Myths of Early Reading 2

1.Babies should be playing, not learning to read!

Nothing is more fun for a baby than learning! So, provided you are teaching your baby in the right way, it would be safe to say that he does not know the difference between learning to read and playing.

At the same time, however, it should be noted that teaching your baby to read will not take up much time of each day. It will not cut into time your baby would otherwise spend engaged in free, unstructured play. No one is suggesting that reading lessons replace the time your child spends messing around, experimenting, and playing in a random, haphazard fashion.

How short is lesson time? To begin with, around 5 minutes or shorter is appropriate - but it all depends on how long your baby's attention is maintained. As you increase the time you spend on reading, take your cue from your child. If you have her attention after 5 minutes, then try extending the lesson by another minute or two. Keep increasing gradually, up to a maximum of 20 minutes. If you lose your child's attention, stop immediately. Be consistent: spending a few minutes every day is far better than trying to give an extended lesson once a week. As your child gets older, you may find that she asks for her lessons two or three times per day!

2.The only type of reading you should be doing with your baby is reading books to him

Some people think that if you are teaching your baby to read, you must be doing so instead of reading to him. In fact, tools such as flash cards, DVDs and computer-based learning systems are just that - tools - and are not meant to replace anything - especially not reading to your child. 

However, it is highly unlikely that your child will learn to read simply through having books read to him. And the fact is that he is capable of learning to read, if you give him the chance. We recommend that parents make use of all the tools at their disposal - books, DVDs, their computer, as well as toys and games involving letters and words.

Reading to your child on a regular basis is one of the most important things you will ever do as a parent. Reading to your child demonstrates the importance you place in books. Reading to your child helps her to follow the linear progression of a story, which in turn helps her learn to tell her own stories.

Reading to your child helps get her used to the rhythm and cadence of language. It introduces her to life lessons and topics that may not come up in everyday conversation. It is a wonderful bonding experience, too! So be sure you read to your child, daily or as close to daily as possible.

3.It's bad for your baby to be stuck in front of the TV or computer screen.

This is not exactly a myth. 

We agree that it is bad for a baby to be stuck in front of the television - and by "stuck" we mean left to watch TV without adult supervision. 

Using the TV as an "electronic babysitter" is fairly common, and while the tendency to do so is understandable, the practice should definitely be kept to a minimum. But this is not the only form that TV can take in a child's life. When parents carefully select programs to show their baby - and above all, when parents sit down with their baby to interact with him over the program shown - then babies can learn a great deal with the help of television. 

(For more on making TV use safe and beneficial for babies, see Babies and Television).

As for the computer, it's pretty clear that a baby can't use it by herself! Indeed, one advantage of computer-based learning over DVD-based learning is that it necessitates parent involvement. Some have argued that seeing and hearing things on a computer is inferior to seeing real objects and hearing a parent's voice.

Once again, the two are not mutually exclusive. The computer is a tool - it is not meant to replace showing your child real objects or reading words aloud. Indeed, during lessons we encourage parents to repeat each word that their child hears off the TV or computer. 

4.Kids who learn to read early start off at an advantage, but end up the same as their peers.

In fact, studies have shown that children who learn to read earlier (at age three or four) maintain their advantage over children who learn at an average age (five or six) or late age (seven or eight) for as long as eight years.

What's more, being able to read well from an early age has an impact on learning as a whole. Since reading is the gateway to acquiring knowledge, early readers have a head start when it comes to learning just about anything. 

This has a tendency to make them perform better in a range of academic subjects. 

For more on the scientific support for early reading, go to The Promise of Early Reading, part of the Why Teach Reading Early? article on BrillBaby.

5.A child who learns to read early will be too far ahead, which is bad for him emotionally

Sad but true: some parents would actually like their child to be less smart than he is capable of being. 

Why? 

Because they fear that their child will be different, will not fit in, and may feel left out. But what are we saying here? Do we really want to dumb down our children, just so they conform to the norm?

The problem here is not the child who learns to read before starting school. The problem is the norm, which dictates that children should not learn to read before first grade. In the words of the 20th-century American inventor and visionary Buckminster Fuller: "All children are born geniuses, but we spend the first six years of their life degeniusing them."

If you're concerned about how your "too bright" five-year-old will fit in at school, then relax. For a start, most children starting school can at least read some whole words, even if they do not know how to sound them out. Just because your child is a phonetic or phonemic reader will not make her a freak. Besides, in every other way besides reading, your child will be a typical five-year-old with typical five-year-old thoughts and feelings. She will still belong in a classroom of her peers. It's just that when it comes to reading, she may need more challenging books than most of the other children - and a different kind of support from the teacher.

We hope that a day will come, in the not too distant future, when the child who can read before he starts school is the norm rather than the exception. The fact is that the vast majority of children are capable of learning to read before age five - and they would benefit vastly from being given that opportunity.

Myths of Early Reading -1

On this website you'll find a host of information about early reading, and the scientific research that supports it. Children who learn to read as babies experience long-term gains in reading ability, overall academic achievement, as well as many other spheres of life. What's more, the ability to read is a gateway to all the knowledge there is in the world.

Misconceptions about early reading abound. Oftentimes, people just aren't familiar with the concept of babies reading. Parents and teachers may be uncomfortable with young children reading because it seems to threaten the natural order of things (which is actually the established order - a crucial difference). Other parents may feel that they did not do enough with their own child, and so resent the early progress you make with yours. Teachers may be reluctant to change their way of working, or to adapt to suit the needs of the minority - that is, children who can read by the time they start school.

If you are skeptical about early reading, then this is the page for you. This is also the page for you if you are teaching your baby or young child to read and have to deal with the skepticism or outright criticism of friends, relatives and teachers.

Myth 1: Babies can't read!

Not many people know that babies are capable of learning to read whole words by or around the age of one. That's why we have a Baby Reading Videos page on BrillBaby. You can also do a search on YouTube to see videos of babies under the age of two reading.

Of course, you may have seen the videos and be wondering how it has suddenly become possible to teach babies to read. You may be wondering what people had to subject these babies to in order to get them to read. In fact, it has always been possible to teach babies to read; it's just that the view of the establishment is that we should wait until age five or six to begin teaching reading. 

To teach a baby to read, the only thing necessary is to regularly show him or her single words in a large font (preferably accompanied by illustrations of the words' meanings). For more on how to teach babies to read, go to the reading section of BrillBaby.

Myth 2: Recognizing a word without phonics is not really reading!

Seeing isn't always believing. Some people are so sure that babies can't read that their response to a baby reading is: "That's not reading!"

How so? Well, teaching your preverbal baby to read means that you will not be teaching phonics - the sounds of individual letters - but rather whole words. And this means that your baby will only learn to recognize whole words. In other words, your preverbal baby will only be able to read words that she has seen before.

At first, this may seem a compelling reason for dismissing a baby's reading ability. But have you ever wondered how we all learned to read? The truth is that almost everyone learns to read their first words by sight, or as whole words. The first words that a child reads are invariably words that he already knows - whether he is two, four or six years old. Of course, if you are teaching your child a character-based language such as Chinese, then recognizing whole words at sight is the only type of reading there is.

Learning to read is a gradual process. In the case of alphabet-based languages, the learner progresses from sight-reading to phonetic reading (being able to sound out the individual letters in a word), to the final stage - phonemic reading (being able to understand that letters can be pronounced differently depending on their context). 

Children who learn to read whole words as babies often become phonetic readers before their third birthday - around two years earlier than average. As a result, they are invariably reading phonemically - at several grade levels above their age - before starting first grade.

