Pasta Age for Introduction to Baby:
8 Months +
Pasta is made from Semolina - a wheat flour! If your baby has a gluten intolerance or an allergy to the wheat protein, do not offer baby a wheat based pasta!
The Goodness of Pasta:
Pasta is highly nutritious and most pastas on the market are enriched with vitamins and minerals. Pasta is also loaded with carbohydrates that help our bodies produce energy. Pasta has often been given a bad rap due to these carbohydrates however the truth is, pasta is not a refined carbohydrate. Pasta is made from semolina, a durham wheat that is hearty and nutritious and not refined in the process of making pastas. Refined carbohydrates are not as readily processed by the body as non-refined carbohydrates.
When can I introduce Pasta to my baby?
Pasta is typically introduced to baby from 8 months of age. As most pasta is made from wheat, it is recommended that those with a history of wheat allergy and/or gluten intolerance not eat pasta or introduce it until much later.
If your baby has been fine with eating oats, barley, or other products containing wheat and/or gluten, the odds are great that there is not a gluten intolerance in your baby. However, you should discuss the introduction of pasta with your baby's pediatrician!
How to store Pasta for baby food
Pasta has a very long shelf life as long as it is uncooked. Store boxed or packaged pasta in the original package. For extra protection, add the package to an airtight bag or container. Some pasta may take on an "old" taste the longer it is stored.
Fresh or Homemade pasta should always be refrigerated or frozen.
The best way to cook Pasta
Always cook pasta in boiling water and according to package directions!
Basic Pasta Recipes:
Pastina Cereal (make it Organic by using Organic Pasta!)
1 box Pastina style pasta
1. Cook according to package directions
2. Stir in mashed or pureed banana, peaches, applesauce or even sweet potato or butternut squash!
Add any pureed fruits and vegetables to baby's homemade Pastina cereal. You may even add small dices or shreds of soft tender cooked meats! Ensure that you have followed the 4 day wait rule!
Pasta, Carrots & Cheese
1 cup cooked pasta
1/2 pureed or chopped soft cooked carrots
grated cheese
Mix carrots with the cooked pasta and then sprinkle with cheese
Pasta Chicken Stew
2 cups sodium-free chicken broth (try a homemade stock)
1/2 cup elbow or ditalini pasta
1/2 cubed chicken breast
1/4 cup of frozen peas
3 tablespoons chopped onion
Add chicken broth to a medium sized saucepan and bring to a boil.
Add pasta, chicken, peas and onion
Turn heat to low and simmer until the chicken is cooked and tender
Puree or mash the stew as needed for your baby's texture preference.
Serve warm, adding a sprinkle of cheese if desired
Foods Good to Mix With Pasta:
Broccoli
Carrots
Cauliflower
Green Beans
Peas
Summer Squash
Bananas
Peaches
Applesauce
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