Sweet Potato Fries for Baby Led Weaning
With Enceladus (our first daughter) she was all about Baby Sweet Potato Cookies, now with Proxima (second daughter) she loves Sweet Potato Fries, so I thought it was worth sharing this simple recipe with you! When Proxima turned 6 months old, we started baby led weaning to get her taste buds going, and to make her more comfortable with food. We are luck that Enceladus, now 3 years old, is such a great eater and I really think that is because of how much different food she was introduced to as a baby and how we really encouraged independence in food touching and eating. And let me tell you, Proxy loves her food, especially these Sweet Potato Fries! Also, I can’t handle the cuteness with these scrunched up smiles she’s been serving me lately.
When is a baby ready for baby led weaning?
Every baby is different, but there a few signs you can easily spot when a baby is ready to begin baby led weaning. Your baby can start baby lead weaning once they can sit up unassisted and has strong neck controls, usually around 6-7 months. Your baby does not need teeth to start baby led weaning. You’ll also notice that your baby suddenly seems very interested in what you’re eating and drinking. At around 4-5 months old Proxy started spotting my morning banana or turning her head to look at my apple spices while licking her lips, so I knew she was getting closer.
How to Make Sweet Potato Fries
First, let’s talk about peeling the sweet potato or not. In my experience if a baby is brand new to finger foods, around 6-7 months old, then I peel the sweet potato. I find that the skins give them trouble swallowing when they’re beginning.
Once the baby gets older, around 8-9 months old, then I stop peeling as they can swallow and digest easier.
In this recipe I’m going to peel the sweet potatoes because that’s what works best for Proxy.
Chop the sweet potatoes up into 1/2 inch thick pieces, or approximately the size of your finger.
Place sweet potatoes on a baking sheet directly. You can use parchment paper or silicone baking mats for easy cleanup but I find that they bake best directly on the sheet. Pour olive oil on top and stir to fully coat them.
Bake for 24 minutes, flipping them half way. Check after 24 minutes. Does a fork easily slide through? They’re done. If it doesn’t, bake for a couple more minutes.
Allow to cool before serving to your adorable baby!
These will last in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. I like to put them in individual jars so I can easily reach for a serving as sometimes dinner time is hectic! Ok I lied, dinner time is always hectic in my house. 🙂
What spices can I add to these for baby?
If your baby is ready for flavor, you can add cinnamon, nutmeg, garlic, paprika or cumin on top of the fries before baking. My 7 months old loves cinnamon, garlic and cumin. If your baby is over a year old, you can start introducing salt. Don’t tell anyone but I make a couple of these sweet potato fries for myself with sea salt on them and they are DELICIOUS!
How to Make Sweet Potato Mash
If you want to turn these fries into a mash, that’s easy to do. Place sweet potatoes in a bowl and mash with a fork until you reach the consistency you want.
The sweet potatoes are already very soft so you don’t need to break out your food processor or blender, or even add water (unless you’re making a puree).
How to Freeze Baby Finger Foods
I will often make a double batch of these to always have in the freezer for quick lunch, dinner and daycare meals.
To freeze them simply place in freezer bags and place in freezer. When ready to use pop the amount you want into the microwave and heat, allowing to cool down before giving to your baby.
More Baby Food Recipes:
If baby loves this recipe try my Baby Cinnamon Carrot Fries recipe too, along with these other ones: Apple Pear and Banana Baby FoodHomemade Baby Food PouchesCarrot Baby Cookies Using Baby FoodButternut Squash Stage 3 Baby FoodPumpkin Baby Pancakes Recipe Pin for later:
