Preparing Homemade Baby Food
Nutrition Recommendations for Mothers & Babies
Babies grow fast. To fuel this growth, they need the most nutritious food nature can provide. But introducing baby's first foods usually raises a lot of questions. Here are some answers based on pediatricians' recommendations (note: it is always best to seek the advice of your baby's pediatrician):
When should I start solid foods?
Of course, it's always best to breast feed exclusively for the first six months, but according to the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), many infants are developmentally ready to accept complementary foods between four and six months.
Starting somewhere between four and six months (depending on your baby), introduce solids foods between bottle or breast feedings at midday or evening. Babies are too hungry in the morning to enjoy experimenting. The general principle should be to introduce one "single-ingredient" new food at a time and not to introduce another new food for one week to observe for possible allergic reactions. Research suggests that it takes many exposures—up to 8 or 10 times—before a child may accept a novel food. Parents should keep in mind that patience and consistency are required.
How do I prepare homemade baby food?
Wash utensils, bowls and preparation area with hot, soapy water and rinse with the hottest water available.
Peel and thoroughly wash all fruits and vegetables. Bake, boil or steam foods. Use as little water as possible to retain nutrients.
A blender or food processor will be needed to puree all but the softest foods, like banana and avocado.
Which foods are best and in what order?
Start with rice or barley cereals. Mix a quarter tablespoon with formula or breast milk.
Finely mashed fruits and vegetables can be added next. Follow them with pureed meats such as beef, lamb and poultry.
Babies need carbohydrates, fats and protein for good growth. Pediatricians do not recommend low-fat diets for babies under the age of two. Nearly half of their calories should come from carbohydrates and almost that much from fats. The rest of their diet should be protein.
Breast milk or formula should always be a part of a baby's diet. Talk with your pediatrician about the proper liquid/solid ratio. Once your baby is a year old, ask your pediatrician about changing to cow's milk.
Avocados and Your Baby
The avocado's smooth, creamy consistency makes it one of the first fresh fruits a baby can enjoy. Sodium- and cholesterol- free, avocados contain valuable nutrients including 8% of the recommended Daily Value (DV) for folate; 4% DV for fiber and potassium, 4% DV for vitamin E; and 2% DV for iron. A serving of avocado also contains 81 micrograms of the carotenoid lutein and 19 micrograms of beta-carotene. Per serving, avocados have 3.5 grams of unsaturated fats, which are known to be important for normal growth and development of the central nervous system and brain.
Avocados may be mashed and served in a variety of ways. They do not require cooking. Mash with a fork to the consistency appropriate for your baby.
For variety, avocados can be mixed with apple or pear sauce, cooked squash or sweet potatoes.
Source: American Academy of Pediatrics Pediatric Nutrition Handbook.