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The benefits of spinach for baby’s health

Rich in essential nutrients

Spinach is an excellent source of many essential nutrients for the growth and development of baby. It is packed with iron, vitamin C, antioxidants, and fiber. These nutrients are vital for strengthening the immune system, promoting healthy digestion, and contributing to baby’s overall health.

Strengthens the immune system

Thanks to their vitamin C and antioxidant content, spinach helps strengthen baby’s immune system. Regular consumption of this green vegetable can help protect baby from common infections and illnesses.

Promotes brain development

Spinach contains significant amounts of folate, an essential nutrient for baby’s brain development. Folate is crucial for the formation of nerve cells and can help enhance baby’s cognitive functions.

Facilitates digestion

The fiber present in spinach promotes healthy digestion in toddlers. It helps prevent constipation and maintains a regular digestive system. Including spinach in baby’s diet can therefore contribute to their digestive well-being.

Spinach recipe ideas for 12-month-old baby

Recipe	Ingredients	Preparation
Sweet spinach puree	Fresh spinach, potato, carrot	Steam the vegetables, blend with a bit of cooking water until smooth.
Mini spinach quiches	Chopped spinach, egg, grated cheese	Mix the ingredients, pour into muffin tins, and bake until the quiches are golden.

The best ways to choose and prepare fresh spinach

Choosing quality fresh spinach

To prepare delicious and healthy meals for your 12-month-old baby, it is essential to choose fresh, quality spinach. Here are some tips for selecting them:

• Choose firm and vibrant leaves: Avoid wilted or yellowed spinach. The leaves should be bright green and show no brown spots.
• Check the stems: Make sure the spinach stems are fresh, crunchy, and brightly colored.
• Prefer organic: If possible, choose organic spinach to limit exposure to pesticides.

Preparing spinach for baby

Once you have chosen fresh spinach, it’s time to prepare it for your little one’s meals. Here’s a simple and healthy preparation method:

1. Wash the spinach thoroughly: Rinse the leaves under cold water to remove all dirt or residues.
2. Remove the stems: Remove the thicker stems if necessary, especially if your baby is not used to their texture.
3. Steam the spinach: To preserve nutrients as much as possible, opt for gentle steaming for a few minutes.
4. Blend the cooked spinach: Once cooked, blend the spinach to achieve a smooth texture suitable for your baby’s consumption.

Recipe ideas using spinach for 12-month-old baby

To vary the pleasures and introduce spinach into your baby’s diet, here are some simple and tasty recipe ideas:

• Spinach and potato puree: Steam fresh spinach with potatoes, then blend everything to create a creamy puree.
• Spinach and pear compote: Combine blended cooked spinach with pears for an original compote full of flavors.
• Mini spinach quiches: Prepare small quiches by incorporating chopped spinach into the batter for a fun and nutritious version.

Simple and delicious spinach recipe for 12-month-old baby

Ingredients:

• 100g of fresh spinach
• 1 potato
• 1 small carrot
• 1 tablespoon of olive oil
• 1/2 cup of water

Instructions:

1. Wash the spinach and chop it into pieces.
2. Peel and dice the potato and carrot.
3. In a saucepan, heat the olive oil.
4. Add the chopped vegetables and sauté for a few minutes.
5. Add the spinach and water, then let simmer over low heat until the vegetables are tender.
6. Remove from heat and let cool.
7. Once cooled, blend everything until you get a smooth puree.
8. You can adjust the texture by adding a bit of water if needed.

Tips:

For a creamier variant, you can add a bit of sweet potato or parsnip puree.

Always check the temperature of the puree before serving it to your baby to avoid risk of burns.

Tips for gradually introducing spinach into baby’s diet

@guistina_syjtad

Aujourd’hui, on prépare ensemble la purée d’épinards pour bébé avec le NUTRIBABY de chez BABYMOOV. Tu verras dans cette vidéo les étapes de la préparation jusqu’à la dégustation. Si mon contenu te plaît, abonne-toi 🤗 #nutribaby #babymoov #recettebebe #diversificationalimentaire #CapCut

♬ son original – ♫

Choosing fresh and quality spinach

To start introducing spinach into your baby’s diet, it is essential to choose fresh, quality spinach. Preferably opt for organic spinach to limit your child’s exposure to pesticides and other chemicals.

Preparing spinach appropriately

Before offering spinach to your baby, be sure to wash it well to remove any traces of dirt or impurities. Then, remove the tougher stems to keep just the tender leaves, which are easier for your little one to digest.

Introduce spinach in small quantities

Start by introducing spinach into your baby’s diet gradually. Offer small quantities mixed with other foods they already enjoy to acclimate their palate to this new food without overwhelming them.

Vary preparation methods

To ensure your baby enjoys spinach, don’t hesitate to vary the preparation methods. You can steam them, incorporate them into vegetable purees, or even finely blend them to add to a more liquid preparation.

Monitor your baby’s reactions

After introducing spinach into your baby’s diet, be attentive to any potential reactions. Monitor their digestive health, appetite, and any signs of allergy. If in doubt, don’t hesitate to consult a healthcare professional.

Easy recipe: Spinach puree for baby

To initiate your baby into spinach playfully, here’s a simple spinach puree recipe:

Ingredients:	100g of fresh spinach 1 potato A drizzle of olive oil
Preparation:	Wash the spinach and the potato, then peel the latter. Steam the spinach for about 10 minutes. Boil the potato until tender. Blend the spinach and potato with a drizzle of olive oil until smooth. Serve warm.

This spinach puree is ideal for introducing your baby to this iron and vitamin-rich green vegetable. Feel free to pair it with mild vegetables to soften the flavor and make your child’s tasting experience positive.