Pumpkin Cookies for Babies
Before we dive in on how to make these yummy Pumpkin Cookies for Babies, do you ever wonder why the American Academy of Pediatrics, the American Heart Association, and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention all recommend that kids younger than 24 months not be given added sugars? It’s a general recommendation rather than a hard line based on a lot of factors - their tummies are small, and while sugary foods aren’t bad, they are also not nutrient-dense or big contributors of the many nutrients that babies need to thrive and grow and they can end up replacing some of the foods that are.
A baby’s palate is already predisposed to prefer sweet flavors (breastmilk and amniotic fluid are both naturally sweet) and babyhood is an important time to regularly expose babies to a variety of different flavors which increases the likelihood that they’ll accept and enjoy a variety down the road. Before age 1, most babies don’t really know what they are missing anyway, so it’s best to capitalize on that if we can!
In my opinion, a little sugar here and there before age 2 is certainly not “bad” or a big deal, but if added sugars are offered regularly, it’s more likely to condition baby’s palate to expect and prefer most foods to taste sweet in the future.
Interestingly, around age 2 (but sometimes before, sometimes after) most kids become a lot more cognizant of what others are eating and at that point, over-restricting sugar can lead to a disproportionate focus on and obsession with it. At that point, it can help to fold sugary foods in small amounts into the context of a balanced diet. In families with older siblings, this point often comes sooner. Lots of nuances and angles to consider when it comes to this topic!
In any case, when Halloween rolls around, it’s fun to have a festive baby-friendly treat on hand that is sweetened only with fruit so that everyone can enjoy it together without any concerns - baby included!
These Pumpkin Cookies for Babies are nutrient-dense, brimming with beta-carotene, soft in texture, perfect for baby-led weaning, and full of fall flavors. Safe for babies from the age of 6 months who are showing the signs of readiness for solid foods. Feel free to omit the step where you shape with a pumpkin cookie cutter - you can also roll the dough into tablespoon-sized balls, flatten with the back of a spatula and bake and baby will enjoy just as much! Happy Halloween to all the teeny ghouls and goblins!
Lastly, if you found this recipe enjoyable, would you mind giving it a rating and leaving a comment? Your feedback helps others discover my recipes and articles. Thanks a bunch!
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Pumpkin Cookies for Babies Recipe
Pumpkin Cookies for Babies
Ingredients
- 1 cup pureed pumpkin (if using canned, look for BPA-free packaging and be sure to choose 100% pumpkin rather than “pumpkin pie mix” which usually contains added sugars)
- 1 cup oats
- ¼ cup oat or multigrain baby cereal (can use all-purpose, whole wheat, or oat flour instead)
- 1 banana
- 1 egg
- 1 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F and line a standard-sized cookie sheet with parchment paper.
- Mash the pumpkin, egg and banana together in a large mixing bowl until it becomes similar to the consistency of applesauce, about 3 minutes.
- Add the oats, cereal, and spices and mix until well-incorporated, about a minute.
- Roll 2 tablespoons of dough at a time into balls, place on a prepared cookie sheet and flatten into discs using the back of a spatula, or shape into pumpkins by flattening the dough into a pumpkin-shaped cookie cutter. Bake until set and lightly browned, about 20-25 minutes.
- Remove from heat and cool on the cookie sheet for at least 10 minutes before serving.
Notes
- Leftover cookies will keep for up to 5 days in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
- Safe for babies from the age of 6 months who are showing the signs of readiness for solid foods.
Nutrition Facts
Calories
34Fat
1 gSat. Fat
0 gCarbs
6 gFiber
1 gNet carbs
5 gSugar
1 gProtein
1 gSodium
8 mgCholesterol
10 mg
