Is your baby ready for solids?
First thing on any parents mind is whether or not if their baby is hungry. For the most part all babies are fed for the first 4 - 6 months with either breast-milk/formula. Then slowly comes introducing solid foods but one important criteria is what food is appropriate for your babies age.
- Most likely you're baby will be more interested in solids when he is a little hungry but not starving - I always found it helpful to serve small portions throughout the day. I find that it helps to leave Mason in a less cranky mood, because he never goes hungry. I also found that trying to feed him solids when is starving, ends up being a disaster, he resists the entire meal. My pediatrician has made it very clear to me that Mason and all babies for that matter will get the most nutrition for the first year of his life through either their breast-milk /formula, so try to offer the bottle first.
- Introducing solid foods is a completely new experience for moms and babies. I always say moms/dads know their babies best. You will know exactly when your child is ready to start their next chapter in food ;). Its a great bonding experience when they are eating. Since my son is born I've never let him sit alone during a meal. Whether it was bottle or solids, I always felt that time was for us connect. I found it hilarious to watch him feel different textures and taste different foods. Another trick of mine was to place a feeding chair on the table during dinner time so it would help my son get accustomed to mealtimes/routines. (Even if he wasn't going to eat.)
- Always introduce new foods during the morning or early afternoon. This enables you to deal with any possible adverse reactions when your pediatrician is in office. I always gave my son his "wake-up bottle" , then 1 - 2 hours later I offered a new food. The rule of thumb is to give a baby the same food for 4 consecutive days to rule out any possible allergies.
- Use a soft comfy spoon, one I used was the (Gerber Soft Bite Infant Spoon or The Munchkin Soft-Tip Infant Spoon) see link below. I've heard baby's gums may be tender from teething and a hard metal spoon may aggravate them. I also always gave my son his own spoon to sit with as I was feeding him, I felt it was a way for him to explore the possibility of feeding himself. Another question I hear parents ask is "Whether or not to give their baby cereal through the bottle?" My theory on that is it only takes a few minutes of time to feed with a spoon; plus I think the learning process of self feeding begins right away. (Unless the baby is still to young to feed with spoon.)
- It's perfectly OK if your baby does not finish a "meal". I trusted my sons signals when he was done. (Signals for him included closing eyes tight, closing mouth tight, shaking head and getting messy with the food.) His appetite did vary from one feeding to the next. So try to follow your babies signals.
- Don’t give up on a new food because if your baby won’t eat it the first time; continue offering the food or wait another day or week. I can remember a few times my son refused something and then loved it the next feeding.
- Here is a list of signs that my son showed be that be was ready for solids:
- still being hungry after a full bottle of milk
- requires feeding more frequently
- wakes during the night for a feeding that he previously slept through
Cooking Methods
- Boiling - The disadvantage is that it leads to loss of nutrients (esp. water soluble vitamins B&C and minerals). The longer any type of food is immersed in water the higher the nutrient loss. Left over water could be used as stock or consistency thickening when pureeing. (see below when not to use leftover water)
- Steaming - is my most preferred method of cooking. Nutrient loss in minimal and leftover water may be used as stock or to thicken consistency when pureeing. (see below when not to use leftover water) The longer any type of food is exposed to high temperatures, the higher the nutrient loss. So try to avoid over steaming it. Steaming as a cooking method helps foods retain their levels of water soluble vitamins. Vitamin C is an important water soluble vitamin that's helps aid in the absorption of iron.
- Baking or Roasting - Baking or Roasting is cooking by dry heat in the oven. The advantage is that large quantities of food can be cooked and there is a limited loss of nutrients and the food is easily digestible. Squash is a perfect food for Baking.
- Microwave Cooking - we can definitely say this is my least favorite option. I am a radiographer that has a degree in Radiation Protection, so to me radiating food and then ingesting it; is just out of the question. I don't even own one! But I will share some information on what I have learned about cooking with a microwave. The disadvantages of microwave cooking are that food is cooked in small quantities and some foods may lose nutrients at a very high rate. But the flavor of most vegetables are good in comparison with other methods.
- Frying - I've never had to deep-fry an item for my son. But if necessary shallow frying is much better than deep frying. Deep frying at high temperatures can produce toxic chemicals such as peroxides, ketones, hydroperoxidases, cyclic monomeres etc. If frying is required do so with olive oil. When eating eggs came into play for my son, lightly grease the pan with olive oil instead of butter.
- Grilling - if the food is burnt with coals and fire, it can cause carcinogenic effect. Carcinogenic Effect - is a chemical that is directly related to causing cancer. Babies and small children should not be served grilled foods constantly.
NOTE: Do not reserve any left over water to use for thinning out vegetables such as carrots, beets, spinach, broccoli, etc..if baby is under 8 months old as Nitrates may seep into the cooking water.
By the time you introduce solid foods to your baby, their tummies should be developed enough to handle "normal" nitrate exposure.
Click on link below to American Academy of Pediatrics to learn more about nitrate exposure. http://pediatrics.aappublications.org/content/116/3/784.full
Heating and Thawing Homemade Baby Food
Refrigerator Thawing Method - When I needed to thaw out baby food, I would simply take out enough containers from the freezer for the next 1 -2 days of feedings. I would transfer the containers to the refrigerator leaving at least 12 hrs for proper thawing. So be sure to plan your meals accordingly.
Stove Top Heating of Homemade Baby Food - When heating baby food on the stove top, choose a small saucepan and place the food into the sauce pan. Gently heat the food using a low setting. My favorite option is double boiling, place the containers in strainer, cover pot and let heat on medium setting; checking food for desired temperature.
Submersion or Warm Water Thawing of Baby Food - Thawing baby food using the "submersion method" usually takes about 15-20 minutes. You may place the containers in a small bowl and then place the bowl in a larger bowl filled with hot water. You can also do this with a pan of warm water on the stove; add the smaller bowl to a pot of water that you have warmed.
Tips for Storing
Traveling with Baby Food
Traveling with homemade baby food is simple as long as you have the right tools with you. Pack only as much food as you need, and store in sealed bags inside cooler packed with plenty of ice. If staying overnight, remove food from cooler and place in a standard freezer if possible. If food thaws, cook and consume immediately, or discard. It is better to give your baby store bought food rather than risk a food-borne bacteria with compromised homemade baby food.
Pureeing
Once the food is cooked, wait for food to cool a little before adding to the food processor. The steam can cause the food to expand when processed, so lets avoid making a mess :)
Once the food is cooked, wait for food to cool a little before adding to the food processor. The steam can cause the food to expand when processed, so lets avoid making a mess :)
For babies 4-6 months, add a little cooking liquid/plain water, breast milk or formula and puree until completely smooth;this will help thin the consistency. These liquids will give a nutritional boost and a familiar taste to your child. As your baby grows and shows readiness for chunkier foods, puree the food a little less. Pureeing without adding any liquids is also a good option.
Remember salt, pepper, sugar etc are NEVER needed when making baby food; especially at the early stages.
Heating and Thawing Homemade Baby Food
Refrigerator Thawing Method - When I needed to thaw out baby food, I would simply take out enough containers from the freezer for the next 1 -2 days of feedings. I would transfer the containers to the refrigerator leaving at least 12 hrs for proper thawing. So be sure to plan your meals accordingly.
Stove Top Heating of Homemade Baby Food - When heating baby food on the stove top, choose a small saucepan and place the food into the sauce pan. Gently heat the food using a low setting. My favorite option is double boiling, place the containers in strainer, cover pot and let heat on medium setting; checking food for desired temperature.
Submersion or Warm Water Thawing of Baby Food - Thawing baby food using the "submersion method" usually takes about 15-20 minutes. You may place the containers in a small bowl and then place the bowl in a larger bowl filled with hot water. You can also do this with a pan of warm water on the stove; add the smaller bowl to a pot of water that you have warmed.
Microwave Heating Method - well we all know how I feel about this method. But some parents like the convenience of a microwave oven. To heat the baby food in the microwave, always transfer the amount of food you will be heating to a glass microwave safe container. The main disadvantage when heating in a microwave is the possibility of heat pockets they have been known to burn baby's mouth, this also applies to heating a bottle. The best advise is to heat the food in 15 second increments
Microwave Thawing Method - if choosing to thaw baby food in microwave try to transfer contents to a glass microwave safe container.
