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Parenting & Farm Kids:  A few questions about baby food...  |
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Alee
True Blue Farmgirl
22941 Posts
Alee
Worland
Wy
USA
22941 Posts |
 Posted - Apr 14 2007 : 5:02:23 PM
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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 |
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ddmashayekhi
True Blue Farmgirl
4739 Posts
Dawn
Naperville
Illinois
USA
4739 Posts |
Posted - Apr 14 2007 : 7:15:04 PM
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My youngest son is 3.5 years old now. When he was around 6 months old I started making him baby food. I would make every two days a batch of one of the following: applesauce, sweet potatoes, squash, carrots, and peaches. I gave my homemade baby food cook book to a neighbor, but there are plenty out there on-line to look at. The book had simple basic recipes of peeling & chopping the vegetables or fruit up (adding a bit of water) and microwaving them (on high) for 5 minutes, let stand for 5 minutes and then microwaving again for 5 more minutes or until fork tender. Then I pureed the baby food and refrigerated it. You can put the baby food in ice cube trays & freeze, but I never did. My son loved all of the foods I made. I alternated every two days between the vegetables & the fruit. I started him with carrots first. I would have him eat for a few days the same food as I introduced it. Just to make sure he didn't have any allergies or problems with it. Luckily he never had a problem. Good luck making your own baby food. It is much healthier & yummier then the store bought ones.
Dawn in IL |
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Alee
True Blue Farmgirl
22941 Posts
Alee
Worland
Wy
USA
22941 Posts |
Posted - Apr 14 2007 : 8:17:05 PM
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Thanks Dawn!
It'll be a while before I need to make baby food since Nora is only 3 weeks old, but it is something I need to start thinking about now! :)
Alee |
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ThymeForEweFarm
True Blue Farmgirl
705 Posts
Robin
An organic farm in the forest in
Maine
USA
705 Posts |
Posted - Apr 15 2007 : 03:15:41 AM
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Before I salted or seasoned anything I took out enough for the baby. They usually ate whatever we were eating. Storing baby food is incredibly easy. My mother taught me the ice cube tray method too. It's very handy.
Robin
www.outdoorwriter.wordpress.com
www.thymeforewe.com
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greentea
True Blue Farmgirl
76 Posts
Alicia
Wisconsin
USA
76 Posts |
Posted - Apr 16 2007 : 08:08:17 AM
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My 8mo goes to daycare, so he eats jarred food there ( they said they'd had enough with all the frozen breast milk, they didn't want to deal with frozen food too) But, at home, he eats food I make, I froze a bunch of pumpkin, and always have some fruit and avacados around to puree for him. He's just about ready to move on to finger food (yippee!) at day care. I'm glad because prepared baby food is expensive, and not all that great. My little one has a hard time with his regularity, but the stuff I make has much more fiber, so he has a much easier time when he's eating at home.
I do have a baby food grinder...not sure if it's entirely worth the money. It would have been, if I was home with him, but since he's at daycare, I'm not sure if it ws worth it.
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UrbanChick
True Blue Farmgirl
331 Posts
Ayako
Atlanta
GA
USA
331 Posts |
Posted - Apr 16 2007 : 08:12:02 AM
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Alee. I have a book here called "Homemade Baby Food, pure and simple" I used it a couple of times but since my daughter is now 4 and is on a feeding tube I no longer need it. She takes a specific formula so if you want it please email me your address and I'll send it right away.
