Courgette, Pumpkin and Reflux

What’s in an Courgette and a Pumpkin? The cucurbit family is made up of a group of edible fruits – squashes, pumpkins and courgettes which usually harvest in the Autumn. In particular, Pumpkins are hollowed out to make Jack’o Lanterns, and then the pumpkin flesh is cooked up into a pie or a cake. 

What does it do for my baby’s body?

Courgettes contain very few calories and have a high water content. They aren’t a powerhouse of micronutrients, but they do provide useful amounts of immune system-boosting vitamin C, and significant levels of potassium, which is key to controlling blood pressure. The soluble fibre in the skin slows down digestion, and so stabilises blood sugar and insulin levels. Soluble fibre also helps prevent constipation and relieves irritable bowel symptoms.

Should I give Courgettes and Pumpkin when my baby has infant reflux?

Pumpkin is a sweet tasting, easily digestible fruit, perfect for serving up to your infant. It mashes well and can be incorporated into a weaning dish very easily or used to help thicken up a meal. There are no allergens or reported intolerance with Pumpkin. It should be fine to serve to a little refluxer. Probably best to avoid giving pumpkin seeds for some years though! Courgettes have more of a watery content and as such can taste bland without the addition of other seasonings or foods. Courgettes that are not fresh can become bitter tasting. Due to their low protein levels and need for additional tastes to make them palatable, they may be a hard food to take on in early weaning. The skin is also fibrous and can be harder to digest if not completely blended. If you want to put it into a mixed vegetable dish, that would be fine, however bear in mind that mixing tastes for a young baby can be confusing.