Pumpkin For Babies: When to Introduce, Benefits And Precautions

Pumpkin For Babies

Pumpkins are another backyard vegetable that grows similar to cucumber, squash, cantaloupes, etc. Pumpkins are orange in color indicating that they are loaded with beta-carotene, which is an antioxidant and helps with a powerful vision, a strong immune system as well as healthy and supple skin. This vegetable is easily available, easy to digest and an excellent source of nutrients for babies.

Are Pumpkins Good For Babies?

Pumpkin is one of the nutritious food and should be given to the babies once they start teething and can chew well, an ideal time to introduce all sorts of nutritive fruits and vegetables, which is after 6 months. Pumpkin helps in immunity building and even kills the germs present in the baby’s intestine, so it should be definitely on the must-include list of vegetables that you can safely introduce to your baby

Nutritional Value Of pumpkin

Given below is the table depicting its nutritional value.

Nutritional Content	Value per 100g
Energy	26kcal
Water	91g
Sugar	2.8g
Carbohydrates	6.5g
Protein	1g
Lipid Fat	0.1g
Fibre	0.5g
Iron	0.8mg
Calcium	21mg
Magnesium	12mg
Potassium	340mg
Phosphorus	44mg
Vitamin C	9mg
Vitamin B6	0.06mg
Vitamin A	8510 IU
Vitamin E	1.1mg
Vitamin K	1ug
Folate	16ug
Zinc	0.3mg
Sodium	1mg
Thiamin	0.05mg
Niacin	0.6mg
Riboflavin	0.1mg

When To Introduce Pumpkin For Babies?

The right time to introduce pumpkin in the child’s diet is when the milk teeth start showing up, which could be anywhere from 6-12 months, as giving before that could lead to spitting by babies. After about 6 months of age, pumpkin can be given in a solid or a semi-solid form.  It can be given in a pureed form, added to cereals or chicken.

5 Health Benefits Of Pumpkin For Babies

Pumpkins are loaded with the finest nutritive compounds and even jam-packed with Vitamin A as well as beta-carotene, they are even a great source of iron, protein as well as potassium. The seeds of the pumpkin are said to be a wonderful source of protein as well as iron, however, it is not recommended to be given to babies as it can result in choking.

There are many other health benefits accrued to the pumpkin and some of them are listed as:

1. Aids Digestion

Pumpkin has a good fiber intake and the soluble fiber in its flesh is said to slow down the digestion process as well as regulate diarrhea by absorption of water. It is one of the great foods for digestion, and easy to get digested as it is low in sugar and starch content. Also due to its soft texture, the baby can eat this veggie easily. It helps in the regulation of bowel movements and reduces constipation, a common problem in most babies.

2. Protects Eye Health

Since it has a good amount of beta-carotene and Vitamin A, it is good for eye vision. Pumokin even has the presence of lutein and zeaxanthin, which are antioxidants that help in the protection of the surface of the eye and its membranes, thus reducing all sorts of eye infections.

3. Supplies Essential Nutrients

Pumpkin has an abundance of minerals and vitamins which are suitable for the development of the baby. Calcium and magnesium assist with stronger bones, iron helps in the supply of hemoglobin as well as red blood cells, phosphorus helps with the proper functioning of the brain while vitamin C is an important component for a resilient immune system.

4. Boosts Energy Levels

Pumpkins have a good potassium content which offers an abundant energy boost and even enhances the ratio of electrolytes and develops muscle functioning.

5. Helps to Combat Stomach Worms

Babies are exposed not only to infections, but they are more prone to contract worm infestation as well. Pumpkins have a strong anthelmintic property (the ability to destroy parasites and worms). Therefore, incorporating pumpkin into your baby’s diet will help to keep the worms and parasites at bay, thereby, keeping your baby healthy.

How To Select Pumpkin For Babies?

The pumpkins that have a tag of that baking, sugar pumpkins, or pie are the ones that taste the best. Pumpkins that are anywhere between 6 to 8 inches in diameter should be preferred. It is ideal to pick up pumpkins that are smaller in size.

Small pumpkins are softer and have fewer seeds and strings. This tends to make them sweeter and easy to process further. Never select pumpkins with craggy exteriors, and ones with cuts and bruises.

