Pie pumpkin sitting on a white countertop.

Medically reviewed and cowritten by Jamie Johnson, Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RDN).

Pumpkin Benefits

It’s obvious from their golden hue that pumpkin is rich in Vitamin A and Beta Carotene! When eaten and digested, beta-carotene turns into Vitamin A in the human body, providing us with healthy, glowing skin and good vision. Not only does pumpkin help our skin and eyes, but it’s an outstanding source of carotenoid antioxidants that help protect our cells from damage. The fleshy part of the pumpkin is nutrient-dense, and so are the seeds! Pumpkin seeds are rich in minerals and Vitamin E and are a fun, crunchy snack after they’re roasted. Baby should wait on these since the outer husk can be hard to chew, but pumpkin puree can be used in sweet breads, as a topping on yogurt, and roasted in the oven as a delicious treat for baby.

Health Benefits of Pumpkin

Pumpkin has so many nutritional benefits, making it an excellent option for your little pumpkin!

  • A good source of fiber and can prevent and resolve constipation
  • High in beta-carotene, which helps aid eyesight
  • Contains antioxidants and vitamin C to help strengthen immunity
  • A good source of potassium to help heart health
  • Contains iron, important for preventing iron deficiency anemia and transporting oxygen around the body

Highlighted Nutritional Importance of Pumpkin

Vitamins

Vitamin A – is important for your baby’s vision health and promotes healthy bone growth.
Vitamin C – an antioxidant that helps build a healthy immune system and keeps gums healthy.
Vitamin B6 – an important vitamin that helps your body metabolize protein, fats and carbohydrates from the food you eat.
Vitamin B2 – promotes growth, good vision and is important for your baby’s bone and muscle health.

Minerals

Manganese – crucial for forming healthy bone and cartilage
Copper – this mineral is essential for forming red blood cells and helps keep hair growing and looking healthy
Potassium – an electrolyte mineral that helps with muscle function and heart rhythm
Magnesium – supports the immune system and helps to maintain muscle and nerve function

How to Select and Store Pumpkin

When searching for a pumpkin you’ll be cooking with, look for smaller pumpkins (around 5-8lbs) that are labeled as “pie pumpkins” or “sugar pumpkins.” Buying a smaller pumpkin ensures great flavor and will be less stringy than the larger variety. Pumpkins tend to decay easily, so it’s important to inspect them carefully before you purchase them at the farmer’s market or grocery store. You want the pumpkins to be firm, heavy for their size, and have dull rinds, not glossy. A dull, hard rind indicates a pumpkin with great flavor!

Pumpkins tend to lose their nutritive value when cooked for long periods, so try not to overcook or bake. You can steam, boil or bake pumpkin, but baking is the best option for optimal flavor and nutrient retention. Once cooked and cut into chunks or pureed, pumpkin should be used immediately or stored in the refrigerator or freezer. Pumpkin freezes quite well and can be used year-round in sauces, soups, and delicious baked goods!

Canned pumpkin is a great option, too. Just look for pumpkin puree instead of pumpkin pie filling, which contains added sugar.

Favorite Pumpkin Recipes

Teal baby plate, showing different ways to serve pumpkin to your baby.

Pumpkin for Baby-Led Weaning

5 stars (1 rating)
Learn how to serve pumpkin for baby-led weaning or making purees with this informative guide. Pumpkin is full of essential nutrients, making it a great first food for babies 6 months and up. Serve pumpkin as a baby food puree, as a solid for the finger food stage, or for baby-led weaning.
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Orange bowl and plate with patterned napkin full of yogurt and pumpkin puree.

Homemade Pumpkin Yogurt

5 stars (1 rating)
Looking for an easy 2-minute recipe that is perfect for snack timebreakfast, or part of lunch and is both healthy and filling? Then this Pumpkin Yogurt is going to be your new BFF! It’s perfect for babytoddlers, and big kids! For ages 6+ months.
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Small kids hands holding 3 mini pumpkin muffins.

Healthy Mini Pumpkin Muffins

5 stars (78 ratings)
These mini pumpkin muffins are the perfect treat for the fall! Quick and easy to make, they are a hit with toddlers and kids, and the adults too! Made with no refined sugar they are a healthy and delicious snack!
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bowl of pumpkin puree surrounded by ingredients for this easy baby food.

Pumpkin Baby Puree

4.67 stars (12 ratings)
This Pumpkin Baby Food Puree is a creamy and flavorful way to introduce baby to the tastes of the season!
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Pumpkin Pancakes

4.95 stars (50 ratings)
These Pumpkin Pancakes for baby are perfectly soft and fluffy, plus they only require 5-ingredients to make!
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2 small bowls filled with pumpkin pasta with 2 kids forks on a blue napkin.

Family-Favorite Pumpkin Pasta

4.92 stars (34 ratings)
This easy and healthy Pumpkin Pasta can be made from scratch in only 15 minutes and with only 7 easy-to-find ingredients.
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