| T O P I C R E V I E W |
| Alee |
Posted - Apr 14 2007 : 5:02:23 PM
Do you make your own baby food?
Do you have any recipes for healthy baby food?
What baby foods did/does your child prefer?
Once you switched to baby food did you concentrate more on fruits or veggies?
Does it seem strange that we focus mostly on fruits and vegetables for baby food but as general rule we are a society that consumes the most meat in the world?
Alee |
| 25 L A T E S T R E P L I E S (Newest First) |
| babysmama |
Posted - Aug 19 2007 : 07:48:21 AM
With my first I used the rice cereal and baby food jars. With my second I was more relaxed and though I did start with rice cereal I never bought baby food jars. I would give him little bits of food off my plate, or sometimes mash up a banana really good. He loved squished peas, mashed potatoes (I left the milk and butter out for him), and teeny tiny bits of meat. The fact is that I didn't give him ANY food until he was six months old though. 100 years ago there was no such thing as "baby food" - they just ate what the parents were eating!
-Elizabeth |
| newmomma327 |
Posted - Aug 18 2007 : 6:52:06 PM
Do you make your own baby food?
Hi there - I'm a mom to a 17 mo old so this is all based on my personal experience and I also work for the biggest baby food company in the US (I am offering an unbiased opinion though :) - I did not make my own food b/c of time constraints and my faith in the technology and advancement - as well as the sources of the food coming from my own county with the brand I use. But I tip my hat to all the moms out there who do!!!!!
Do you have any recipes for healthy baby food?
If you look at the ingredients for most pureed baby foods sold commerically, the ingreidents are strictly the fruit or vegetable and water. So expermintation is at your own enjoyment! I know my daughter liked sweet potatoes and corn as a combination, peaches and apples, and even now I use fresh fruit to mix w/ plain or vanilla yogurt to make her "smoothies".
What baby foods did/does your child prefer?
Funny - my favorite baby food (according to my mom) was bananas - my daughter does not like bananas at all. Carrots literally make me gag - daughter loves them. Other than that - she really liked some tropical fruits like guava and mango and papaya.
Once you switched to baby food did you concentrate more on fruits or veggies?
I still tried to give the infant cereal as often as possible - which I encourage all moms too just b/c of the importance of a grain product and also the fortified minerals (iron and zinc) are important for growth those first 2 years. Trying to incorpate some whole grains like barley or mixed grains is what I did too as I progressed to also introducing those fruits and vegetables. I don't think my daughter was exposed to any meat products until 9 or 10 months and that was in kind of a dinner form.
Does it seem strange that we focus mostly on fruits and vegetables for baby food but as general rule we are a society that consumes the most meat in the world?
Definitely! I think as a mom seeing that my daughter was consuming the frutis and veggies on a regular basis really made me take a long look at my diet mainly being composed of grains/pastas/breads and then some dairy and meat mixed in. Especially now w/ her being older and the baby food isn't a part of her diet anymore, I'm more conscious about the meals I'm trying to serve. I could certaintly use some work on my own diet - sigh - and I think being a mom brings that into a whole new light knowing a little one is watching what you are eating too.
Just my little opinions :)
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| _Rebecca_ |
Posted - Jul 26 2007 : 07:22:52 AM
All four of mine were unique and preferred different things. My oldest loved oatmeal. He ate it and scrambled eggs. As a little baby though he would eat babyfood like gerber green beans and any kind of soup. But as I was weaning him he loved oatmeal (old fashioned) and he did not like cow's milk at all. He loved fruit.
My 3rd child loved everything except cottage cheese or avacados. Now she will eat both of those things and her really only dislike is of chocolate malt-o-meal. She was the best baby and ate anything I gave her. But, she always preferred the mixed baby cereal, never truly liked the rice cereal. None of my children ever have.
My fourth acted like he was starved to death. He came out of the womb that way. He would eat (and I'm not joking) at each meal (3 times a day) a bowl of mixed cereal (I mixed baby formula with it) AND 2 enormous jars of baby food usually the 2nd foods. As he has gotten older he doesn't eat that way anymore. He is pretty satisfied with just some baby yogurt and some cheerios for breakfast and then he drinks about 6 oz of cow's milk. He just turned 1.
EVERY baby is different. You just have to experiment.
