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    MJ & Hungryman » How To Series

    Blueberries for Babies (Puree and Baby Led Weaning)

    By Min On April 26, 2023

    This post may contain affiliate links. Please see our disclosure policy for more details.

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    A plate with pureed, mashed, flattened blueberries and blueberry spread toast.

    Here's everything you need to know when it comes to serving blueberries to your baby, including when and how to introduce them safely as well as healthy recipes that are suitable for 6 months and up.

    A six image collage of baby friendly blueberry recipes.
    Jump to:
    • When can babies eat Blueberries?
    • Health Benefits
    • Are Blueberries safe for babies?
    • Selecting the best blueberries
    • Organic Vs. Conventional Blueberries
    • Blueberry Puree
    • How to Serve Blueberries for Baby Led Weaning
    • Blueberry Recipes for Babies
    • Frequently Asked Questions
    • Blueberry Puree for Babies

    When can babies eat Blueberries?

    Blueberries can be introduced to babies as soon as they’re ready to start solids, usually around 6 months.

    It’s important to remember that your baby is unique and that rather than going by the calendar, you need to make sure your baby is DEVELOPMENTALLY ready to start solids.

    If you’re unsure, be sure to grab this FREE handout!

    Is your baby 6 months old and up?

    Learn all the secrets to starting solids safely while optimizing nutrition!
    I NEED IT NOW!

    Health Benefits

    Blueberries are a good source of vitamins and minerals, including manganese and vitamin K, which are important for bone development and wound healing, and vitamin C, which helps boost the immune system and enhance the absorption of plant-based iron.

    Their high fiber content can help with digestion and reduce the risk of constipation.

    And just like strawberries, blueberries contain a variety of antioxidants, such as anthocyanins (also found in cabbage), which have been shown to improve cognitive function and memory in both children and adults.

    Are Blueberries safe for babies?

    While blueberries can be introduced as one of your baby's first foods, it is a choking hazard for babies due to its small size, roundness, and firmness.

    Therefore, it's extremely important to make sure they're prepared and served in an age-appropriate way to minimize the risk of choking.

    Let me show you how! blueberries are also not a common allergen.

    Selecting the best blueberries

    Here are the top tips to help you select the most delicious blueberries:

    • Look for plump berries that are firm to the touch. Avoid those that are mushy, discolored, or have any signs of mold or spoilage.
    • Look for deep blue color.
    • Choose locally grown, in-season strawberries as they are often fresher with better flavor.

    Organic Vs. Conventional Blueberries

    Blueberries are on the top list of fruits with highest pesticide residues so it's best to purchase organic, IF possible.

    I emphasize IF because organic blueberries can be quite expensive, and I don't want the cost to be a deterring factor.

    The health benefits of eating any fruits and vegetables outweigh the potential pesticide risk.

    Refer to the FAQ section below for tips on how to wash fresh blueberries to remove as much surface pesticide residues as possible.

    Blueberry Puree

    Blueberry puree in a small bowl with a baby spoon.

    It truly is so simple to make! All you need are ripe fresh or frozen blueberries that have been thawed. I recommend using fresh when in season for best flavor.

    The full recipe can be found in the recipe card at the bottom of the post.

    1. Rinse well and pat dry.
    2. Add to a food processor or blender.
    3. Blend until smooth! Depending on how juicy your strawberries are, you many need to add a little bit of water, breastmilk, or formula.
    4. Transfer to an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 4 days or in the freezer for up to 3 months.

    Blueberry Puree combinations

    You can serve blueberry puree by itself or mix in other foods such as:

    • Blueberry Yogurt (pictured)
    • Baby oatmeal
    • Chicken
    • Lentils
    • Quinoa
    • Applesauce
    • Banana
    • Mango
    • Pear
    • Beets
    • Butternut squash
    • Cauliflower
    • Carrots
    • Zucchini
    • Sweet potatoes

    How to Serve Blueberries for Baby Led Weaning

    A plate with pureed, mashed, flattened blueberries and blueberry spread toast.

    The Ultimate Guide to Baby Led Weaning

    6+ Months

    Blueberry Puree

    There is a common misconception that you can't serve purees when doing baby led weaning, and that's simply not true!

    Preload onto a spoon (this one is a must!) and place on the table or directly in their hand. You can start with the smooth texture and move to the chunky texture by 9 months at the latest.

    Fold into foods

    Stir in puree or mashed cooked blueberries to any of the foods mentioned above.

    I love adding to yogurt, oatmeal (and shaping into little fingers), or combining the puree with some peanut butter and spreading onto toast.

    Endless possibilities!

    Whole Blueberries

    Bigger is better and safer at this age. Not only will it minimize the risk of choking but it will be easier for babies to grab.

    So choose a large blueberry and also flatten into discs by holding it between your thumb and index finger and gently pressing down.

    Note that your baby will have a difficult time holding it, so you can help get it into their hands but don't place directly in their mouth as that can increase the choking risk.

    9+ Months

    Continue flattening blueberries into discs. Your baby will have a much easier time grabbing them with their pincer grasp.