There is controversy surrounding whether or not children should be taught to read whole words at all - to learn more, go to Whole Language Vs Phonics. While BrillBaby recommends teaching whole words to babies, it is also vital that children get to grips with phonics from an early age. 

Phonics can be taught as soon as your child is able to vocalize letter sounds (roughly between age 18 months and two years). Some children who are taught whole words as babies are able to intuit the rules of phonics, and so do not require teaching. This is the similar to the way in which children learning their mother tongue intuit the rules of grammar without being taught.

Myth 3: Teaching a baby to read is putting too much pressure on her at such a young age!

Some people, when they hear that a baby is being taught to read, imagine the baby being subjected to the kind of reading lessons they were subjected to in school. In fact, nothing could be farther from the truth - because besides the fact that it would be developmentally inappropriate to give a baby the kind of reading lessons given in school, it would also be impossible to teach a baby to read that way.

The way to teach a baby to read is to make it fun, to make a game, and to do it often. Done that way, learning to read is something the baby looks forward to in the same way that he looks forward to his other favorite games. Once the child is old enough, he will start asking for - or even demanding - his reading lessons. There have even been cases of children crying because their parents had to stop a lesson. (BrillBaby's former editor, Maddy, reports that her daughter's first two-syllable word - at age 11 months - was "reading"! From 10 months, Naimah was having her reading lessons once a day; by 15 months this had turned into two or three times per day - thanks to the regular reminders! At 16 months, Maddy managed to film Naimah reading.) 

So rather than picturing a "baby classroom" with its poor student being schooled before her time, instead know that babies love learning to read. Babies learn everything through repetition: as long as you teach reading in a fun way, your child will want more. Of course, it's quite right for parents to be wary about whether their baby will enjoy learning to read - no parent wants to risk putting their child off reading. By following the golden rule of teaching babies, you can effectively ensure that this never happens. The golden rule is:

Only teach your baby when your baby wants to learn.

If your baby is not completely happy either before or during a reading lesson, then stop at once. If that means you don't do a lesson at all that day, then fine. The goal here is not to teach your child to read within a certain timeframe. Instead, your main aims should be:

• To provide your child with mental stimulation. 
• To give your child the opportunity to learn to read at the time when it is easiest (i.e. in the first few years of life). 
• To bond with your child and have fun learning to read. 

In our society, reading is considered a difficult skill to master. Why else would we need to wait until we are five or six to even begin tackling it? Because reading is considered difficult, most people think that the only way a young child can learn to read is if she is somehow forced into it.

In fact, research has shown that it is easier for children to learn to read before starting school than it is to wait until first grade. One reason for this is that the younger a child is, the easier it is for him to learn languages. This naturally gifted state of very early childhood can be extended to the written language with just a little help from parents.

The first few years of life are the easiest time to learn to read on an emotional level, too. That's because children at school are bombarded with distractions. As a child builds her social networks, and develops friendships and hobbies, it may be natural for schoolwork to become one of her lowest priorities. Teaching your child to read before first grade effectively frees her from the burden of having to learn reading on top of all the other new challenges she will face at ages five and six.

An Introduction to Teaching Babies

1.The Fundamentals of Early Learning

If intelligence is the ability to learn, then babies are born geniuses!

While a baby's brain has the potential to learn just about anything, parents have an important role to play in determining just how much - and how easily - their baby learns. Here, we discuss the key issues to bear in mind when teaching your baby. 

2.Why is early learning so important?

The period from birth to age eight - and especially, from birth to age three - is a critical time in baby brain development. This is because the first years of life lay the neurological foundation for intellectual growth into adolescence and adulthood.

From the moment of conception, the neurons (nerve cells) of the brain multiply faster than any other cells in a baby's body. The rapid pace of baby brain development continues into early childhood: at birth, the brain weighs 25 percent of its adult weight; by age one, 50 percent; by age two, 75 percent; and by age three, 90 percent. 

3.What can I do during pregnancy?

If you are pregnant or have a special interest in the prenatal period, be sure to check out BrillBaby's Prenatal Education section. Full details of how to teach your unborn baby can be found in the article Stimulating the Senses.

There are so many ways that you can interact with your baby during pregnancy! In particular, you can provide auditory stimulation from 20 weeks (when your baby's hearing becomes fully developed), and tactile stimulation from around 28 weeks (when you will start being able to feel the baby through Mom's belly). 

4.What can I do after birth?

Above all, now that your baby is finally here, you should enjoy interacting with her as much as possible. Talk, read and sing to your baby. Hug, cuddle and kiss her. Spend time playing with her, following her lead once she is old enough to show you what interests her. Enjoy this special time when your child is small - it will pass by all too quickly!

Besides the essentials above, there's plenty more you can do to engage your baby's brain. Auditory and tactile stimulation remain important, as they were in the womb. You can also help your baby develop his motor skills - as well as teach your baby to read before he starts school!

Baby's Best Friend: The Food Processor

A recent study focused on the diet patterns of babies throughout the first year of life had one big question in mind: Is there an association between types of foods an infant eats and the development of food allergies later in life? The findings are not surprising. Results show that a more nutritious diet—one containing more vitamins, minerals and antioxidants—may protect against the development of food allergies.

Study details: the diets compared were of infants that were fed more fruits, vegetables and homemade foods versus the those fed more processed or adult foods such as convenience foods, ready-to-eat meals, and processed potatoes.

Now, we all want what's best for our baby and their future health. And honestly, I am no Martha Stewart (and never will be), but during those first months of solid foods and purees, the food processor was my baby's best friend. Even easier yet, a fork often fit the job of mashing up an avocado, banana or cooked carrot. Done and done. Another added bonus? I liked knowing exactly what was going into my baby's mouth.

Here are a few tips to make sure you're giving baby the most nutritious diet possible:

• Make baby food from freshly prepared ingredients such as tender meats, lentils, beans, fresh or frozen cooked vegetables, and ripe fruits (stay away from canned products with added salt).
• Cook, puree, or mash and then freeze in small containers such as ice cube trays or mini muffin cups. When it's time to use, just thaw out in the refrigerator.
• Reheat thoroughly and then let the food cool so it is warm to the touch when you're ready to feed it to your baby.
• If you're in a pinch and have to go the way of commercially prepared baby foods, stick to the single ingredient types as they are more nutritionally dense than the mixed dinner meals.

Happy pureeing!

 

Squashed Apples baby food recipe - Growing up Grace

Making your own baby food is easier than you think. Here's one of my daughter's favorite recipes.

Find my baby food tips in this week's Growing Up Grace column on lehighvalleylive.com/food.

Find other baby food recipes and tools in your Wednesday copy of The Express-Times and on lehighvalleylive.com/food.

Squashed Apples

I got the inspiration for this recipe from "Blender Baby Food" by Nicole Young. (Yes, they make baby food cookbooks. And this is one of the simplest and best I've found.)

Ingredients:

• 1 butternut squash, halved
• 3 peeled, diced apples
• 1 Tablespoon olive oil
• pinch (and I mean a pinch) of cinnamon
• 1/4 to 1/2 cup apple juice or apple cider

Directions:

Rinse your butternut squash and halve it, scooping out the seeds. Put on a baking tray and spread olive oil to cover the inside surfaces of the squash. Sprinkle nutmeg on the squash.

Roast in a 375 degree oven until the squash is fork-tender, about 30-45 minutes. About halfway through the cooking process, add the diced, peeled apples to the tray so they can soften.