I would definitely plan on a big bowl of cereal in the morning and then give you baby breastmilk. It really fills them up and they are happy and sets the tone for the day. My baby slept so well once I started him on this. I wish I had done it with the others. He would eat 3 meals a day (in addition to a nursing or a bottle) and then just nurse or a bottle (no solids) in the evening.
I alternated breastmilk and formula. That may be blasphemy to some, but it worked out well and I have 3 others to look after. I nursed exclusively for the first 5 months, so I feel like I got him off to a great start. : ) Just gotta keep the whole family in mind when you decide how to feed your baby. : ) Sometimes you can do the breastmilk thing and sometimes you can't. After baby number 3 I decided that my sanity was more important that trying to be a human milk bottle all the time. : ) My 3rd drank cow's milk from month 10 on. Every family is different though.
If you find that the cereal makes her constipated, try some prune juice or just feed her prunes. That's what I have always done. My babies always got stopped up with the baby cereal. And you can offer some warm, watered-down tea with their meals. I'm all for starting them on tea early.
Have fun and enjoy the time it goes by lightening fast!!!
With Grace,
.·:*¨¨* :·.Rebecca.·:*¨¨* :·. http://boinglink.blogspot.com/ |
| Alee |
Posted - Jul 25 2007 : 11:26:02 AM
Hi Sherri-
No she is still to young yet- only 4 months. The doctor and I agree that she is doing great on just breastmilk. I have feeling that as soon as we introduce food she will wean herself. We gave her some juice the other day and she went on a nursing strike because all she wanted was the juice. It took me 3 days to get her back to her not fussing at nursing. Her father has given her a few little tastes of things and I have let her try a few little things- Just more of a taste than really eating anything. She has seemed really receptive to it all. Her father gave her a taste of his Taco John's refried beans! I couldn't believe it but he didn't tell me until it was already done. He said after that she mimiced his chewing movements whenever he chewed which I think is funny. Probably in the next month or two we might start introducing some baby cereal or something, but I am not in a huge hurry. She and I really enjoy our nursing time together.
Hugs!
Alee
The amazing one handed typist! One hand for typing, one hand to hold Nora! |
| mikesgirl |
Posted - Jul 25 2007 : 07:25:49 AM
Alee - how's it going now? Is Nora eating baby food? |
| ArmyWifey |
Posted - Jul 25 2007 : 07:11:59 AM
I had a book called Baby Let's Eat that I loved - has meals divided by ages and stages. Basically first foods are just pureed. Sweet Potatoes, Avacados, Bananas, Peas. Perhaps your local library has it? Or others like it - as well as the ones you've been sent.
While we are out of the baby food stage thanks for the headsup on Nestle.
Usually I would feed solids at mealtimes for everyone else and nurse otherwise. If you watch baby you will know when she wants more or is all done - this is also a great time to teach sign. Even start with young ones thought they won't actually sign until around 6months usually. More, Please, Thank You, Juice/Drink, Eat and All Done.
As for me and my house, we will serve the Lord!
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| ivmeer |
Posted - Jul 24 2007 : 06:47:37 AM
I make my baby's food at home, too. Now that he's 10 months old, I don't feed him baby cereals anymore except for the gerber cereal puffs (he doesn't have any teeth, so I don't want to give him cheerios yet). He gets quick oats, farina, or grits for breakfast with fruit puree or mashed bananas. He's a big self-weaner, so he doesn't nurse very much anymore. I also feed him yogurt with sunbutter (a peanut-free product made with sunflower seeds that tastes like peanut butter) and jam, for lunch and maybe a dish of fruit puree or mashed avocado. For dinner, I give him "baby hash" made with the following ingredients. I use one or two starches, one protein source, and two or three vegetables. I used to cook and puree my veggies, but now I grate them in the food processor and just fry them up in the pan:
STARCHES
potatoes, boiled and mashed with a fork
macaroni boiled soft
white rice
barley
lentils or split peas
PROTEINS
Chicken
Beef
Tofu
(I don't feed the baby pork because we keep kosher or lamb because kosher lamb is expensive, but you can if you want)
VEGGIES
Zucchini and other summer squashes
Carrots
Mushrooms (these are allergenic, so keep an eye on your baby after you feed them to him/her)
Green Beans
Tomato (just a little...don't make dinner too acidic!)
