Homemade Baby Food

Starting Baby On Solids

In decades past, many pediatricians actually pushed parents to begin introducing solids to their babies when they were still mere infants. Boy, have times changed! Today, pediatricians agree that parents should wait till baby reaches the age of four to six months before introducing those first solid foods. The theory is simple. Studies have shown that babies tend to have fewer food allergies if they are given solids for the first time during this time period.

Introducing New Foods

Whether you breastfeed or give your baby formula, you'll want to begin introducing new foods gradually to rule out any allergies that might occur. It's best to introduce one new food at a time and wait a few days before introducing the next food. In this manner if your baby has a reaction, it is much simpler to determine which foods might have caused it. Liquids and solids are typically given using the following pattern, with solids given around four to six months, and juices given around six to eight months.

• Baby Cereal-This can be oatmeal, rice, barley, or a combination. You'll want to mix the cereal with formula or breastmilk unless otherwise instructed by your pediatrician.
• Fruits or Vegetables-Many pediatricians don't have a preference as to which you give baby first, although some recommend vegetables over fruits in the beginning. Just be sure you stick to the one new food at a time rule.
• Meats and pastas-Meats will give your baby additional iron and protein, which is good for her growing and developing body.
• Fruit Juices-Avoid citrus fruits, and stick to apple or pear.

Homemade Baby Food

Enter any grocery store, and you'll probably find an aisle dedicated to baby foods and supplies. You may even be able to find organic baby food. Many baby food companies boast that their foods are created with only the freshest fruits and vegetables, and they claim that there are no additives. There's no doubt that ready-made baby food is convenient, but it's also expensive. At anywhere from 50 cents a jar and up, jars of baby food can put a big dent in your grocery budget rather quickly. The solution? Homemade baby food! If you have a blender and/or food processor, food strainer, and some ice trays, you're all set!

When your baby first begins eating solid foods, you want to make sure you know just what she is putting into her mouth, and you want to eliminate any choking hazards. You are looking for a pureed substance, and that's why you need a blender or a food processor. Once you begin, you'll be amazed at how easy creating homemade baby food can be.

1. Cook fresh vegetables and fruits as you normally would, such as boiling or steaming them, but leave off any seasonings, at least until your baby is older.
2. Once the food has cooled somewhat, place it in a blender. You may need to add a little water to create a more pureed substance, but add the water sparingly until you get the texture you want. You can use a strainer to eliminate excess liquid.
3. Take clean ice trays, and plop spoonfuls of the pureed food into each cube.
4. Place in the freezer until food is frozen, then store in ziplock bags.
5. Warm the ice cubes in a bowl by setting it in another bowl of hot water.
6. Once your baby is a little older and ready to add more foods to her diet, you can use the same method on virtually any foods you cook, including casseroles, pasta dishes, and even meats!

Precautions

Making homemade baby food is an easy and inexpensive alternative to ready made food. Keep the following precautions in mind, however.

1. If you are tempted to use the microwave, remember that microwaved foods cook unevenly. Be sure you stir the food thoroughly, and check the temperature before giving it to your baby.
2. Wash your hands thoroughly before you begin cooking and preparing your baby's food.
3. Wash all cooking surfaces thoroughly before you begin preparing foods.
4. Wash all fruits and vegetables before you begin making homemade baby food.
5. Peel fruits and vegetables, and remove seeds or pits.
6. If you don't immediately freeze the foods you make, you should store them in an air-tight container for no more than three days.

You're now ready to begin creating delicious homemade baby foods that are sure to bring a smile to your baby's face!