My sweet third son, Odin, is now seven months old. Unbelievable. As with all things, Odin has gracefully taken a liking to solid food. This third time around I found myself having many bittersweet feelings. I was excited for him to try this new adventure as I got to whip up batches of nutritious, simple baby food. Yet, he was taking a tiny step towards independence. Sigh.
I've been meaning to write about my method of introducing solids all month long! I'm glad to be here now writing these words. Yay! Each baby is different as is each parent. This is one way of introducing solids that has worked well for my family, and I hope it makes your transition to baby food a little bit easier!
When?
Six months has been the golden age in our home. I love, love, LOVE the information on www.askdrsears.com. They have incredible, straight-forward information that has naturally resonated with me. Check out their Feeding At A Glance Birth-24 Months. Awesome.
What?
I love starting with banana or avocado. So easy and no preparation needed. Simply mash and add a tad of filtered water for the appropriate consistency. Next, I love adding pear (pictured above) to their diet which is great for helping with their bowel movements during this transition. My babies eat this for breakfast every day until they can graduate to true oatmeal with the rest of the family. Don't believe the hype that fruit is too sweet as a starter food. There is plenty of research showing that is an unnecessary worry. Check out this great website on how to make your own rice cereal, which will also lead you to sources (including The American Academy of Pediatrics) backing that you don't have to start with commercial rice cereal or even veggies.
How?
Keep. It. Simple. While you are cooking breakfast, lunch or dinner, make a batch of baby food. This is actually a small amount of food. Three peeled pears fills up two and a half ice cube trays which will last for weeks during the first months. Babies eat so little, especially in the beginning, that cooking a batch in your 2 quart sauce pan will get your very far. I clean, peel, then evenly dice the fruit or veggie. Just cover with filtered water. Bring to a boil then lower to a gentle simmer. Cook until you can easily puree in with a hand blender, food processor or food mill. Spoon into ice trays. Transfer to freezer bags for easy preparation for weeks to come. You can find several books and websites with even greater detail. Just make sure everything (including your hands) are VERY clean.
Books?
Feeding the Whole Family: Cooking with Whole Foods by Cynthia Lair is incredible. It supports my theory that children should be given real, simple food. She thoughtfully approaches "Raising Healthy Eaters" as well as the nutritional realities of new eaters.
Simply Natural Baby Food by Cathe Olson is a fun resource if you want to add extra creativity to your menu. A small, easy companion.
Super Baby Food by Ruth Yaron is redundant and an overload of information HOWEVER it has some great recipes...especially on how to make your own cereals such as her super porridge.
Being a healthy eater begins with first foods. If it's important to you to introduce a healthy, whole foods diet commit yourself to avoiding jarred food. Save it only for vacations. You can do it! I believe in you! Give you and your child the gift of avoiding food battles in the future by introducing food in their freshest most simplest way. Only feed your children what you are willing to sit down and eat yourself.
Lastly, you don't need recipes. Keep it simple. Keep it stress-free. Have fun!
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