potato skins can pose a choking hazard. If you choose to include the skins in your puree, be very careful that there are no large pieces left over.

• If you don't have a blender, you can mash the potatoes with your fork.

• If you are concerned about your child's eating habits or have questions about what foods are appropriate for her age, speak to your doctor.

References

• Wholesome Baby Food: Sweet Potatoes for Your Baby: A Great First Food Choice
• Wholesome Baby Food: When Can My Baby Eat White Potatoes?