If your baby has started watching you eat at mealtimes, no longer shows signs of the tongue thrust reflex, or can sit up and hold his or her head upright – then it’s time to start the weaning process. Many parents wonder, “What are the best starter foods to wean baby?”, “Should I make homemade baby food?”, “Do I need a baby food maker?” and “How fast should new foods be introduced?
You’ve got questions and we’ve got answers.
Here’s what you need to know as your little one enters a brand new phase in life – eating solid foods.
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Pick the right foods. Age-appropriate and nutritious foods will be more appealing, help your little one to grow, and reduce stress and anxiety for everyone. Here are some suggestions:
Ages 4-6 months: when you’re first starting out, choose a single-grain cereal. Start with a runnier consistency by adding plenty of breastmilk or formula. And gradually thicken the cereal as baby gets used to this. Once your baby latches onto eating cereal, you’re ready to serve up some new & tastier options.
Ages 6-8 months: Now it’s time for purees! Pureed fruits, veggies, and meats are new and exciting ways to tickle your tiny one’s taste buds! Some favorite options are sweet potatoes, peas, green beans, chicken, bananas, avocado, strawberries and more. There are many different approaches on which foods to offer first, but the key here is consistency. Try a new food for a few days before introducing the next one to make sure your baby likes it and isn’t allergic. One big watch-out – make sure that the pureed fruits, veggies, and meats are truly pureed and don’t pose a choking hazard.
Ages 8-10 months: Time for hands-on eating: If your baby is starting to use his fingers to try and touch the spoon or explore the food you’re offering, it’s time to introduce finger foods. Soft foods like steamed vegetables or cut up fruits are great options at this stage. And be sure to watch out for anything that can be a choking hazard.
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Go Homemade – It’s Super Easy and A Lot Better For Your Baby’s Development and Your Wallet: Seriously, making homemade baby food is as easy as heating up food in a microwave. But only if you have the right tools – which is where a baby food maker that steams and blends comes in.
Pediatricians like Dr. Jacqueline Winkelmann (who was Chief of Staff at Children’s Hospital of Orange County) say that homemade baby food is so much better for your baby’s development. The reason is that you control the ingredients going into your baby’s tummy – so you can ensure your baby is getting plenty of nutrients and no salt and preservatives commonly found in store-bought baby food. Plus homemade tastes fresher and better! (Click here to watch Dr. Jacq’s video on the benefits of homemade baby food)
Now making homemade baby food is as easy as pressing a button if you have the right tools – like the Baby Brezza One Step Food Maker. This baby food maker automatically steams & blends baby food with the press of 1 button. Just put fresh or frozen cut-up vegetables, fruits or meats in the food bowl, choose your cooking time and press Start! The appliance steams the food first, then automatically blends it into delicious baby food. It’s that easy.
One more benefit of making your own homemade baby food – it’s a lot cheaper than buying pre-made baby food in jars or pouches. You can save $100 or more when you make your own baby food.
Good luck starting your baby on a lifetime of healthy eating habits! It’s easier than you think and better for your baby and your pocketbook!