Allow the apples and squash to cool. Scoop out the squash into a blender, breaking it into smaller chunks as you go. Add the apples and 1/4 cup apple juice or cider to the mix. Blend until it's the consistency of mashed potatoes. You may need a little extra juice, cider or water along the way to get the right texture.

How To Freeze Baby Food

Knowing how to freeze baby food safely makes it possible to prepare and store entire batches of homemade food for your baby - a real boon for busy parents.

How to freeze baby food - the basics
There are several methods of freezing baby food - all of which work equally well - but which may occupy varying amounts of freezer space.
With all methods...

...You should prepare your homemade baby food, then cool it as quickly as possible to prevent the growth of bacteria. Any food left sitting at room temperature for more than two hours is not safe for your baby to eat and should be discarded.

To cool prepared baby food quickly, try spreading it in a shallow container - you can even sit the container in a pan of cold water, which really helps speed up the process.

More information to help you prepare baby food safely and avoid the growth of food-borne bacteria

How To Freeze Baby Food - Method 1

Thoroughly clean a regular ice-cube tray and spoon your prepared baby food into each section. A lidded tray is ideal, as it protects the food from freezer burn or from picking up any other odours from the freezer. If you don't have a lidded tray, you can cover the tray with food-safe plastic wrap. Some people use foil, although we don't recommend it as you can find that some pieces of foil remain in the food!

Place the ice-cube tray into the freezer and - once the cubes are firm - press them out and place them into zip-top bags, which take up less space in your freezer.

This gives you perfectly sized little portions of baby food - usually around an ounce or so. One cube per meal may be enough for your child at first, but as he grows you may wish to place two cubes in each zip-top bag.

You can also make lots of different baby food flavours by mixing and matching different fruit and veggie cubes - combining a cube of pureed apple with a cube of pureed carrot, for example - yum!

ARE PLASTIC ICE CUBE TRAYS SAFE FOR FREEZING BABY FOOD?

There have been lots of concerns recently about freezing or heating baby food in plastic containers, because of the possibility of chemicals migrating from the plastics and into baby's foods.

Some ice cube trays are specifically designed for baby food (see below) and are free of these potentially harmful chemicals - but if you want to use a regular ice cube tray, then you might like to try a silicone tray, or even one made from stainless steel (the Tickle Trunk stocks one here).

How To Freeze Baby Food - Method 2

This is similar to method 1, because it involves freezing baby food then transferring it to zip-top bags - but instead of using ice cube trays, you can use silicone mini-muffin pans! Their flexibility makes it easy to pop out the food portions - plus, of course, their use goes beyond the storage of baby food when your little one is older!

How To Freeze Baby Food - Method 3

If you don't have any appropriately sized containers for freezing baby food, then you can use the baking sheet/cookie sheet method (although you'll need a little more freezer space initially).

Just spoon your prepared baby food on to a baking sheet to form little mounds (although please note that this won't work as well if your purees are very runny). Cover the entire baking sheet with food safe wrap (or loosely cover with foil), freeze until firm, then transfer the portions of food to a zip-top bag as before.

How To Freeze Baby Food - Method 4

Another good way to freeze homemade baby food is by spooning it into freezer-safe jars and transferring the jars directly to the freezer.

Please note, though, that you should never freeze baby food in glass jars unless the manufacturers of the jars specifically state that it is safe to do so.
Jars that are safe to use in the freezer should clearly say so on the packaging - other jars (including commercial baby food jars) are usually not strong enough to withstand the expansion of the food that occurs during the freezing process.

This means that the jar may break or - worse - may experience tiny hairline cracks, which you may not be able to see, but which will deposit tiny shards of glass in your baby's food.

Many parents like to use Ball Quilted Jelly Canning Jars , which are designed for use in the freezer.  

How To Freeze Baby Food - Method 5

Probably the most popular method of freezing homemade baby food is to use 'purpose built' baby food freezer trays or pots - and boy, are there a lot to choose from!
Manufacturers, recognizing the growing trend for parents choosing to make their own baby food rather than relying on commercially prepared alternatives, have come up with a whole range of products designed to make life easier! What's more, these products are free from the potentially harmful chemicals that some plastic trays may contain.

Our Homemade Baby Food Amazon store features some of the best selling containers for freezing baby food, plus some other useful accessories for preparing yummy baby food at home...

10 Home-made Baby Food Recipes

It's interesting how the movement to convenience everything has included the food of the cleanest, purest individuals on the planet. Babies, whom enter this sphere relatively healthy if their parents have taken necessary guidelines with their own health, grow at a rapid rate their first 3 years of life and desire nourishing and vitality-giving food. Unfortunately, options in the super markets are not much more than pasteurized, preservative food options and powders designed to give basic nourishment.

 

An important aspect is forgotten when any food is high heated or made to withstand a long shelf life; it loses the life force which makes it a live, healing food. Not to mention canning methods destroy a lot of the baby's essential vitamins and minerals, they're sources of food that are sub-optimal, and for those that wish to feed their babies the best, there are easy home-made alternatives available.

 

If your child has moved on to puree from breast milk, the following 10 recipes will no doubt delight your child's taste buds and positively influence their future decisions to like fresh fruits and vegetables. It's shown that started young on a healthy diet, children have enhanced IQ's, better moods (from balanced blood sugars), and have stronger immune systems. (New Optimum Nutrition for the Mind)

 

With all of the following recipes, all one needs is a bowl and a fork to mash, or a food processor to easiest combine all ingredients. Store any left overs in an air-tight container for 1-2 days, and always opt for organic produce to ensure your baby is the healthiest possible!

**Remember, always consult with your pediatrician regarding introducing solid foods to your baby and specifically discuss any foods that may pose allergy risk for your child.

 

1. Avocado Peas 'n' More
Avocado is a wonderful addition for young children that thrive with the right balance of essential fatty acids and love creamy textures. Peas, high in protein are very nourishing, and mashed with lemon juice and Sweet Potato is a wonderful meal.

Ingredients

½ Avocado
1 Cup Peas
½ medium Sweet Potato
Squeeze of Lime Juice
Directions:

1) Combine sweet potato and peas in a food processor, mix in mashed avocado in a medium bowl and add a squeeze of lime juice.

 

2. Pumpkin Baby
Pumpkin, high in Vitamins A, C, and other beneficial phyto-nutrients is fun to create with. Baking is the easiest way to prepare, and once its cooled, utilize it in some of these reicpes.

Ingredients:

1 cup Pumpkin
1 Pear, peeled
(Optional): dash of Cinnamon
Directions:

1) Mash ingredients together and serve with love.

 

3. Pumpkin, Banana, and Peaches
Ingredients:

1 Cup Pumpkin or ½ Cup Pumpkin Puree
1 Banana
1 Peach
Directions:

1) Mash all ingredients together.

 

4. Papaya Raspberry Goodness
Ingredients:

1 Cup Papaya
½ Cup Raspberries
(Optional): Juice from ½ Orange
Directions:

1) Mash all ingredients together and serve.

 

5. Minty Peas and Rice
Include whole grains like rice (gluten free preferred) when properly food combining with vegetables to make meals for your baby.

Ingredients:

1 ¼ cup vegetable broth
¾ cup brown rice
1 ½ cups frozen peas or fresh
¼ cup fresh mint
fresh pepper to taste
Directions:

1) Bring broth to a boil in a large sauce pan over high heat. Add rice and bring to a simmer, cover. Reduce heat to medium-low and cook for 4 minutes if instant.

