White Potato for Baby Food - Age for Introduction to Baby: 8-10 Months
The Goodness of White Potatoes:
The nutritional value of White Potatoes is really not all that high. While white potatoes have respectable amounts of Vitamin A and Vitamin C, as well as potassium, their starch component is high. Carbohydrates account for 252 calories in a 1 baked white potato.
White Potato: (one large sized - baked)
VITAMINS:
Vitamin A - 29.0 mg
Vitamin C - 37.0 mg
Pantothenic Acid - .74 mg
Niacin - 4.6 mg
Riboflavin - .1 mg
Thaimine - .1 mg
Folate - 1 mcg
Contains some other vitamins in small amounts.
MINERALS:
Potassium - 1626 mg
Phosphorus - 29.5 mg
Magnesium - 80.7 mg
Calcium - 29.9 mg
Sodium - 20 mg
Iron - 1.9 mg
Zinc - 1 mg
Also contains small amount of copper, manganese and other.
When can I introduce White Potatoes to my baby?
Due to their lower level of important nutrients and high amount of starchy carbohydrates, it would best to keep white potatoes out of baby's diet until between 8-10 months of age. Waiting until after 10 months of age to introduce baby to white potatoes would allow for baby to gain more nutrients from other nutrient dense foods.
How to select and store White Potatoes for baby food
When selecting White Potatoes for homemade baby food, try to purchase Russet potatoes. These potatoes bake nicely and when mashed, do not turn to paste as quickly as other types of white potatoes. Ensure that the potatoes do not have sprouting or greening. For proper storage, be sure to
keep them in a cool, dark, dry area. Do NOT refrigerate them! Do not allow white potatoes to be stored in a warm area as they will shrivel and sprout!
The best way to cook White Potatoes:
Baking White Potatoes is the very best way to cook them! Baking White Potatoes, especially for baby food, brings out their natural flavor while retaining the most nutrients! You may also peel and cube then steam or boil White Potatoes if you prefer.
A Few White Potato Baby Food Recipes:
White Potato Puree
1. Peel potatoes and cut into small chunks
2. OR bake in the oven
3. Place chunks into a pan with just enough water to slightly cover potato
4. Boil until tender, be sure to check on the water level.
5. Reserve any left over water to use for thinning out the potatoes
6. Place into your choice of appliance for pureeing and begin pureeing.
7. Keep a close watch on the potatoes while you are pureeing as they may turn into “wallpaper paste” if pureed too much
8. Add the reserved water as necessary to achieve a smooth, thin consistency.
You may also use breast milk or formula to make the puree if you wish.
White Potato and Broccoli
1. Boil, steam or bake white potatoes until tender.
2. Puree or mash as needed, adding water to thin if required.
3. Add steamed broccoli and stir
White Potatoes and Squash
1. Steam or bake squash (winter) and white potatoes together until tender.
2. Puree as needed, adding water to thin if required.
3. You may also chop or dice for a finger food salad
"French Fried White Potato
Preheat oven to 400
Scrub potatoes (approx 6 medium/large ones) clean and/or peel them if baby cannot handle the skins
Cut into sizes that will suit your needs or, cut into strips that you may then cut down after baking.
In a large bowl, add about 1/4 cup of olive oil.
To this you may add pepper, garlic powder, basil or even oregano .
Toss the cut up white potatoes into the bowl and stir so that the potatoes are drenched with the olive oil mix.
Dump mixture onto a baking sheet and drizzle the remaining olive oil in the bowl over the potatoes on the baking sheet.
Stir and swirl the potatoes on the baking sheet before placing in oven.
Bake for approx 30-45minutes or until tender.
This is the basic way to do it and you can improvise as much as you want.
White Potato Treasure Hunt
Babies have a natural curiosity and need for exploration. Why not take advantage of this when serving baby meals? Help baby develop a strong pincher grasp by offering finger foods and self-feeding meals that encourage the use of the grasp.
For example, white potato mixed with squished peas makes a great finger food.
Scoop the mix into a bowl and let baby have at it! This mix will help baby to develop a good pincer grasp as baby tries to fish the green peas out of the white mass of potatoes! Try carrots, broccoli, green beans and any other food that is colorful!
Foods Good to Mix With White Potatoes
Carrots
Green Beans
Parsnip
Peas
Winter Squash - butternut, acorn etc.
Lentils
Chicken
Beef
Pork
