Baby food has come a long way since we were all infants. A-list stars are creating their own brands, and there are multiple organic, chemical-free brands readily available in stores. But even though the packaging, additives and availability might have changed over the years, one thing remains pretty constant with baby food. Banana always makes its way to the top of the favorites list!
Luckily for parents, learning how to make banana baby food is a total breeze. Plus, banana is a really great and not-too-intimidating food to get you accustomed to making baby food on a daily basis.
Why is banana such a good baby food?
A banana makes for such great baby food because when infants eat it, they’re receiving all the nutritious benefits that the fruit has to offer (think vitamin B6, vitamin C, potassium, fiber and magnesium). It all goes down without a hitch since bananas are naturally sweet.
The fact that bananas are a healthy, easy-to-eat food with minimal spoon throwing or spit-up is already a win in most parents’ book—but a banana is such a great baby food choice because it’s so cost-effective and easy to make as well.
How to Make Banana Baby Food
Making banana baby food is one of the easiest homemade baby foods a parent can make successfully. For starters, pay close attention to the color of the banana bunch you pick—choose the most yellow in color, with the least amount of green, and no brown or black spots. This way, the banana is definitely safe to consume with no risk of being near its expiration date.
Ingredients
Just a single, medium-sized banana and some water can make almost 1 cup of baby food.
Instructions
Step 1: Prep the fruit
Wash one banana in warm, running water. Then, peel and chop the banana into thin slices.
Step 2: Mash
Next, you can mash up the banana slices in a bowl using a fork by stirring the banana slices and pressing them down simultaneously. Or, you can mash the banana up in a food processor or blender. Just dump the chopped banana slices in, set the appliance to “puree” or “grind” and allow the machine to run until your desired consistency is achieved. After the banana is fully pureed, scrape the mixture into a bowl.
Step 3: Add water
You can then drop a few tablespoons of water into the mashed banana to give it a thinner texture. Although it’s an optional step, it’s perfectly fine for parents and caregivers to stir in a few tablespoons of breast milk or formula into the baby food mixture as well.
Serve right away or save for later in a reusable baby food pouch.
How do you keep bananas from turning brown?
You can prevent banana baby food from turning brown by freezing it right after it’s been made. Just pour the homemade banana baby food in BPA-free, airtight containers as soon as the mixture is done, then store in the freezer for up to 3 months. Thaw and serve whenever you’re ready.
When the banana baby food is stored in the freezer it’s safe from the air, which is one of the things that can make fresh banana turn brown rather quickly. (Same with avocados.) Keep in mind, though, it won’t hurt your baby to eat brown banana. It’s just not as pretty!
Can you mix banana baby food with other foods?
You can certainly mix banana baby food with other food like cereal, and it’s especially encouraged for picky eaters. Since opposites attract, sweet banana baby food pairs really well with tangier fruits like plums, strawberries and cherries. A banana’s sugared taste also goes well with bland fruits and vegetables, such as avocados, spinach and pumpkin.
Next: This is how to prepare a banana as baby finger food.
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Taylor Murphy