2) Stir in peas and return to simmer. Cover, reduce heat to medium-low and continue to cook until peas are warm-hot and rice has absorbed most of the liquid, about 6 minutes.

3) Remove from heat and stir in fresh mint. Cover and let stand for 3-5 minutes. When warm to touch, it's suitable to feed your child.

 

6. Apple-Pumpkin Breakfast
Ingredients:

1 cup apples, diced
1 cup Pumpkin
1 ½ cup Oatmeal, pre-cooked
dash of Cinnamon, Nutmeg, and/or Ginger
Directions:

1) Mix spices, pumpkin, apple sauce, and oatmeal together to form a puree.

 

7. Apple Berry Baby
Apples are full of easy to digest fiber and are soothing to baby's digestive tract, not to mention high in Vitamin A and C!

Ingredients:

3 Apples
1 Cup Blueberries
(Optional): 2 drops of Vanilla Stevia
Directions:

1) Combine all ingredients in a food processor until smooth.

 

8. Savory Pumpkin Puree
Ingredients:

1 tbsp Coconut Oil
¼ cup diced Onion
1-2 cups Pumpkin, peeled and cut into ½ inch cubes
2 cups Vegetable stock
Rosemary and Basil
dash of raw honey or maple syrup if desired
Directions:

1) Heat the oil in a medium sauce pot then add the onion and squash/pumpkin cubes. Saute until the onions are translucent then add vegetable stock.

2) Bring the mixture to a slow simmer and simmer until squash is tender enough to puree. Add basil and rosemary.

3) After pureeing, you may optionally toss with cooked brown rice or quinoa for a heartier meal for your child.

 

9. Steamed Vegetable Medley
Sometimes steamed vegetables when pureed together can add all the nutrition and flavor one needs; many forget a baby's taste buds are much purer and refined therefore simplicity may be best.

Ingredients:

Any combination of the following:

Carrots
Peas
Green Beans and/or
Summer Squash
Directions:

1) Steam all ingredients and combine until mashed and smooth.

 

10. Mixed Mango Tango
Ingredients:

½ cup Mango
½ cup Banana
1 ripe Peach
Directions:

1) Mash all ingredients or food process until smooth.

With hand held mixers, one can even prepare food for their baby at a nice restaurant or mix food in minutes at home. Fresh is best, and there should be no short cuts when it comes to your child's health. A great website for more recipes and further information on raising your baby with wholesome, nourishing food can be found here.

Homemade Baby Food Recipes

These homemade baby food recipes are simple and rewarding to make - become head chef for a very special little customer!
The benefits of making your own baby food are enormous ...

• You know exactly what your baby is eating - none of the dreaded "fillers" commonly found in commercial baby food
• You know that the ingredients are fresh and healthy
• You can "tailor make" your baby's food to best suit his/her preferences and needs
• You will save money. These homemade baby food recipes cost a fraction of the price of ready made foods
• And most importantly ... making your own baby food is tremendously satisfying - for you AND your baby.

Are you concerned that you don't have enough time to make your own baby food?
It's not nearly as time consuming as you might think! On the baby food preparation and storage page you'll learn how to prepare batches of food quickly and easily. After all, cooking for baby should not be a chore - but a PLEASURE!

To keep things simple, recipes on this site are grouped according to age - so you can be sure that the ingredients are safe and appropriate for YOUR baby.

Introducing solid foods to baby for the first time?
You'll find plenty of useful advice - backed by experience - to help baby make a smooth transition to solid foods. Discover how to deal with common baby feeding problems and to make meal times FUN.

Or maybe you have a "baby food connoisseur" on your hands - already enjoying solids and ready to experience a wider range of flavours and textures? Visit the 6-9 month recipe page for some inspiring meal ideas, using both "every day" ingredients ... and some rather exotic ones too!

But wait!

Something tells me that a little someone might be vying for your attention RIGHT NOW! How is it they always seem to know JUST when you are planning on taking a well-earned break?

5 recipes for homemade baby food

I love making homemade baby food, and I've never understood why more families don't do it. It saves you money. It gives you control over the ingredients. And in many ways it's so much easier than any other kind of cooking.
 
If you do want to make your own baby food, here are a few concepts to keep in mind:
 
Start slowly
From concerns over allergies to making sure they still get enough breast milk (which should be the primary source of nutrition until at least 6 months), it makes sense to introduce solid foods gradually. Wait until your child seems interested and then allow him to explore foods one at a time, waiting a few days between each new food to watch for adverse reactions. Contrary to previous advice, it's no longer recommended to withhold common allergens unless there's reason to suspect your kid may actually be allergic. You still need to be extremely careful of potential choking hazards.
 
Have a system
As you begin making baby foods, make sure you plan ahead. Make a shopping list so you have ingredients on hand, and batch cook and freeze in large quantities so you're stocking up for the future. While I wouldn't go overboard with gadgets, it's worth investing in equipment that makes things easy — for example soft, silicone ice cube trays and squeezable travel spoons were both big hits in our household.
 
Focus on quality ingredients
From the environmental to the ethical, there are plenty of reasons to choose local and organic — but I for one believe that seasonal, local ingredients simply taste better too. So I highly recommend visiting your local farmers market, or keep an eye out for organic and local produce at the grocery store as you plan out your baby foods. Even if you don't care about organic and local, it's important to ensure your child eats primarily fresh, whole foods — it's one of the most important ways to give them a healthy start in life.
 
Understand nutrition
The process of making baby food may be relatively easy, but that doesn't mean it's a good idea to be casual about it. As your baby grows, she'll need the right mix of foods to ensure healthy development of both body and mind. As a general rule of thumb, you should aim to make sure your child gets a protein, a whole grain and some fruits and veggies with every meal.
 
Here are some easy recipes to help you do that.
 
DIY homemade baby food recipes
Sauteed, Pureed Chickpeas and Peas
Saute a clove of garlic, a pinch of cumin, add a cup or two of chickpeas and frozen peas. Splash in a little broth, and then puree the result. You can leave it a little chunky, or puree it smooth, depending on the tastes and ages of those doing the eating. The adults in our household even loved this dish.
 
Egg, Avocado and Breast Milk Salad
Yes, the "breast milk" part might put grown-up diners off, but the basic recipe is delicious for anyone. Simply hard boil an egg, and then mash it up with half an avocado. Add a little breast milk or formula if you are pureeing it for younger babies. And if you have a family history of egg allergies, remove the egg white for children younger than 1. This puree can be used on its own, or spread on toast or tortillas for a yummy finger food.
 
Meat for Beginners
Meat is a great first food as it provides important healthy fats that promote brain development. It can be a challenging texture for younger eaters though, and may even represent a choking hazard in large chunks. A little chicken breast, turkey or slow-cooked pork is a great way to introduce meat, but be sure to cook it until soft and then puree it. In my family, we like to serve meat with sweet potato, peas or even apricot.
 
Quesadillas
Contrary to popular belief, baby food doesn't have to all be purees. With my second child, Adeline, I had limited time to create purees and baby foods, so the idea of giving her what the rest of the household ate was extremely attractive. That's where I discovered Baby Led Weaning, a concept that recommends giving whole, solid foods to babies as young as 6 months. It's important that foods be at least 2 inches big to avoid a choking hazard, and to allow the young eater to have something to hold onto. In our household, whole wheat or spelt quesadillas became a popular hit — filled with varying combinations of sweet potato, spinach, beans, avocado and cheese. We'd go easy on the salt for the fillings — allowing the grown-ups to adjust the seasoning at the table. And then we'd all just dig in and enjoy the feast. (Clean up afterwards was sometimes less fun!) If you do decide to explore Baby Led Weaning, be sure to read up on how to do it safely.
 