Ayako
"Courage dosen't always roar. Sometimes courage is the quiet voice at the end of the day saying: I will try again tomorrow." |
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windypines
True Blue Farmgirl
4186 Posts
Michele
Bruce
Wisconsin
USA
4186 Posts |
Posted - Apr 16 2007 : 11:31:50 AM
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| 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 |
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Alee
True Blue Farmgirl
22941 Posts
Alee
Worland
Wy
USA
22941 Posts |
Posted - Apr 16 2007 : 9:59:26 PM
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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
True Blue Farmgirl
4186 Posts
Michele
Bruce
Wisconsin
USA
4186 Posts |
Posted - Apr 17 2007 : 04:19:20 AM
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| 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 |
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greentea
True Blue Farmgirl
76 Posts
Alicia
Wisconsin
USA
76 Posts |
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Alee
True Blue Farmgirl
22941 Posts
Alee
Worland
Wy
USA
22941 Posts |
Posted - Apr 17 2007 : 1:13:19 PM
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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 |
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Meg
Moderator/Farmgirl True
974 Posts
Meg
Idaho
USA
974 Posts |
Posted - Apr 17 2007 : 8:06:43 PM
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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 |
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Alee
True Blue Farmgirl
22941 Posts
Alee
Worland
Wy
USA
22941 Posts |
Posted - Apr 17 2007 : 9:54:01 PM
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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 |
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Aunt Jenny
True Blue Farmgirl
11381 Posts
Jenny
middle of
Utah
USA
11381 Posts |
Posted - Apr 17 2007 : 10:18:48 PM
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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 |
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threebusybees
True Blue Farmgirl
222 Posts
Mandi
Myrtle Beach
South Carolina
222 Posts |
Posted - Apr 18 2007 : 4:20:58 PM
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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 |
Edited by - threebusybees on Apr 18 2007 4:24:33 PM |
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Alee
True Blue Farmgirl
22941 Posts
Alee
Worland
Wy
USA
22941 Posts |
Posted - Apr 18 2007 : 7:05:15 PM
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Mandi-
That would be great. If you send me an email we could discuss payment, postage or a trade if you like.
Thanks
Alee |
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threebusybees
True Blue Farmgirl
222 Posts
Mandi
Myrtle Beach
South Carolina
222 Posts |
Posted - Apr 19 2007 : 03:58:01 AM
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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 |
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juliet79
True Blue Farmgirl
112 Posts
Heather
Worland
Wyoming
USA
112 Posts |
Posted - Apr 19 2007 : 09:25:39 AM
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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! |
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Meg
Moderator/Farmgirl True
974 Posts
Meg
Idaho
USA
974 Posts |
Posted - Apr 19 2007 : 3:31:04 PM
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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 |
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threebusybees
True Blue Farmgirl
222 Posts
Mandi
Myrtle Beach
South Carolina
222 Posts |
Posted - Apr 19 2007 : 4:00:46 PM
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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 |
Edited by - threebusybees on Apr 19 2007 4:02:11 PM |
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Alee
True Blue Farmgirl
22941 Posts
Alee
Worland
Wy
USA
22941 Posts |
Posted - Apr 19 2007 : 5:10:18 PM
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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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Edited by - Alee on Apr 19 2007 5:13:25 PM |
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Meg
Moderator/Farmgirl True
974 Posts
Meg
Idaho
USA
974 Posts |
Posted - Apr 19 2007 : 7:57:51 PM
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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 |
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GaiasRose
True Blue Farmgirl
2552 Posts
Tasha-Rose
St. Paul
Minnesota
2552 Posts |
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Libbie
Farmgirl Connection Cultivator
3579 Posts
Anne E.
Elsinore
Utah
USA
3579 Posts |
Posted - Apr 23 2007 : 06:26:10 AM
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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 |
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ivmeer
True Blue Farmgirl
409 Posts
Amanda
Pawtucket
RI
USA
409 Posts |
Posted - Jul 24 2007 : 06:47:37 AM
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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) |
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ArmyWifey
True Blue Farmgirl
712 Posts
Holly
Abilene
KS
712 Posts |
Posted - Jul 25 2007 : 07:11:59 AM
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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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Edited by - ArmyWifey on Jul 25 2007 07:15:08 AM |
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Parenting & Farm Kids: A few questions about baby food... |
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A few questions about baby food...
