Healthy Tomato Baby Puree: A Simple Recipe for Your Baby’s First Foods

Why Tomato Is a Great First Food for Your Baby

1. Nutrient-Rich

• Vitamin C: Boosts immunity and supports healthy skin.
• Vitamin A: Important for eye health and healthy skin.
• Antioxidants: Lycopene, found in tomatoes, helps protect cells and may contribute to reducing inflammation.
• Fiber: Promotes healthy digestion and regular bowel movements.

2. Mild and Digestible

• Tomatoes are light, low-calorie, and easy to digest, making them a perfect food for babies who are just starting solids. Their mild, slightly sweet flavor is often well-received.

3. Enhances Iron Absorption

• Thanks to its high vitamin C content, tomato also helps your baby absorb iron from other foods. This is especially beneficial when paired with iron-rich foods like peas or spinach.

When to Introduce Tomato to Your Baby

• Tomatoes can be introduced around 6-8 months when your baby has already started on basic solid foods like sweet potatoes or carrots. Start with small portions and observe your baby’s reaction, as tomatoes are slightly acidic. This acidity may cause a mild rash or irritation around the mouth in some babies. If this occurs, wait a few weeks before reintroducing.

Preparing Tomato Baby Puree: Do You Have to Cook It?

Tomatoes are one of those foods that can be prepared both cooked and raw, but there are some things to consider when deciding which route to take.

Raw Tomato Puree:

• Pro: Raw tomato retains all its natural nutrients, including vitamin C, which can be sensitive to heat.
• Con: Some babies may find raw tomato’s acidity a bit harsh on their tummy. It’s best to observe your baby’s tolerance for acidic foods. If they have no issues with it, raw tomato can be a refreshing puree.

Cooked Tomato Puree:

• Pro: Cooking tomatoes softens them, making them easier to digest and removing some of the acidity. This can be a great option if your baby has a sensitive stomach.
• Con: Cooking reduces some of the vitamin C content, although it does concentrate other beneficial nutrients like lycopene (a powerful antioxidant).

You can make either raw or cooked tomato puree, but if you’re concerned about acidity or want to make the puree easier for your baby to digest, cooking is a good option.

Do You Have to Remove Tomato Seeds?

While tomato seeds aren’t harmful, they can be a little tough for babies to digest in the early stages. Some parents prefer to remove them to create a smoother, more easily digestible puree. Removing seeds can also help reduce any potential irritation around the mouth due to the tomato’s acidity. However, removing the seeds isn’t strictly necessary if your baby is doing well with small, well-blended purees. If you choose to leave the seeds in, just be sure to blend the tomato thoroughly so that it’s easy for your baby to swallow.

Ingredients for Tomato Baby Puree

• 1 ripe tomato (peeled and deseeded if preferred)
• Water or low-sodium vegetable broth (for desired consistency)
• 1 tablespoon of olive oil (optional, for added healthy fats)

Simple Instructions How to Make Tomato Baby Puree

1. Prepare the Tomato (3 mins):

• Wash the tomato thoroughly.
• To remove the skin easily, score an “X” on the bottom of the tomato, blanch it in boiling water for 30 seconds, and then transfer it to an ice-cold water bath.
• Peel the skin, remove the seeds (if desired), and chop the tomato into small pieces.

2. Cook the Tomato (optional):

• If you prefer to cook the tomato, place it in a small pot over medium heat. Cook for 5-7 minutes until it softens and releases its juices. This step will reduce some of the acidity.

3. Blend the Tomato (2 mins):

• Using a fork, immersion blender, or food processor, blend the tomato into a smooth puree.
• Add water or low-sodium vegetable broth to thin the puree to the desired consistency, making it suitable for your baby’s stage of eating.

4. Optional: Add Healthy Fats

• Stir in a tablespoon of olive oil to enrich the puree with healthy fats.

5. Cool and Serve:

• Let the puree cool to a safe temperature before serving it to your baby. Always check the temperature to avoid burns.

Creative Pairings for Tomato Baby Puree

Tomato is incredibly versatile and can be paired with a variety of other fruits and vegetables. Here are a few ideas to mix things up:

1. Tomato and Carrot Puree

• Add a peeled and chopped carrot to the tomato and cook together. The sweetness of the carrot complements the tomato’s acidity, creating a balanced and flavorful puree.

2. Tomato and Sweet Potato Puree

• Sweet potatoes add a rich, creamy texture and sweetness to the tomato’s tang, making this an ideal pairing for younger babies.

3. Tomato and Zucchini Puree

• A light and refreshing combination, perfect for babies starting solids. Zucchini softens the tomato’s acidity and adds a mild, watery texture.

4. Tomato and Avocado Mash

• Instead of pureeing, try mashing tomato with half an avocado. This creates a creamy, nutrient-dense puree that’s easy for your baby to digest.

Please note: The nutritional information provided is an estimate, calculated using an online nutrition calculator.

Nutritional Facts:

(Amount per serving)

Calories: 18 kcal | Fat: 0,2 g | Sodium: 5mg | Carbohydrate: 3.9g | Fiber: 1.2g | Sugars: 2.6g | Protein: 0.9g | Calcium: 10mg | Potassium: 237mg