Macaroni and Anything
If my children had to choose one food to exist on for the rest of their lives, it would be macaroni. And while the registered dietitian in me craves more diversity, I do recognize that pasta dishes are a pretty versatile base for culinary exploration. For our younger babies, we often made a soup with sauteed onion, pureed pumpkin, low sodium broth and pastini. (You add the pastini after pureeing the other ingredients.) As they got older, macaroni and cheese, or macaroni and peas, or macaroni and spinach, or macaroni and just-about-anything became a fairly popular staple. To make sure they get protein, we'll sometimes whisk in some beaten eggs and butter into the hot macaroni, or add a little meat. And it's never a bad idea to try whole grain pasta, or mix whole grain and white pasta in equal proportions. Quinoa, millet, brown rice or whole grain cous cous are also great bases for creating different baby- and child-friendly combinations.

Commercial baby foods fail to meet weaning needs

Researchers say that commercial baby foods do not meet an infant's weaning needs and provide little extra nutritional goodness, compared with breast milk. This is according to a study published in Archives of Disease in Childhood.

 

The weaning process is considered to be a crucial process in an infant's early life, aiming to introduce him or her to a wider range of textures, tastes and flavors, and encouraging the acceptance of a variety of foods while boosting nutrient and energy intake.

 

Although it is the mother's decision as to when the weaning process should begin, the American Academy of Pediatrics recommends exclusive breastfeeding for the first 6 months after birth.

 

However, commercial baby foods are promoted from the age of 4 months, which the researchers say could discourage mothers from continued breastfeeding.

 

The study, conducted by researchers at the University of Glasgow in the UK, analyzed a variety of 462 baby foods produced by four UK manufacturers, in order to determine the nutritional content. These included ready-made soft and wet foods, powdered meals that require added milk or water, breakfast cereals, and dry finger foods including biscuits, snacks and raisins.

 

From the products assessed, 410 (79%) were ready-made spoonable foods, of which 44% were aimed at infants from the age of 4 months.

 

Of the spoonable foods, it was found that their energy content was identical to that of breast milk (283 kj/100 g), while their protein content was only 40% higher than formula milk.

The products containing meat had the highest iron content, although this was no higher than formula milk and only slightly higher than products without meat.

 

Overall, dry finger foods showed the highest levels of energy and nutrient density. However, they were significantly higher in sugar. The researchers say that infants have a preference for sweet foods, which is why the majority of commercial baby foods contain high amounts.

 

The study authors say:

"While it is understandable that parents may choose to use commercial foods early in the weaning process, health professionals should be aware that such food will not add to the nutrient density of a milk diet."

 

The researchers also compared the nutritional content of commercial baby food with typical family homemade foods often given to infants and toddlers.

 

The savory ready-made spoonable foods showed much lower nutrient density, compared with homemade foods, but they were higher in iron content.

 

However, the study authors add that a 50 g portion of spoonable homemade food is likely to supply the same amount of protein and energy as 100 g of a spoonable commercial product, so homemade food should be served in its place - as long as it is prepared correctly.

 

"When advising families, [health professionals] should encourage them to progress to suitable family foods, particularly later in the first year of life," they add.

 

"Home weaning foods need to be prepared differently from family food. Salt and sugar should not be added and inappropriate adaptation of family meals to weaning foods may contribute to a high sodium intake."

 

Research from 2012 published in BMJ Open suggested that infants who feed themselves with finger foods from the start of the weaning process are more likely to maintain a healthy body weight later in life.

How to Make and Freeze Baby Food

Making and freezing your own baby food is often a less expensive and more convenient alternative to purchasing baby food from a grocery store. By using this method, you can guarantee your baby's food is fresh, natural and healthy without any of the usual preservatives store-bought baby food can carry. Use these steps to make and freeze your own baby food.

Method 1 of 3: Select Foods
1. Prepare fresh fruits. Ripe fruit such as bananas, prunes, cantaloupe, apricots and peaches are all types of ideal fruit you can freeze without having to cook them first.
2.Cook fruits with a harder texture. Fruits such as pears and apples need to be boiled for 2 to 3 minutes or until the fruit is soft enough to stick a fork through it.
3.Cook vegetables such as peas, carrots, sweet potatoes, green beans, squash and spinach by baking, boiling, or steaming.
4.Feed your baby liver and well-cooked, unsalted meats. Liver is the easiest meat to blend and is rich in iron.

 

Method 2 of 3: Choose a Puree Method
1.Mash food using a fork or similar utensil. Whether you are preparing soft raw fruit such as bananas or cooked vegetables such as peas, a fork is usually the easiest way to mash the food.
2.Use a blender. Cut your baby food into chunk sizes that work best in your blender and blend until it reaches your desired consistency.
3.Use the straining method. Using a sieve or a strainer, you can push your baby's food through with a spoon until the results are no longer lumpy.
4.Chop foods finely with a knife. Using an ideal knife for chopping, chop or dice baby food into sections small enough for them to eat without complications.

 

Method 3 of 3: Decide on a Freezer Storing Method
1.Use ice-cube trays with lids. Ice-cube trays have convenient serving sizes and often a single cube is enough to feed your baby. As your baby grows older, you may increase their serving size to 2 cubes.
Ice-cube trays with lids will also help protect your baby food from freezer burn or odors from other food.
2.Use freezer bags or storage bags with zip-tops. Zip-top bags are a safe way to protect your food from freezer burn, odors, and are easily disposable.
3.Use the baking sheet method. Although using a cookie sheet or baking sheet may take up lots of room in your freezer, you can drop mounds of prepared baby food on them. Make sure you cover the baby food with food-safe wrap to prevent freezer burn.

 

Tips
Always label your frozen baby food with dates and descriptions to keep you aware of its freshness.
Use the baby food within 1 month after freezing to maintain taste and nutritional value.
Since frozen baby foods generally take between 8 and 12 hours to thaw in a refrigerator, transfer foods from the freezer the night before. Use within 24 hours for fish, meat, and poultry and within 48 hours for all other foods.
Some fruits such as bananas and pears will sometimes have natural discoloration from being exposed to air. Add 3 to 4 drops of lemon juice to the fruit before freezing it to avoid discoloration.

 

Warnings
Never store baby food in glass jars unless the manufacturer of the jars state you may do so.
Do not feed corn to babies because it is difficult for the digestive system to process.
Never feed your baby processed or pre-cooked lunch meats such as bologna or bacon. These foods contain a high amount of sodium and additives and are not healthy for your baby.
Never cook your baby's food in a microwave. Not only does it remove important nutrients from food, but it may cause food to cook unevenly and potentially harm your baby.

