Spinach is a superfood for both babies and adults. It is rich in antioxidents, high in vitamins A and K, and is a good source of vitamin C, folate, and iron.

Unfortunately, there is some concern about feeding spinach to babies due to its high levels of nitrates. The American Academy of Pediadrics, however, says that the nitrates in spinach and other vegetables do not pose a threat to babies who are over three months of age. Sincethey further advise not introducing solid foods until 4-6 months anyway, the point should be moot.

Below you will find easy ways to prepare spinach for your little one. Keep in mind that the plain pureed spinach can be added to any number of foods for a variety of tastes.

Just Spinach
Ingredients
1 bag baby spinach leaves
1/2 cup water
Directions
Wash spinach (even if pre-washed).
Bring water to boil in a saucepan.
Add as much fresh spinach as you can to the saucepan. The spinach will shrink as it cooks (in a matter of seconds), allowing you to add the remaining spinach to the saucepan.
Cook until it is totally wilted and dark green. Pour spinach and water into a blender or food processor.
Freeze unused spinach puree in ice cube trays or baby food storage containers..

Chicken and Rice Florentine
Ingredients
1 1/2 oz cubed cooked chicken
1/4 cup cooked rice
1/4 cup fresh spinach, cooked (or 1 tablespoon pureed spinach)
2 tablespoons milk (more or less as needed for desired consistancy)
Directions
Combine all ingredients in a blender or food processor and blend to desired consistency.

Popeye’s Potatoes
Ingredients
1/2 cup mashed potatoes
3 tablespoons pureed spinach
Directions
Mix ingredients together until thoroughly blended.

Spinach Smoothie
Ingredients
1/2 banana
1/4 cup frozen blueberries
1/2 cup plain or vanilla yogurt
3 tablespoons pureed spinach
Splash of juice (any flavor)
Directions
Combine all ingredients in a blender until smooth

Spinach Quesadilla Fingers
Ingredients
4 baby spinach leaves finely chopped
1 1/2 slices American cheese
1 whole grain tortilla
Directions
Place one slice of American cheese onto tortilla.
Sprinkle chopped spinach over cheese.
Top spinach with remaining half slice of cheese.
Fold the tortilla in half and grill it in a skillet sprayed with cooking spray until cheese melts.
Cut the quesadilla into strips small enough for your baby to handle.

Spinach Juice
Ingredients
1 cup water
1 bag baby spinach leaves
Juice (any flavor)
Directions
Bring water to a boil in a large saucepan and add spinach.
When spinach is wilted and water returns to a boil, cover the saucepan and reduce heat to a simmer.
Simmer for 10-15 minutes.
Strain the water from the spinach.
Add two to three tablespoons of the spinach water to your baby’s juice for an extra nutritional boost.
Remaining cooked spinach can be pureed and fed to your baby.