BUTTERNUT SQUASH Your Simple First Purée Guide

🔪 PREP:
Peel, deseed, and chop 1 small–medium butternut squash.
Cut into chunks for quicker steaming.

🔥 COOK:
Steam for 10–12 minutes until very soft.
Squash steams quickly and blends extra smooth.

🥄 PORTION:
Blend with cooled boiled water to a silky texture.
Start with 5–10 teaspoons per meal.
✅ Tip: This is a great one to combine later with lentils or apple for gentle flavour expansion.

❄️ STORE:
Scoop into silicone trays or portion with an ice cream scoop.
Freeze flat in labelled bags — lasts 48 hours in fridge or 2 months in freezer.

🍼 What about milk?
Add freshly expressed breast milk or just-prepared formula before serving (not before freezing).
Stick to water for early tastes — baby still gets main nutrition from milk feeds.

🍦 How to Portion Butternut Squash

Use an ice cream scoop or tablespoon to portion smooth purée evenly.
Place into silicone trays or flat zip-top freezer bags.
Press gently to flatten scoops if bagging — this saves space in the freezer.
Label with date + “Butternut Squash.”

✅ Tip: 1 medium squash yields approx. 8–12 portions (1–2 tbsp each).

🧊 Freezer & Storage Tips

• Let purée cool before freezing.
• Store flat in labelled freezer bags for up to 2 months.
• Keeps for 48 hours in fridge if using soon.
• Never refreeze after thawing. Discard leftovers from baby’s bowl.

💡 Also suitable for BLW: Soft-roasted or steamed wedges can be offered as finger foods once baby shows readiness. We focus on purée for ease and batch-prep flexibility.

💡 What to Do with Leftover Butternut Squash Purée

Once baby has moved beyond smooth purées, here are simple ways to use up any frozen squash portions:

  • 🥞 Add to pancake batter with mashed banana for a naturally sweet breakfast
  • 🍝 Stir into pasta sauces or risotto for a creamy boost
  • 🥣 Mix with cooked lentils, quinoa, or couscous for an easy lunch
  • 🧁 Bake into muffins or oat bars for toddler snacks
  • 🫓 Spread on toast with cream cheese or avocado for a soft finger food

🎯 Even a spoonful adds colour, sweetness, and nutrition to growing appetites.