Peas (Vito can eat them whole now...puree them when they're a little smaller)
Carrots
Sweet Potatoes
Winter Squash
Beets
Broccoli
Cauliflower
Oils:
Chicken fat
Olive oil
Butter
Sesame oil (very good with tofu) |
| Libbie |
Posted - Apr 23 2007 : 06:26:10 AM
I have to say that I have "First Meals" and I love it - it has great information, and tells you which foods/recipes freeze well, which is so handy.
My little one is LOVING sweet potatoes and bananas - I love to see and hear about these little ones experiencing their world. It IS amazing...
XOXO, Libbie
"All through the long winter, I dream of my garden. On the first day of spring, I dig my fingers deep into the soft earth. I can feel its energy, and my spirits soar..." - Helen Hayes |
| GaiasRose |
Posted - Apr 19 2007 : 8:10:47 PM
hey guys, fo rhtose of you who are buying baby food....Nestle just bought Gerber, so if you take part in the Nestle Boycott, it is something you should be aware of....
~*~Brightest Blessings~*~
Tasha-Rose
Blogs: http://gaiarose.wordpress.com
http://tasharose365.wordpress.com/
Homepage:
http://gaiasrose.etsy.com
http://ForestFaeries.etsy.com
Birth is safe, interference is risky; TRUST BIRTH |
| Meg |
Posted - Apr 19 2007 : 7:57:51 PM
Thanks Mandi! It helps to have a little reassurance from someone who has been there done that. You're right, she still does a full feeding but today she sure attacked her banana (so absolutely cute) and it was between feedings. Alee and I are getting together next week (I think I get to meet beautiful little Nora  ), so I will have to have a look.
(ps. Mandi, Mom received the most beautiful pic in the mail!  )
(pss. Alee, looking forward to getting together with you next week!)
MaryJane's daughter,
Meg
megan@maryjanesfarm.org |
| Alee |
Posted - Apr 19 2007 : 5:10:18 PM
Meg-
Some of the ladies are sending me books; Mandi mentioned the one she is sending. As soon as they arrive I will share them with you since you need them now and I still have months and months before Nora will be ready to eat solids :)
Heather- Thanks for the info. I don't think I will ever buy any pre-prepared baby food. I remember how horrible that stuff tastes!
Alee
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| threebusybees |
Posted - Apr 19 2007 : 4:00:46 PM
When I started my kids I usually did it in between meals, when they weren't dying to eat. Only 1-2 teaspoons or cereal/bmilk or fruit/bmilk. I always added some bmilk to make it familiar and to improve texture. One thing to remember is Stella is just playing at learning right now.
It takes awhile for her to catch on. Don't decrease her milk intake yet. That is her main source of nutrition. Don't increase her food intake until she finishes what you are giving her now and seems to want more. At least all of this has been my experience! My mother always tells me when I doubt myself " your the mom who would know better than you!? " So you'll know what she needs You're the Mom!Take pictures! Have fun! If Alee lives close to you check out the book I am sending her!
Mandi
" Go confidently in the direction of your dreams! Live the life you've imagined. As you simplify your life, the laws of the universe will be simpler " -Henry David Thoreau |
| Meg |
Posted - Apr 19 2007 : 3:31:04 PM
Another question...
This may be a silly question, but we just started solids with Stella. It is such fun to learn as she does, so inquisitive and in awe by all things...most certainly avocado and banana. Back to the question, how much is a meal? Generally speaking and do you usually have to combine it with breast feeding right before or after? Since she is also teething she is fairly fussy, so I want to make sure she getting enough to eat. Suggestions?
MaryJane's daughter,
Meg
megan@maryjanesfarm.org |
| juliet79 |
Posted - Apr 19 2007 : 09:25:39 AM
My three kids never did like babyfood. I nursed all three of my kiddos, and the only "babyfood" they ate was rice cereal and fruits. Packaged baby food is expensive, and if you just nurse Nora long enough until you can start introducing cut up veggies and mashing fruits and veggies, it will be great! You can also shred chicken and beef pretty easily to make it okay for her to eat later too!