Making Your Own Baby Food

Tips for Making Homemade Baby Food

• Work under the most sanitary conditions possible.
• Wash your hands with hot water and soap, scrub, rinse and dry with clean towel before fixing your baby's food, before feeding your baby, and after changing your baby's diapers.
• Scrub all working surfaces with soap and hot water.
• Scrub all equipment with soap and hot water, and rinse well.
• Prepare fresh fruits or vegetables by scrubbing, paring or peeling, and removing seeds.
• Prepare meats by removing all bones, skin, connective tissue, gristle and fat.
• Cook foods, when necessary, boiling them in a small, covered saucepan with a small amount of water until tender. The amount of water is important — the less water used, the more nutrients stay in the food.
• Puree food using a blender, food processor, baby food grinder, spoon or fork. Grind up tough foods. Cut food into small pieces or thin slices. Take out seeds and pits from fruit.
  Test for smoothness by rubbing a small amount of food between your fingers. Add a liquid such as formula, water or fruit juice to achieve a desired consistency.
• If pureed food is not being used right away, refrigerate quickly.
• To freeze: pour cooled, pureed food into a paper cupcake liner or a section of a clean ice cube tray, and cover with foil. When frozen solid, store cubes in a freezer container in the freezer in a freezer bag or box.
• Reheat frozen cube in a heat-resistant container in a pan of hot water.
• When cooking foods for the family, remember to separate the baby's portion before adding seasoning or spices. Babies need very little, if any, added salt or sugar.
  

Thawing and Warming Baby's Food
Here are some suggestions on thawing and warming food for your baby. Frozen food can be thawed in the refrigerator or the microwave oven on the defrost setting. But remember, food that has been thawed should never be refrozen.

Stove Method: To warm food, place it directly in a saucepan and slowly warm over low heat, stirring often. Stir and test temperature of food before feeding it to your baby.

Microwave Method: Microwave ovens heat foods unevenly and cause hot spots. There may be hot spots even if the food feels cool to you. It is important to stir food well to prevent burns to you or your baby. Here are some other tips:

• Cover dish with a microwave-safe cover, not plastic wrap.
• Stir food and turn the dish often during the heating process.
• Allow food to sit for a few minutes; stir well and test temperature before feeding your baby.
• It is not recommended to heat pureed meats in the microwave. Hot spots in the meat could seriously burn your baby.
• For other foods, heat food in a microwave-safe dish or an opened baby-food jar.

With a little planning, and a blender, a fork, a strainer, a food mill or a baby food grinder, you can make foods for your baby at home. Homemade infant food may help cut food costs, and provide baby with food as nutritious, if not more nutritious, than store-bought baby foods. Making your own baby food will also help baby get used to foods the family eats.

Pureed fruits and vegetables can be prepared from fresh-cooked fruits and vegetables. Use the cooked fruits and vegetables without added salt, sugar or fat. Puree means to put food through a sieve or grinder to make the food into a liquid-like, smooth texture. Some foods, like ripe bananas, can be mashed or pureed with a fork and won't need to be precooked. It may be necessary to add some fluid (formula, breast milk, water or cooking water) to other pureed food to make it the right consistency for your baby.

Canned or frozen fruits and vegetables may also be pureed and used. When using commercially processed canned or frozen fruits and vegetables, check the ingredient label. Make sure you are not adding extra sugar, salt and fat to your baby's diet. Other unnecessary additives may also be in canned or frozen foods.

Some commonly home-prepared fruits for babies are ripe mashed bananas, and pureed bananas and applesauce. Dried prunes that have been cooked and pureed are another food for baby. Fresh pears or peaches in season may also be soft-cooked and pureed. Fresh vegetables that can be home prepared and pureed include potato, winter squash, sweet potato, peas, asparagus, and green or wax beans.

Later, when baby is between 8 months through 11 months, table food can be added to her diet. By that time, your baby will be able to move her tongue from side to side, and will have begun to spoon feed herself with your help. She'll also start chewing with her new teeth, and feed herself with her fingers. With your help, she will also drink from a cup.

At this stage, try feeding mashed or diced fruit, soft cooked or mashed vegetables; mashed, cooked egg yolk; strained meats or poultry; mashed, cooked dry beans and peas; cottage cheese or cheese cubes; sliced bread; crackers; and juice in a cup.

Carrots For Your Baby

Here is a baby favorite - and packed with beta-carotene! There has been some concern about nitrate levels in carrots, and it was found that a large amount of nitrates can act as a kind of poison for very young babies. Please see our section on nitrates in the Foods to Avoid section of our website. But, there is no reason to believe that nitrates are a problem for your baby past 6 months old. Also, if you use organic carrots then the organic fertilizer has natural nitrates unlike chemical fertilizer which can create a higher concentration of nitrates. One way to avoid the whole problem is that jarred baby food is tested for nitrate levels so it should be safe.

Keep in mind, there is a big difference in taste from organic to non-organic carrots. Organic carrots tend to have a much stronger carrot flavor, while non-organic carrots can seem more watery.

When is baby ready?
6 months old

How to buy
If you can find medium sized carrots with the leafy tops still on - these can be the freshest and tastiest. You can also buy the "baby" carrots which are bagged and already peeled. Baby carrots have been precut for easier snacking.

Homemade Baby Food Recipe
Steaming or microwaving carrots are the easiest methods to cook them. First peel the carrots because the peel has a bitter taste that baby probably won't like, unless you have purchased the baby carrots. Then cut the carrots into 1/2 inch slices.

Simmering - cover with water, and cook on high until soft enough for baby (about 5 minutes).
Microwaving - put them in a shallow bowl with 2 tablespoons water. Cover with a lid or plastic wrap. Microwave on high for 3 minutes, shake the container, and microwave at 1 minute intervals until carrots are tender.

Puree carrots in the water you cooked then in and/or add a little more liquid to get to desired consistency.

How to store
Store in plastic bag in the refrigerator for 2 weeks.

Are there baby food jars?
Yes.

Should I buy organic?
Yes. Carrots have a thin skin, so they are susceptible to pesticide contamination and they taste so much better if they are organically farmed.

Adult Recipe
Carrot and Raisin Salad
3 carrots (don't bother to peel them)
handful of raisins
2 tbs yogurt
salt and pepper
Grate carrots and add raisins. Add yogurt until coated and season with salt and pepper. Taste to correct seasonings..

First foods to introduce to your baby

Very first foods: breast milk and formula

The Canadian Paediatric Society recommends exclusive breastfeeding until your baby is six months old. After six months, breast milk alone doesn't provide your baby with enough nutrients, in particular iron, so other foods are needed.

Waiting until six months to introduce solid foods into your baby's diet will help minimize the risk of her developing adverse reactions to foods and allergies. This is particularly important if you have a family history of allergies, as the incidence of adverse food reactions, allergies and celiac disease does decrease if you delay weaning until this time.

If you feel your baby needs to start solids before six months, discuss it with your family doctor first. This is particularly important if your baby was born prematurely.
First solid foods

The food you offer your baby first varies from culture to culture and family to family. Some people swear by bland food so their baby isn't overwhelmed by taste and texture at the same time. Others spice their baby food right from the beginning. And taste is just the beginning of your options.

Parents feed their babies a wide range of first foods. Many start with the iron-rich foods recommended by the Canadian Paediatric Society like fortified baby cereal. Others choose to introduce veggies and fruits first.

And then there's the question of texture. One of the first things your baby has to learn when you are introducing solids is how to swallow "non-liquid" food. There are different opinions on how to help him do that. One common way is to offer first foods that are very runny, usually cooked food that is puréed with some breast milk, formula or water.

You can mix foods together or serve them alone. The Canadian Paediatric Society recommends introducing one food at a time, serving it alone for several days so you can monitor your baby for an unusual reaction to the food.

Even though there are a lot of ways to start your baby on to solids, there are some consistent recommendations on which foods to offer your new eater.

