Sweet potato was one of the first foods we offered our son Pablo when he started his BLW journey.
Sweet potato is an excellent choice for baby-led weaning with its rich essential nutrients and mild flavor.
Whether mashed, pureed, or cut into wedges, there are many easy and tasty ways to incorporate this versatile vegetable into your baby’s diet.
This post will show you everything you need to know about this food and how to offer it to your little one.
Let’s get after it!
Why sweet potato is a great food for BLW
Sweet potatoes are an excellent food for baby-led weaning (BLW) for a variety of reasons.
- To begin with, they are nutrient-dense and high in critical vitamins and minerals such as vitamin A, vitamin C, iron, and calcium. This makes them an excellent choice for kids who are just beginning to eat solid foods and require all of the nutrients necessary for growth and development.
- Second, sweet potatoes are soft and readily mashed, making them an excellent choice for babies beginning to feed themselves. They are also naturally sweet, so babies will probably appreciate them.
- Third, because sweet potatoes are adaptable and can be prepared in various ways, they are simple to add to your baby’s diet. There is a method to fit everyone’s taste, whether you steam, bake, boil, or roast them.
Sweet potatoes are an excellent choice for baby-led weaning because they are nutritious, simple to prepare, and appealing to infants.
Benefits of sweet potato for babies
| Benefit | Explanation |
|---|---|
| Rich in vitamins and minerals | Sweet potatoes are an excellent source of vitamins A and C, potassium, fiber, and other essential vitamins and minerals. |
| Antioxidant-rich | Sweet potatoes contain antioxidants that help prevent cell deterioration. |
| Complex carbs | Sweet potatoes have many complex carbs that provide energy throughout the day, which is essential for the growth and development of babies and young children. |
| Easy to eat | Soft texture and easy chewing make sweet potatoes simple for infants to eat, even in the early stages of weaning. They can be mashed, pureed, or served as finger food. |
| Good for digestive health | The fiber in sweet potatoes aids in maintaining a healthy digestive system. |
| Supports immune and heart health | Vitamin C strengthens the immune system, while potassium is necessary for heart and muscle health. |
Vitamin A, vitamin C, potassium, and fiber are all found in sweet potatoes and are also excellent sources of other vitamins and minerals.
Sweet potatoes include antioxidants in addition to these vitamins and minerals, which can aid in preventing cell deterioration.
They also have a lot of complex carbs, which give off energy gradually throughout the day.
Sweet potatoes are an excellent snack because developing babies and young children require a consistent energy source to support their growth and development.
Sweet potatoes also have the advantage of being simple for infants to eat, even in the early stages of weaning.
They can be mashed, pureed, or given to babies who can already feed themselves as finger meals.
Due to their soft texture and easy chewing, sweet potatoes are also a fantastic diet for infants only beginning to try solid foods.
When to introduce sweet potato to your baby
Introducing sweet potatoes to your baby can be done anywhere from 6-8 months old, which is considered the typical age range for starting solid foods.
The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends waiting until at least six months old to start solids, as breast milk or formula should be the primary source of nutrition until then, and it will continue to be until the 12-month mark.
How to cook sweet potato for blw
Cooking sweet potatoes for baby-led weaning can be done in three ways: steaming, baking/roasting, and boiling.
Each cooking method has its own benefits and provides different textures for babies to explore.
Steaming
Steaming is the gentlest cooking method and helps retain the most nutrients.
Simply peel and chop the sweet potatoes into small pieces, place them in a steamer basket or use a baby food steamer, and steam for 10-15 minutes or until soft.
Baking/Roasting
Baking or roasting sweet potatoes in the oven brings out their natural sweetness.
To bake or roast, peel and chop the sweet potatoes into small pieces or wedges and place them on a lined baking tray.
Bake at 200°C (400°F) for 25-30 minutes or until they are tender and lightly browned.
Boiling
Boiling is a quick and easy cooking method, but we don’t recommend it, as it removes nutrients.
Peel and chop the sweet potatoes into small pieces and place them in a pot of boiling water.
Boil for 10-15 minutes or until soft. This cooking method is best for making purees or mashed sweet potatoes.
Each cooking method has its own benefits, and it is recommended to try all three to determine which one your baby prefers.
Experimenting with different textures can help your baby get used to new foods and develop a well-rounded palate.
Sweet potato finger food recipes for baby
Here are a few simple and easy finger food recipes that you can try with your little one:
Sweet Potato Fries
Ingredients:
- Sweet potatoes
- Any herbs you like
- Pepper
- Olive oil
Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Wash the sweet potatoes thoroughly and peel if you feel more comfortable
- Cut them into thin wedges, about 1/4 inch thick.
- Mix them with the herbs, pepper, and olive oil.
- Bake in the oven for 20-25 minutes or until crispy and golden brown.
Sweet Potato Rounds
Ingredients:
- Sweet potatoes
- Herbs (such as thyme, rosemary, or oregano)
- Olive oil
- Paprika (optional)
Instructions:
- Wash, peel, and cut the sweet potatoes.
- Steam the sweet potato rounds for 10-15 minutes or until tender.
- While the sweet potato rounds are steaming, mix the herbs and olive oil in a bowl to create a seasoning.
- Once the sweet potato rounds are cooked, add the mixture and add a bit of paprika if you want.
Sweet Potato and Cheese Bites (10+months)
Ingredients:
- Sweet potatoes
- Olive oil
- Fresh Mozzarella cheese
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) or air fryer
- Peel and chop one sweet potato into small cubes.
- Top each cube with a tiny piece of mozzarella cheese.
- Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the sweet potatoes are tender and the cheese is melted and lightly golden.
How to serve sweet potato to your baby
Serving sweet potato to your baby can be a fun and tasty way to introduce this nutritious food.
Here are a few ideas on how to serve it:
Mashed
Simply cook the sweet potato, peel, and mash it. You can add a little bit of milk, formula, or water to achieve the desired texture.
This makes a perfect first food for babies just starting with solid foods.
Puree
Similar to mashed, pureed sweet potato is smooth and creamy.
Simply cook and peel the sweet potato, then blend it until it reaches a smooth consistency.
You can also add some spices like curry or a bit of paprika.
Wedges
Once your baby is ready for finger foods, sweet potato wedges can be a delicious and easy option.
Simply bake or roast the sweet potato wedges until they are soft enough for your baby to grab and eat.
They are a great alternative to traditional baby snacks like crackers or puffs and provide a nutritious option for your baby to explore different textures and tastes.
Quick sweet potato snack combinations
Sweet potatoes are amazing snacks for babies and toddlers. Here are some snack ideas that use sweet potatoes.
Sweet Potato and Avocado
Combining mashed avocado and cooked sweet potato creates a creamy, flavorful, nutrient-rich snack.
Avocado is an excellent source of healthy fats, fiber, and vitamins, while sweet potatoes are packed with vitamins A and C, potassium, and fiber.
Sweet Potato and Yogurt (9+months)
Mixing mashed sweet potato with plain yogurt creates a tasty and nutritious snack that can be enjoyed by babies nine months and older.
Sweet potatoes are high in fiber and vitamins, and the yogurt provides protein and probiotics that benefit gut health.
Sweet Potato and Apple
This sweet and nutrient-dense snack is quick and easy to prepare.
Simply cook and mash the sweet potato, then mix it with mashed apple.
It is Pablo’s favorite.
Sweet Potato and Blueberries
Mashing sweet potato and blueberries together creates a tasty and nutritious snack that is rich in antioxidants and vitamins.
Frequently Asked Questions About Introducing Sweet Potato to Your Baby
Can 6 month old eat sweet potatoes?
Yes, 6-month-old babies can eat sweet potatoes since they are considered a safe and nutritious first food for babies. Just make sure to follow this post’s advice on how to prepare and offer them.
Should I peel sweet potatoes for my Baby?
Peeling is optional, as the skin is edible and contains additional fiber and nutrients. However, it may be easier for your baby to eat the sweet potato if the skin is removed.
How do you steam sweet potatoes for baby-led weaning?
To steam sweet potatoes for baby-led weaning, wash and peel the sweet potatoes if desired, then cut them into small, thin pieces.
Use a baby food steamer or place the pieces in a steamer basket over boiling water and steam for 10-15 minutes or until tender.
Can babies choke on sweet potatoes?
Sweet potatoes are not considered a choking hazard if you offer and cook them how we explain in this article.
Is sweet potato gassy for babies?
Sweet potatoes are not known to be particularly gassy for babies. All newborns, nevertheless, are unique and may have different reactions to various meals.
Consult your pediatrician if you discover that your infant has gas after consuming sweet potatoes.
Is sweet potato poop friendly for baby?
Sweet potatoes are considered a poop-friendly food for babies as they are easily digested and help to enrich the gut microbiota.
Is sweet potato a good first food for a baby?
Yes, sweet potatoes can be the first solid food you feed your baby. They are high in nutrients, sweet and versatile.
How much potato can a 6-month-old eat?
The amount of potato that a 6 month old can eat will vary based on their individual needs and appetite.
A good starting point is to offer a small amount of cooked sweet potato, such as a few tablespoons, and gradually increase the amount as your baby becomes more comfortable with eating solid foods.
Sweet Potato Fingers in Air Fryer or Oven
Ingredients
- 1 sweet potato peeled and cut into fingers
- 1 tbsp olive oil extra virgin if possible
- 1 tbsp dried oregano
- 1 tbsp garlic powder
- 1 tbsp sweet paprika
- black or white pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat the air fryer to 375°F or the oven to 425°F
- In a mixing bowl, combine the sweet potato fingers with the extra virgin olive oil, dried oregano, garlic powder, sweet paprika, salt, and pepper. Toss well to coat
- Place the sweet potato fingers in the air fryer basket or on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper
- For the air fryer: Cook for 10-12 minutes, flipping the fingers halfway through the cooking time, until golden brown and crispy
- For the oven: Bake for 15-20 minutes, flipping the fingers halfway through the cooking time, until golden brown and crispy
Video
Notes
- To soften the sweet potato before cutting it into fingers, you can steam it in the microwave for 2-3 minutes.
- Adjust the seasoning according to your taste preference. You can add more or fewer spices depending on how flavorful you want the sweet potato fingers to be.
- These sweet potato fingers are best served fresh and hot.
We’re Maria and Alberto, a married couple and educators who are nutrition enthusiasts. Even before we had kids, we were already crazy about nutrition.
We’d read scientific articles, watch videos from nutritionists, and spend hours listening to nutrition podcasts.
Today, we continue doing this, but in a different way, as we’ve learned to sift through the noise and trends. Nutrition, like any other field of knowledge, the more you read and learn, the more you develop a comprehensive understanding of reality, and that’s what has happened to us.
Before having our first child, we focused on learning everything we could about child nutrition, using the same techniques we had already employed, backed by our extensive knowledge in nutrition.
Our mission is to help other parents with their children’s nutrition, to help them become the best versions of themselves.
If we are what we eat and drink, which is absolutely true, let’s do it right!
