What’s the fuss about homemade baby food?
When it comes to our kids, it can be very challenging to know exactly what is best for them. This covers everything from: “Should they be watching TV at this age?” to “When should I start reading to them?”. The pressure is endless and it doesn’t get easier with food and nutrition choices and navigating the confusing world of vitamins, minerals and finding the healthiest foods for their growth and development.
Let’s demystify the topic of homemade baby food.
Is my baby ready?
Your baby will only be ready for “solids” from around six months. Check with your paediatrician to be sure and watch for tell-tale signals. Can your baby hold his head steady? Does he sit up with support? The ability to sit with minimal support is an important developmental milestone for safely eating solids.
Babies are born with a natural reflex called the "tongue thrust reflex," which causes them to push foreign objects out of the mouth. When this reflex diminishes, usually around six months, it's a sign that your baby may be ready for solids.
Taking an interest in food is another solid (pun intended) indicator that he’s ready. If your baby shows an interest in what you're eating, watches you eat, reaches for your food or opens their mouth when they see food coming toward them, these are indications of curiosity about solids.
What does “homemade” mean?
Homemade baby food means preparing baby food from scratch in your kitchen using fresh ingredients. This involves cooking, pureeing and/or mashing up the fruit, vegetables, grains and proteins to create a variety of nutritious meals for your baby.
Benefits of making homemade baby food
- You get to choose the best, freshest and most high-quality ingredients to ensure that your baby receives the best nutrition. It’s also a smart way to make allowances for specific allergies.
- Homemade baby food eliminates the need for preservatives, additives or excessive salt and sugar found in some commercial baby foods. These preservatives actually help extend the shelf life of that product and maintain some freshness, but they’re not the healthiest of substances.
- In the long run, prepping your baby’s food at home can save a lot in your budget.
- As your child gets older, making homemade baby food can be a bonding experience for parents and caregivers. It also offers a chance for parents to learn more about their baby's preferences and nutritional needs.
- Homemade baby food allows you to introduce whole, unprocessed foods to your baby, triggering the idea of healthy eating habits from an early age.
Good ingredients
Your baby’s preferences and tastes may change as they get older, but in general, these are healthy ingredients for tasty food combinations:
- Fruits: apples, pears, bananas, peaches and avocados are good choices.
- Vegetables: carrots, sweet potatoes, peas, spinach and butternut squash are nutritious options.
- Proteins: cooked and finely pureed meats such as chicken, turkey or beef, as well as legumes like lentils or beans.
- Grains: introduce cooked rice, quinoa, oats or wholegrain pasta as your baby grows.
Good to know
If your baby seems fussy when you introduce homemade baby food, first, consider adjusting the texture of the food to match their preferences. Some babies prefer smoother purees, while others may like a slightly chunkier texture as they transition to solids.
Introducing a variety of flavours and foods can also help to expand your baby's palate, so don't hesitate to offer different fruits, vegetables and proteins to make mealtimes more appealing. Ensure that the food is served at a safe and comfortable temperature as most babies prefer food that's neither too hot nor too cold.
Finally, be patient and understanding. It's perfectly normal for babies to be picky at times. Continue offering a range of healthy foods to encourage positive eating experiences.
Disclaimer
This article is for informational purposes only. Always check with your doctor or medical practitioner about any health concerns, before embarking on any fitness or nutrition programme, or using any medication.