Iron-rich baby foods recommended by the Canadian Paediatric Society include:

• iron-fortified single grain infant cereal including rice, barley, and oatmeal.
• meat, chicken, cooked egg yolk, well cooked legumes like lentils and chick peas

Some excellent beginner fruit and vegetables include:

• purées of cooked sweet potato, butternut squash, carrots, peas, green beans, or ripe (raw) avocado
• purées of fruits, such as ripe cooked apple, pear, mango, and mashed banana (raw)

The next stage: mashed, minced and lumpyOnce your baby is doing well with his first foods, slowly introduce a more varied diet. Gradually make the food a thicker consistency. Try offering mashed or minced food, including some lumps. You can offer most of the foods your family eats although there are a few foods to avoid during the first year either because of allergies or because they pose a choking hazard.

Here are a few suggestions of foods to try next:

• A wider range of starchy foods - bread, couscous, pasta, baby bread sticks, breakfast cereals, oats, in addition to cornmeal, potatoes, rice and millet.
• Water from a sippy cup with a soft spout, when she is thirsty, in addition to her daily breast milk or formula. If you do choose to give fruit juice, keep it to a maximum of 4-6 oz per day. Most experts recommend avoiding giving juice to babies and young children as it can displace other foods with important nutrients and risk overconsumption. Juice, which is high in sugar, can also cause damage to emerging teeth.
• Nut butters are fine for babies who don't have a family history of allergic diseases. Use unsalted smooth versions, or make your own. Spread them thinly on toast or crackers.
• Full fat dairy products, such as yogurt and cheese. Although you should wait until at least nine months or even a year to begin to introduce cow's (or goat's or sheep's) milk as a drink, it can be used in cooking or in your baby's breakfast cereal. Many moms make a
• cheese sauce to add to vegetables or pasta. Fat is an important part of a baby's diet so be sure to offer full fat dairy products. Finger foodsMeals eventually start to follow an adult-like pattern of two to three meals a day along with one or two snacks and breast milk or formula. Once your baby can handle lumpier foods well, start to offer him food that is chopped and he can grasp with his fingers.

Some good starter finger foods include:

• Cooked green beans or carrots
• cubes of cheese
• slices of banana or soft pear

Bananas For Your Baby

A very easily digested first food that babies like because it is sweet. It also has a wonderful package, the peel, so it can be taken everywhere. Bananas are the most eaten fruit in the United States. Mash a ripe banana and mix with liquid (water, formula, or breast milk) to make your babies' favorite consistency.

When is baby ready?
4 Months Old

How to buy
Look for bananas that are yellow and not very green (they may not ripen at home) and with no bruises. In addition, there are different varieties of bananas that are out there that you might like to try. There are red ones, and small yellow ones and they can have wonderful flavors. Give them a try!

Homemade Baby Food Recipe
Just mash with a fork and add liquid to adjust to a good consistency (loose for the beginning swallower). You can use formula, breast milk or water.

How to store
Store on your counter top until ripe. There all also baskets that you can hang from your ceiling that can be good space savers as well as banana hangers for your counter top.

Are there baby food jars?
Yes - but it seem ridiculous to buy a jar when a fresh one is so easy to find.

Should I buy organic?
No. Tough skin protects fruit from pesticide contamination.

Adult Recipe
What do you do with too many ripe bananas? Especially since your baby is probably only eating one teaspoon a day of the stuff - make banana bread - yum!

Simplest Banana Bread
2 cups flour
1 teaspoon salt
1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
3/4 cup sugar
3 very ripe bananas mashed until smooth
2 eggs
1 stick butter (8 tablespoons)
1 teaspoon vanilla
Preheat over to 350 F. Grease a loaf pan. Mix together the dry ingredients and soften the butter in the microwave. Mix bananas, eggs, butter, and vanilla into the dry ingredients just until cohesive (do not over mix). Bake for 45-60 minutes until browned. Use the toothpick or fork method - insert toothpick in center of bread and it should come out mostly clean when done.

First Feeding Q & A

When is your baby ready for solids?

The American Academy of Pediatrics (http://www.aap.org/) recommends that babies be breastfed exclusively for at least six months, therefore introduction of solids would be at 6 months. Of course, when faced with the reality of working outside the home, many mothers have moved their babies to formula before six months old. Until 6 months old, breast milk or formula provides all the calories and nourishment your baby needs and can handle. His digestive system probably isn't mature enough for solids until he nears his half-birthday. Introduced early, different foods can cause unpleasant reactions and even trigger allergies. These problems can be avoided by waiting until your baby is ready for solids. Some parents have found introducing solids before their baby is ready to be a waste of time, energy and money.

Will my baby give me signs that he is ready for solids?

You will know that he is ready to start solids when:

• he is about six months old
• he can sit up with help
• his birth weight has doubled
• he has lost the tongue-thrusting reflex and does not push solids out of his mouth

Listen to your baby! Babies with a tendency to allergies may refuse solids until later in their first year. As long as they are growing well and are happy and healthy, there is no need for concern.

How should I start feeding my baby?

The best way is to just mix a little rice cereal with water, breast milk, or formula and feed it to her on your finger. The mixture should be very soupy, room temperature, and should only be about 1 teaspoon. You will instantly see if the tongue-thrusting reflex is still present, and evaluate if your baby is interested in more.

How much should I expect my baby to eat?

Breast milk or formula continues to be the most important source of nutrition for your baby during the first year of life. Think of the solids you are feeding your baby as EXTRA calories that she may or may not want. To begin with just see if your baby is able to swallow the food you make for her. At one year old, your baby will only eat (on average) 3 tablespoons of solid food for three meals a day and 2 snacks. This is not a large amount of food. Keep your portion sizes small, and watch your baby for signs that she isn't interested in any more food. Never force your baby to eat more just to finish off the jar or cup. Allow your baby the chance to tell you when she is full.

What time of day is best for beginning solid feeding?

If your baby is drinking formula, the best time to feed him is 1 or 2 hours after a bottle. If you baby is breastfeeding, you want to start solids after breastfeeding. You want to avoid times when your baby is cranky or hungry. Find a time, when both you and your baby are relaxed and willing to play the "new solids" game. Remember solids are supplemental calories and nutrients and should not take the place of breast milk or formula.

How do I avoid food allergies?

Please read our Concerns section of the website. The best way to avoid allergies is to introduce age appropriate foods. In addition, wait 2-3 days before introducing a new food to ensure that you know which food is causing a reaction if there is one.

My baby is a picky eater, what should I do?

It may take 10 to 15 times before a baby will be interested in a food that you want to serve. Keep trying and respect your baby's need to control what goes in her mouth. Do not force your baby to eat anything she is not interested in. Just try to feed it to her at another time.

My baby won't eat! What do I do?

Try again in a few days. The first foods are usually banana and rice cereal so try both of them. Your responsibility is to provide the food. Let your baby decide if she wants to eat it.

Does my baby need to drink anything with her meal?

No, your baby should be getting all of her liquids from formula or breast milk. But, it is nice to start them getting used to drinking from a cup. We suggest using a straw cup instead of a sippy cup to practice drinking. Sippy cups may interfere with speech development. Or course, you can skip the straw and just use a regular cup, though that might be pretty messy.

When should I switch to chunkier foods?

As your baby grows and develops teeth, you should move to chunkier consistencies. There should be a gradual change in texture from pureed, to minced, to diced, and to family table foods. The lumps should be soft and small enough that your baby will not choke if swallowed whole. Chewing is a learned skill and you should not wait to long to introduce foods with textures. Your baby may refuse chunkier foods if you wait too long to introduce them.

Is there an optimum schedule for feeding my baby?

Yes, you want her to eat when you are eating. The less amount of time spent cooking and cleaning the better! By the time she is one year old, she should be eating breakfast, lunch, dinner, and 2 snacks per day. As she gets bigger, time her eating with yours and feed her what you are eating. This means that you will have to eat fruits and vegetables too!

