INTRODUCING SOLIDS

This is my journey of introducing solids to my little one, please remember, always consult with your pediatrician regarding introducing solid foods to your baby and specifically discuss any foods that may pose allergy risks for your baby.


First Solids – (4-6 months)


Avocado – simply mashed with a fork (I add a little milk to make it easier to swallow or yoghurt at 6 months)
Banana – simply mashed.  Can be added to avocado or yoghurt as well.
Pear – Puree
Pumpkin – Puree
Sweet Potato – Puree
Rice Cereal – follow directions on packet 


PUREE


These directions can be used for all fruit and vegetable purees.  Adjust the time to suit.

1. Wash, Peel, Deseed (for fruits), cut into even sized chunks
2.Place in a saucepan with enough water to cover the food

3. Boil with the lid on until the food is soft when poked with a fork
4. Place in the container that comes with your stick blender (a food processor will work fine as well) and puree until smooth.  Once the baby is swallowing without gaging you can puree and leave chunks in the mix to encourage the chewing motion to develop.

4. Place into freezer tray (you can also use a simple ice cube tray)

5. Freeze until solid

One I prepared earlier (Pumpkin)

6. Run a little water on the back of the tray to dislodge the food.
7. Turn out onto a clean bench and place the individual cubes into a labelled freezer bag.

8. Place in the freezer straight away to avoid the cubes melting and sticking to each other making it hard to break apart.


In my freezer I have packets of pumpkin, potato, sweet potato, carrot, broccoli, cauliflower & corn.


Start out by offering one vegetable at a time for a few days to see if there is a reaction.  You can then mix your vegetables.  Try different combinations to add variety.
In place 3 different cubes of vegetables in a microwave safe bowl and microwave until warm.  I add a little milk and rice cereal to make a thicker consistency before serving to my little one. 


Having these made up in the freezer makes dinner time nice and simple and you will always have a meal on hand.


You’ll save money by making purees yourself.  For example stick to vegetables that are in season.  I bought a whole cauliflower for $2.  This will make 24 cubes in my trays as apposed to only being able to buy 1 packet of bought baby food.


The Wholesome Baby Food website is a wealth of information.


Click here for their Freezing Chart

6+ plus with meat to follow soon.