In case your have to opt for canned pumpkin, give preference to a plain can of pumpkin over the pie mixed pumpkin as the latter has a good mix of sugar, additives as well as spices. Try to go for fresh pumpkin as its nutritive value is more than the canned one.

How To Store Pumpkin For Babies?

Always buy fully grown whole pumpkins rather than the cut ones. You can store it in your home for many weeks if you place it in a cool, well-ventilated place at room temperature. However, in the case of cut sections, they should be stored in a refrigerator where they can for a few days.

Ways To Cook Pumpkin For Babies?

Pumpkins can be prepared the same way as other fruits and veggies. Right before you start cooking the pumpkins, it is important to peel off the skin and clean it, so that there is no dirt, and even essential to scoop all seeds by using a spoon. Some of the methods of cooking as given as below:

Boiling Method

Put water for boiling, add the cut pieces of pumpkin to it, and cook till they are soft. Drain the excess water and let the pumpkin cool. After this add to the dish or store in the freezer. Do not put it in the fridge as they tend to become unhealthy and show a brownish-orange color.

Baking Method

Right after the pumpkin is cleaned, the pumpkin should be cut into two halves and brushed with olive oil. Place them facing the skin down on a baking tray. Bake at 375 ℉for about 30-45 minutes. Remove from the oven and take out the pulp in a vessel or a bowl. Adding butter will even enhance its taste.

Precautions To Take While Feeding Pumpkin For Babies

Here are a few precautions you must take when feeding your baby with pumpkins

• It is best to steam or bake than boil the pumpkin as over-boiling may take away its nutrient value.
• It is better to freeze the unused portions than to can them.
• Never feed the seeds of a pumpkin even though they are loaded with protein and iron.
• Even though it is rare to get a pumpkin allergy, it is highly advisable to have a word with the doctor before introducing any new food.

Pumpkin Recipes For Your Baby

The pumpkin can be given in many forms, the most common is the pumpkin puree and the method of making the same is given below:

Pumpkin Puree

 Make a puree of steamed or cooked pumpkin in a blender or processor. Add a pinch of nutmeg or cinnamon. Butter can be added to enhance the taste. You can also add water, and milk for the desired consistency. Never add animal milk for diluting if your baby has not celebrated their first birthday yet.

Apple-Pumpkin Puree

Steam sliced apple and pumpkin. Make a puree of the steamed pumpkin and apple in a blender or processor and add a pinch of nutmeg or cinnamon.

Instead of steamed apples, you can add fresh bananas, pears, and any fruits your baby relishes to make respective purees.

Thus, it can be said that pumpkin is a useful food that can be given with all other vegetables, fruits or even chicken. A nutrient-dense food that once cooked becomes tender and makes it easy for the baby to eat and even digest, yet one should take adequate precautions and consult a medical practitioner before starting pumpkin for babies.

FAQ’s

1. Does Pumpkin Help Baby Poop?

Pumpkin is high in dietary fiber which helps regulate bowel movements. If your baby is suffering from constipation, feeding them pumpkin will help reduce this problem.

2. Can I Give Pumpkin Daily to my Baby?

Yes, you can give pumpkin to your baby every day since it is healthy and nutritious. But it is also important to introduce other fruits and vegetables. This will help introduce your baby to various flavors and textures and provide various other nutrients which may not be present in pumpkin.

3. Does Pumpkin Cause Constipation?

Pumpkin does not cause constipation. In fact, it is an excellent food that helps relieve constipation in babies

4. Does Pumpkin Cause Cold in Babies?

Pumpkin does not cause colds in babies. Most colds happen due to a bacterial infection or due to a virus. Pumpkin is a rich source of vitamin C and can help your baby fight infections such as cold and flu.

5. Can Pumpkin Cause Loose Stools?

Due to the high fiber content, excessive intake of pumpkin can lead to loose stools and diarrhea in babies.

6. Does Pumpkin Help Babies Sleep?

Yes, pumpkin, especially the seeds, contains an amino acid known as tryptophan which helps babies soothe, calm down, and fall asleep. In addition, the zinc present in pumpkin helps convert this amino acid into serotonin, a happiness hormone which again soothes and calms babies.

7. Is Pumpkin Good For Babies During Cold?

Pumpkins are rich in vitamin C and beta carotene, both of which help your baby naturally fight diseases and improve immunity. For this reason, pumpkin is good to feed babies when they have a cold.