The information on this site is not a substitute for your pediatrician's advice
As with any health concern, please consult your pediatrician regarding your specific child. BabyFood101 recognizes that there are many differing opinions on the subject matter we cover. This information is not intended to be a substitute for informed medical advice or for your own opinions. Please consult a doctor with any questions or concerns you might have regarding your or your child's condition

Baby's Foods to Avoid

Potential Allergies
80% of food allergies are caused by the following foods:

• Cow's Milk
• Egg
• Soy
• Wheat
• Fish
• Shellfish
• Peanuts
• Tree nuts (e.g. walnut)
  If your baby is at high risk for food allergies, for example one of his parents has a food allergy, delay the introduction of these foods until baby is one year old. For the rest of us, we recommend that you wait until at least 8 months old before you introduce any of these foods. Your baby's digestive system needs to be mature enough to handle these foods to decrease the risk of a food allergy. If you are concerned about food allergies, introduce new a new food and then wait 2-3 days before introducing another one. Finally, if your baby drinks formula then he has already had the potential cow's milk allergen and there is no need to worry about milk allergies.

BabyFood101's e-mails are designed to ensure that you don't give an inappropriate food too early to your baby. In addition, we suggest you introduce just one food at a time so that you are aware of which food may be causing problems for your child. We have organized our suggested food for the week in age order to help you introduce the right foods at the recommended age for that food.

 

How to diagnose a food allergy
The most common food allergy symptoms are:

• hives
• rash
• sores around the mouth
• eczema
• trouble breathing
• vomitiing
• diarrhea
• severe diaper rash
• gastrointestinal distress (bloating, gas)
  It may take up to 2 hours for symptoms to present themselves, and the symptoms may be so mild that it is hard to tell if it is related to the food you gave your baby. If you think your baby is having a serious allergic reaction call your doctor. We suggest you keep a version of children's Benadryl in your medicine cabinet. Call your doctor to ensure the correct dose for your baby.

Acidity
Some foods may cause a rash around your baby's mouth just because of a high acid content. While not harmful to your baby, it may make him a little uncomfortable. These foods include:

• 
  citrus (oranges, tangerines, lemons)
• strawberries
• tomatoes (including sauces)

If your baby gets a rash from these foods, just wait a few days and the rash will disappear. It would be best to wait until baby is one year old before eating these foods.

 

Chokables
There is a lot of fear around choking for many parents. Our first suggestion is to take an infant CPR class before your baby starts to crawl to become confident of handling a potentially life threatening incident. Secondly, ALWAYS be in the room while your baby is eating so you can monitor his/her swallowing. Finally avoid these foods:

• popcorn
• cherries with pits
• whole olives
• potato chips
• nuts
• small hard candy
• whole grapes
• fruits that are under ripe, dried, or unpeeled
• raw or undercooked pieces of vegetables
• large pieces of hot dogs or other meat
• nut butter that is eaten with a spoon or spread thickly
  In essence, you want to avoid anything that is small and hard enough to get lodged in baby's throat.

Specific Foods to Avoid
Egg Whites
Do not feed your baby the egg white until he/she is at least 12 months old because of a high percentage of allergies to a protein found in egg white. You can serve your baby egg yolk beginning at 7 months old.

Fish
Do not give potential high mercury or high PCB concentration fish to your baby. These fish include:

• Alewife
• Striped bass (wild)
• Bluefish
• Croaker, white
• Eel (American or European)
• Shad
• Sturgeon (wild imported)
• Tuna (bluefin)
• Weakfish
• Mackerel, king
• Marlin
• Shark
• Swordfish
  So what fish is safe to give your baby? Below is a list of safe fish that you can consume more than 4 times per month after 8 months old:
• Anchovies
• Haddock (trawl)
• Herring, Atlantic
• Mackerel, Atlantic
• Salmon, wild (Alaska)
• Sardines
• Tilapia (Latin America and U. S.)
• Trout, rainbow (farmed)
  There is a great summary page cited below for which fish are safe for both baby and adult to eat from the environmental defense fund. Check for your favorites there.

Honey
Wait until your baby is one year old. Honey can have botulism spores that can produce life-threatening toxins in your baby's intestinal tract. Since we discourage sweeteners for your baby food, this should be an easy one to avoid.

High Nitrate Vegetables
The concerns about nitrates are very specific. If you are not making your own baby food then you don't have to read further because baby food jars are tested for nitrate levels. For the industrious among you, it is important to avoid making high nitrite vegetables for your young baby (less than 6 months old). Too much nitrates can cause a fatal blood disorder in very young babies. In the e-mails that you receive from BabyFood101, the only food of concern is carrots which we suggest you introduce after 6 months old anyway. High nitrite vegetables include: spinach, beets, carrots, turnips, turnip greens, and collard greens.

BPA
What is BPA?
Bisphenol A (BPA) is used to make polycarbonate plastics and epoxy resins. Epoxy resins are sometimes used as interior liners in food packaging. Polycarbonate plastics are frequently used because they are clear and almost shatterproof. These plastics are used in sports bottles, baby bottles, and many other common household items. BPA has been shown to be an endocrine disruptor. This means that BPA, after it has leached into food or drink, has been found in animal studies to mimic hormones in the endocrine system. There is a seven class system for plastics in the United States. Polycarbonate plastics fall into the "Other" category and have a recycling label 7 on the bottom. However, because #7 labeling is the "other" category, not all plastics marked #7 contain BPA. The only true way to know if a #7 vitem contains BPA is to get the information from the manufacturer.

What does this mean for parents?
The good news is that many baby product manufacturers do not use BPA in their feeding products because of BPA concerns. In addition both Glad and Ziploc do not use it in their plastic storage containers. If it doesn't have a #7 on the bottom of the container there is no cause for alarm, and now many baby product manufacturers are adding a "BPA Free" label to their products. We have included below a summary of the latest opinions on BPA from the U.S. Government. Basically, there is a consensus that more data is needed to make a recommendation regarding BPA, and hopefully, they are doing this research.

The Food and Drug Administration Opinion:
"Based on our ongoing review, we believe there is a large body of evidence that indicates that FDA-regulated products containing BPA currently on the market are safe and that exposure levels to BPA from food contact materials, including for infants and children, are below those that may cause health effects. However, we will continue to consider new research and information as they become available.

At this time, FDA is not recommending that anyone discontinue using products that contain BPA while we continue our risk assessment process. However, concerned consumers should know that several alternatives to polycarbonate baby bottles exist, including glass baby bottles."
National Toxicology Program at the National Institutes of Health Opinion:
"Although there is no direct evidence that exposure of people to bisphenol A adversely affects reproduction or development, studies with laboratory rodents show that exposure to high dose levels of bisphenol A during pregnancy and/or lactation can reduce survival, birth weight, and growth of offspring early in life, and delay the onset of puberty in males and females. Recognizing the lack of data on the effects of bisphenol A in humans and despite the limitations in the evidence for "low" dose effects in laboratory animals, the possibility that bisphenol A may impact human development cannot be dismissed. More research is needed."
The information on this site is not a substitute for your pediatrician's advice As with any health concern, please consult your pediatrician regarding your specific child. BabyFood101 recognizes that there are many differing opinions on the subject matter we cover. This information is not intended to be a substitute for informed medical advice or for your own opinions. Please consult a doctor with any questions or concerns you might have regarding your or your child's condition