Pears and Pear Baby Food Recipes
Age for Introduction to Baby:
(4) 6-8 months)
Please be aware that the current recommendations for introducing solid foods are 6 months old!
The Goodness of Pears :
Pears are high in fiber, potassium and Vitamin C. High in fiber, Pears like other fruits, are great aids in reducing the risks of cancer and heart attack and sustaining healthy cholesterol levels. They are also a great fruit to offer as a remedy to help alleviate baby's constipation. Pears are gentle on the tummy and thus are wonderful for babies who may be suffering from Reflux.
Pears contain no sodium, saturated fats or cholesterol. They contain two types of sugars, glucose and fructose. A pear is very nutrient dense meaning that there are more nutrients per calorie than calories per nutrient. There is no need to peel a pear unless feeding one to a small infant. A pear's skin is easily digestible.
Nutritional Content of Pears: (one medium)
VITAMINS:
Vitamin A - 38 IU
Vitamin C - 7 mg
Vitamin B1 (thiamine) - .2 mg
Vitamin B2 (riboflavin) - .25 mg
Niacin - .26 mg
Folate - 12 mcg
Contains some other vitamins in small amounts.
MINERALS:
Potassium - 198 mg
Phosphorus - 82.4 mg
Magnesium - 12 mg
Calcium - 15 mg
Sodium - 0 mg
Iron - .26 mg
Also contains small amounts of selenium, manganese, copper and zinc.
When can I introduce Pears and Pear Baby Food Recipes to my baby?
Pears make a good choice for one of Baby's first fruits from (4)6 months of age. As always, we recommend that you consult with your baby's pediatrician on introducing solid foods as generalaties may not apply to your infant.
How to select and store pears for baby food recipes
Pears are a fruit that does not ripen upon "the vine". Pears are harvested from pear trees once they have reached maturity but prior to ripening.
Bartlett pears are the only type of pear that actually changes colour as it ripens. To ripen pears, leave them out on your counter or put them in a brown paper bag.
Store pears in the refrigerator in the coldest spot. As pears ripen from the inside outwards, a ripe pear will gently yield to the touch when pushed. A soft pear is likely indicative of over ripeness and may be close to rotting.
The best way to cook pears for baby food recipes
Pears do not need to be cooked as when they are ripe, they are very soft and easily made into a smooth puree.
Steaming fruits is typically recommended for babies under 8 months old to help breakdown sugars and fibers in fruits. However, as pears are gentle on the digestive system and very watery to begin with, use your own discretion based on your baby's digestive system.
If you will be offering pears as a baby food to an infant who starts solid foods prior to the age of 6 months old, please give pears a gentle steaming!
Pear Baby Food Recipes
Perfect Pear Mash
1. Peel and de-seed a fully ripened pear
2. Mash or puree as needed for your baby's preference
3. Add cereal (if desired) to thicken up.
You may wish to steam pear chunks for a bit to soften them and enable easier digestion for a younger baby who starts solids early.
Pear Baby Food Recipes - Breakfast Pear Parfait (8months+)
1/2 cup plain oat cereal (cooked)
Top mixture with 1/2 cup pear puree and add
1/2 cup lowfat yogurt.
dash vanilla
pinch of ginger
You can layer this for those babies who are beginning to use utensils or simply blend it all together
Pear Baby Food Recipes for Yummy Baked Pears
3 Pears
dash of cinnamon or vanilla or ginger
Halve and core pears. Place pears in a shallow baking dish with about 1 inch of water.
Add spices if desired. Bake at 350 degrees F. 25 minutes or until tender.
Mash and serve mixed with Oatmeal Baby Cereal, Yogurt or even Chicken!
Baked Pears with Oatmeal & Dates (8 months+)
1. 3 Pears
2. 1 cup cooked oatmeal
3. 1/2 cup finely chopped dates
drizzle of maple syrup
(optional)
dash of cinnamon or vanilla or ginger
Directions
Halve and core pears; Combine oatmeal, dates & spices in 1 cups of water and bring to boil, simmer until soupy. Once soupy, pour over pears. Bake at 350 degrees F. 45 minutes or until tender; drizzle with syrup if desired
Foods Good to Make Your Own Pear Baby Food Recipes:
Apples
Avocado
Bananas
Blueberries
Mango
Peaches
Sweet Potato
Chicken
Yogurt
Visit our Combinations page to see more Homemade Baby Food Combination Ideas