Dedicated Warming Device - I also used (The First Years BabyPro QuickServe Bottle and Jar Warmer) - this was my bottle warmer and my occasional choice for warming food; it takes a little longer then my stove top favorite.
IMPORTANT NOTES:
- Always take the portions you will serve from the container and transfer to a feeding bowl.
- Do NOT store leftover food from a container that your baby has been eating from. Saliva will contaminate the food and storing leftovers may cause food poisoning.
- Thawing food on your kitchen counter is never recommended as bacteria or other contaminants may get into the food.
- Ensure that fridge thawed baby food is kept in a sealed container to avoid contamination
- Freeze in plastic containers. I used the Fresh N Freeze Reusable Baby Food Containers - by One Step Ahead. I've noticed that filling the containers past the 2oz mark isn't ideal. Once the containers are filled, closed and put in freezer the liquids will rise and jars may pop open. So try not to over fill. There are other methods of storing I.e. ice cube trays, but I am unfamiliar with the option.
- Make sure to cool food completely before sealing container this will eliminate the possibility of bacteria growing. But once cooled, put directly into fridge/freezer. There have been times that I was making food at 9 or 10 at night; I filled the containers sat them on the counter to cool, went to bed and forgot to put batch in freezer. I've woken up in the middle of the night to store away and I've also woken up in the morning to see them sitting there. I've thrown out a few batch's in my days;(.
- In the refrigerator, it is recommended that fresh pureed baby food be stored no longer than 48 hours. This "rule" applies for veggies, fruits, meats etc.
- Make sure not to leave containers in the fridge for several days before freezing.
- Make sure to label each container with the ingredient and date prepared. I simply cut a piece of paper and scotch tape it to your container. I found it very easy to remove the tape once washed.
- If you freeze food you can easily defrost 2 different flavors and them mix together to make great combinations. (I.e. apple/pear or peas/carrots)
- Don't be alarmed if you see ice crystals forming on your baby food. This is NOT freezer burn rather it is the excess liquid used to make the puree that rises and freezes at the top of the containers. These crystals/frost are not dangerous and will not make your baby food inedible or harmful. I questioned that when I started this process.
- Freezer burn looks like grayish brown spots on the frozen item. It appears as a leathery type texture and is easily noticeable. Freezer burn doesn't make a frozen food harmful; it simply makes the areas affected very dry. The only thing that may suffer in foods that have a lot of freezer burn is the quality. You can cut away the burned portions and still be able to use the unaffected area of the food.
Freezer burn results when excess air in the frozen package descends on the food.
- You can also refreeze frozen veggies & fruits. Using frozen fruits and vegetables is the second best option to using fresh foods. I did this often with green peas. There are no studies or research to show that refreezing is negative and/or may adversely affect health. Frozen vegetables and fruits are not cooked prior to being frozen. There is a myth that, freezing foods deplete 100% of that food's vitamins and minerals, that is simply incorrect.. The process of freezing is kept at a constant 0 degree temp which does not contribute to a total loss of nutrients. That is a common question I am asked.
- Meat Purees that you have mixed may be frozen just as you would fruits or veggies or combinations. It is safe to freeze meats that have been frozen when raw and uncooked, thawed, cooked and then pureed. You should not freeze meat purees from meats that have been frozen when raw, thawed, cooked and then frozen and then, thawed again. Once you have thawed the leftovers, you should use them within 48 hours; you should never re-freeze the leftover-leftovers.
- Frozen baby purees will keep up to 6 weeks in freezer. And remember no more then 48 hrs in fridge.
Traveling with Baby Food
Traveling with homemade baby food is simple as long as you have the right tools with you. Pack only as much food as you need, and store in sealed bags inside cooler packed with plenty of ice. If staying overnight, remove food from cooler and place in a standard freezer if possible. If food thaws, cook and consume immediately, or discard. It is better to give your baby store bought food rather than risk a food-borne bacteria with compromised homemade baby food.