    12+ Months

    Whole blueberries are considered a choking hazard until 4 years of age. However, just like with any food, assess your child's oral motor development and chewing skills. If you think they are ready, offer whole blueberries one at a time, making sure they are sitting down and not distracted.

    I gave my son a whole blueberry around 14 months and he did great with them. But I continued to flatten when packing for preschool because I couldn’t be with him and there were more distractions for him there.

    Blueberry Recipes for Babies

    Here are some easy, healthy, and delicious ways to incorporate blueberries into your baby's meals. Note that cooked whole blueberries are not a choking hazard as they will be super soft.

    Healthy Blueberry Muffins for Babies
    These blueberry baby muffins are sweetened with fruits only and loaded with nutrition! They're soft and moist, making them perfect for babies
    Get the recipe
    A close-up of muffins on a wire rack
    Blueberry Yogurt
    3 ingredients are all you need to make this healthy blueberry yogurt. it's a delicious breakfast or snack option for the whole family, including babies and toddlers!
    Get the recipe
    An overhead shot of yogurt with blueberry puree.
    Single Serve Chia Puddings for Babies and Kids
    Single serve chia seed pudding for babies 6 months and up is the perfect make ahead breakfast or snack that you can whip up in under 5 minutes!
    Get the recipe
    collage of six puddings
    Homemade Baby Oatmeal
    Learn how to cook the perfect oatmeal for baby. It's easy, fast, and loaded with vegetables! Serve as is or shape into fingers or balls, baby led weaning style!
    Get the recipe
    four oatmeals shaped into balls and plated on a white plate
    Banana Oatmeal Bars
    Soft and chewy, these healthy banana oatmeal bars are super easy to make with just a handful of pantry items. They're the perfect make-ahead, grab-n-go breakfast, snack, or dessert.
    Get the recipe
    An overhead shot of sliced banana oat bars with sliced banana.
    How to Cook Steel Cut Oats (4 Ways)
    Here are 4 ways to cook steel cut oats to suit your needs! Learn the top tips for making the creamiest oatmeal and most delicious breakfast along with all the topping suggestions.
    Get the recipe
    A bowl of steel cut oats with raspberries, mangoes, and peanut butter.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    Is fresh blueberries better than frozen?

    Both types are great! Nothing beats fresh, in-season juicy blueberries. However, frozen blueberries are just as nutritious as fresh, if not more as they are picked at the peak of ripeness and frozen immediately, which helps to preserve their nutritional content.

    They are so convenient to have on hand all year round too!

    What is the best way to store fresh blueberries?

    Here are some ways to keep your blueberries fresh for longer. It is best to wash them berries just before serving them to prevent the berries. However, if you want to wash in advance for easy snacking, like I do, here are some tips.

    Transfer the blueberries to a large bowl with one part white vinegar and 3 parts water. Gently stir to coat in vinegar solution and allow to soak for 5-10 minutes. Drain and rinse thoroughly to remove any vinegar taste. Pat dry and transfer to a container lined with paper towel.

    Did you make this recipe? Leave a rating below and let me know how you liked the recipe! Your feedback means so much to me!

    A plate with pureed, mashed, flattened blueberries and blueberry spread toast.

    Blueberry Puree for Babies

    Here's everything you need to know when it comes to serving blueberries to your baby, including when and how to introduce them safely as well as healthy recipes that are suitable for 6 months and up.
    5 from 1 vote
    Print Pin Rate
    Prep Time: 5 minutes minutes
    Cook Time: 0 minutes minutes
    Total Time: 5 minutes minutes
    Servings: 4
    Author: Min | MJ and Hungryman

    Equipment

    • Blender

    Ingredients

    • 1 cup fresh or frozen blueberries

    Optional

    • 2 teaspoons lemon juice
    • 1 teaspoon lemon zest
    • ½ teaspoon vanilla extract

    Instructions

    • Rinse well and pat dry. Add to a food processor or blender. Blend until smooth. Depending on how juicy your blueberries are, you many need to add a little bit of water, breastmilk, or formula.
    • Serve as is or stir into various foods, like oatmeal, yogurt, or combine with peanut butter and spread onto toast.

    Notes

    Transfer to an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 4 days or in the freezer for up to 3 months.

    Nutrition

    Calories: 23kcal | Carbohydrates: 6g | Protein: 0.3g | Sodium: 0.5mg | Potassium: 33mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 4g | Vitamin A: 2IU
    Course Snack
    Cuisine baby food
    Tried this Recipe? Tag me Today!Tag me @KidFriendly.Meals today!

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    About Min

    Thank you so much for stopping by! I am Min, a Registered Dietitian, a Christ follower, a wife, and a mom to our two miracle babies! Currently, I’m having a ton of fun feeding their tummies and sharing our baby led weaning journey! Follow me on Instagram if interested in seeing daily menu as well as tips and tricks.

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    HI!

    I am MJ, a registered dietitian and a mom of 2. I truly hope you’ll enjoy all the recipes and tips that I share on what and how to feed your child!

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