Fruit Recipes (Stages 1 and 2)

Stage 1

Some moms believe that fruits should be introduced a couple of weeks after the vegetables. The reason is purely taste! Fruits are sweeter and babies may not like vegetables if introduced to fruits first.

Good options to introduce fruits are apples, pears, bananas, avocado, papaya, plums and prunes.

• Homemade Apple Sauce (add pears for a great taste and variety!)
  

- 6 Red Delicious apples

- 2 cups of water

Wash thoroughly the apples. Peel and slice them, getting rid of the core. Boil in water for about 15 minutes. Remove the pan from the stove. Don't throw the water away, it contains several minerals and vitamins. Blend the content with a hand mixer, or a blender until it turns into a smooth paste.

Add iron fortified cereal (whole rice or oatmeal) if desired.

Preparation time: about 25 minutes.

Nutritional value: high in vitamins A and C, potassium and fiber.

• Mashed Bananas with Cereal and Formula or Yogurt
  

- 1 banana

- 1 teaspoon of rice or oatmeal cereal

- 1-2 teaspoons of formula or yogurt (only if your baby has already been introduced to yogurt!)

Peel the banana and mash with a fork. Add the formula/yogurt and stir. Add enough cereal until desired consistency.

Preparation time: about 5 minutes.

Nutritional value: high in potassium, magnesium, calcium and folate (vary by chosen ingredients).

Stage 2

• Berry Banana Shake
  

- 1 banana

- 5 oz. organic whole milk or formula

- 6-8 pitted cherries, and/or 2 tablespoons or blueberries (you can use frozen berries or cherries)

Peel the banana and wash the cherries and/or berries. Mix them all in a tall container. Add the milk or formula. Blend the ingredients using a hand mixer, or a blender. Pour the mix into a sippy cup. You may need to use a strainer otherwise the small pieces may clog the spouts/straws. Babies absolutely love this shake!!

Preparation time: about 5 minutes.

Nutritional value: high in antioxidants, potassium, calcium and protein (vary by chosen ingredients).

• Finger Breaded Banana (you can use other fruits too!)
  

- 1 banana

- 1 tablespoon of iron fortified whole rice or oatmeal cereal

Peel the banana and cut it in cubes small enough to be picked up by baby's little fingers. Spread the cereal on a small plate and toss the banana cubes on it, covering each cube entirely. This will allow the baby/toddler to easily pick up the cubes without sticking to his/her fingers.

Preparation time: about 5 minutes.

Nutritional value: high in potassium, magnesium and iron (vary by chosen ingredients).