Starting Your Baby On Solid Food
May 13, 2008
LOOKING FOR TIPS AND RESOURCES FOR STARTING YOUR BABY ON SOLID FOODS? Read More here…
It is often challenging to find clear-cut information about starting your baby on solid foods. This article aims to help clarify some great resources and give you tips to make your child’s first eating experiences a positive one. So take a look at our various resources, and never hesitate to email us at:
pregnancyandbabyinformation@gmail.com
Things To Consider…
When it comes to the foods you feed your baby, there are a few things to consider:
* Conventional vs. Organic
* Jarred vs. Homemade
* Feeding Accessories
This article aims to cover all of these in depth and give you options that will meet your needs.
Conventional vs. Organic Baby Food
This is one area where I will say it is essential to give your baby foods that abide by organic standards for the following reasons:
Organic Foods are:
* Inspected and approved by USDA independent certifier
* Grown with no synthetic Pesticides, synthetic Herbicides or genetically modified organisms GMO’s
* Grown without fertilizers made with synthetic ingredients or sewage sludge.
* Specific labeling and record keeping to ensure organic integrity.
* Grown with buffer standards between organic field and nearby conventional farms.
* No use of ionizing radiation.
* Mandated 3-year transition period for fields that were previously farmed conventionally.
* Long-term soil management plans in place.
These are foods in their purest forms and since children are most susceptible to the effects of chemicals, it only makes sense that we would not want them present in the foods we feed our children.
Organic should not be confused with Natural Foods. According to Wikipedia Natural Foods are:
“ Foods that are minimally processed. Natural foods do not include ingredients such as refined sugars, refined flours, milled grains, hydrogenated oils, sweeteners, food colors or flavorings.”
So while Natural Foods are a step in the right direction, the stringent guidelines and the entire process that defines Organic Foods are ideal for baby.
Jarred vs. Homemade
When we started planning to start solids, I did not for a minute think that I would be making my baby food. I knew I would go Organic, but since cooking is not really my thing, I never thought beyond that. Then my girlfriend (thank you Joci!) told me how very easy it was. Not only that, but she pointed out that you know what’s in your babies food, and it tastes so good that your Baby will want to eat their fruits and veggies, which is great because you are setting up eating habits for the rest of their lives. Finally believe it or not it is so very easy, and actually enjoyable. Here are a few supplies that will make your cooking experience that much easier.
Bebea Baby Cook: This is a fantastic little machine sold by Williams Sonoma. The Bebea Baby Cook is small and has four great functions, it:
* Steams
* Purees
* Re-heats
* Defrosts
In fact tonight I made lentil and green bean soup for Emilia with one hand (she was in the other arm). Very easy!
Baby Cubes: Baby Cubes are great little food storage containers. They are free of BPA, Phthalates, and PVC all of which can leach when they are frozen, or used in the microwave or dishwasher. They are great for portioning out the food and for taking out on the go. I just throw a few in a small cooler and we’re off. Now that Emilia is eating 3 times per day, I have 4 sets of them and just make food every week or so to store.
If you are feeling a bit overwhelmed but really want to make your own food there is a system you can purchase called “Fresh Baby, So Easy Baby Food Kit” Baby Food system. The “Fresh Baby, So Easy Baby Food Kit” includes a DVD, which shows and tells you how to make, store and freeze baby food, food storage trays, and a little cookbook. You can also purchase additional food storage trays separately.
I’ve also included some book recommendations at our store for recipes such as
“The Petit Appetit Cookbook” and “Annabel Karmel’s New Complete Baby and Toddler Meal Planner”.
One place I go to find great charts, recipes, and information is:
www.wholesomebabyfood.com.
If you do decide to go with jarred or pre-made foods check out a few organic brands such as:
Baby Cubes Frozen Organic Baby Food
Earths Best Organic Baby and Toddler Food
Gerber Organics Baby Food
Homemade Baby Organic Baby Foods
Nice Cubes Frozen Organic Baby Food
Plum Organics Frozen Baby Food
Tastybaby Frozen Organic Baby Food
As you can see there are many healthy options, and resources, for getting your baby to a good healthy start.
Food Storage and Utensils
Like baby bottles, it is essential that we use food storage and feeding supplies that are safe meaning BPA, Phthalate and PVC free. Here are a few great options:
* Bambu Bowls and Utensils
* Boogaloo 32 Yumi Tumi Plate
* Boon Feeding Utensils and Dishes
* Nuby Feeding Utensils and Dishes
* Sassy Feeding Dishes and Utensils
* TreBimbi Dinnerware Sets
If you are interested in viewing the entire selection of BPA free eating utensils and dishes, please click HERE.
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