Hope you are doing well! Love ya! |
| threebusybees |
Posted - Apr 19 2007 : 03:58:01 AM
None of the above neccessary. I sent you an email! Mandi
" Go confidently in the direction of your dreams! Live the life you've imagined. As you simplify your life, the laws of the universe will be simpler " -Henry David Thoreau |
| Alee |
Posted - Apr 18 2007 : 7:05:15 PM
Mandi-
That would be great. If you send me an email we could discuss payment, postage or a trade if you like.
Thanks
Alee |
| threebusybees |
Posted - Apr 18 2007 : 4:20:58 PM
Alee
Not that you need to use a book but there are a couple that are fun
The Petit Appetit Cookbook- Lisa Barnes(organic)
Organic Baby and Toddler Cookbook Lizzie Vann
Anything by Annabel Karmel
I have Annabel Karmel "First Meals" if you want it or any other moms it's a good reference it goes up to toddlers.
Mandi
" Go confidently in the direction of your dreams! Live the life you've imagined. As you simplify your life, the laws of the universe will be simpler " -Henry David Thoreau |
| Aunt Jenny |
Posted - Apr 17 2007 : 10:18:48 PM
I always made my own baby food..just what we were eating or simple things. Yogurt was one my boys LOVED..as well as sweet potatoes and bananas. They really liked most anything. I had one of the little hand cranked baby food grinders and it was sure handy. I used the same one for years and even when I did daycare for other kids. They are well worth it! I would ask around if I were you..I bet you can find a friend or relative who has one in a drawer that they will give you. At any rate..they are not expensive and easy to take along with you.
Jenny in Utah
Inside me there is a skinny woman crying to get out...but I can usually shut her up with cookies
http://www.auntjennysworld.blogspot.com/ visit my little online shop at www.auntjenny.etsy.com |
| Alee |
Posted - Apr 17 2007 : 9:54:01 PM
Oh Meg! That sounds like you three had a wonderful time! I hope you got tons of pictures!
I totally love being a mom- it makes everything so worth it!
Hugs
Alee |
| Meg |
Posted - Apr 17 2007 : 8:06:43 PM
Alee ~We just fed little Stella her first solids tonight. Oh, so adorable! Avocado all over her face. I've heard the baby food grinders are a must. And the only trying a new food every week or few days as to narrow down any food allergies is also sworn by. I hope Nora has none! So far the avocado was a hit taste wise...isn't it just so amazing and wonderous and the best thing on earth?!?
MaryJane's daughter,
Meg
megan@maryjanesfarm.org |
| Alee |
Posted - Apr 17 2007 : 1:13:19 PM
I might have to invest in one of those- I like the fact that it automatically seperates out the seeds and such.
Thanks so much for the info ladies!
Alee |
| greentea |
Posted - Apr 17 2007 : 11:23:05 AM
I got mine from Lehmans when I was visiting my parents back in Ohio. But you can find them in most baby catalogs:
http://www.onestepahead.com/catalog/product.jsp?productId=1182&parentCategoryId=85181&categoryId=85206 |
| windypines |
Posted - Apr 17 2007 : 04:19:20 AM
Alee, I think Lehmans offers the baby food grinders for sale. It is not that big, and easy to tote along in a diaper bag. I think they are something like 14 dollars or so. Maybe I am wrong. But I did not have a blender or food processor, but they would do the same thing. Maybe someone would have one here they would sell, give or lend. Mine went to Dawn, who posted earlier. I just liked it because it was small and easy to use, and clean up. Michele |
| Alee |
Posted - Apr 16 2007 : 9:59:26 PM
Ayako- Thank you so much for the offer! I have sent you an email.
Michele- I haven't ever heard of a baby food grinder. Is it easier to use one of these as opposed to my food processor and blender that I already have?
I am really worried about when I introduce foods to her diet because I had HORRIBLE food allergies until about High School age. I just pray that Nora does not have to go through what I did!
Alee
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| windypines |
Posted - Apr 16 2007 : 11:31:50 AM
Alee, I never bought any baby food in jars. I did use the baby cereals, but that was all. It is so simple to mash up your own fruit, at first and move onto veggies and so on. I did have a baby food grinder, I got second hand, and loved it. I did the plop and freeze method. Plop spoonfuls, or what ever amount on a cookie sheet and freeze. Then when frozen, put in a freezer bag. Good luck Michele |
